Fitness Hike
Deer Grove-West • Cook County, IL 60010 (near Barrington)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Can you find all the tiny houses along the Bur Edge Trail?
Presented by Trickster Cultural Center, participate in activities and discover the significance of harvest season in Native American culture.
Spend some time outdoors to celebrate your preserve system. We will have a variety of programming.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Take a short walk and learn how these big fuzzy caterpillars are preparing for winter. Ages 3 & up.
These insects can be plentiful, and at times “pesky.” Join this presentation to learn about them.
Oak trees tower high along the Giant’s Hollow Trail. Learn about what makes them special.
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Join us for a presentation comparing mammals found in Cook County with some of the mammals found in South Korea.
Find all the hidden pumpkins on our Giants Hollow Trail during this fun scavenger hunt. Costumes encouraged but not required.
Carve a pumpkin while surrounded by the natural beauty within the Forest Preserves. Supplies provided.
Enjoy a night walk on our trails lit with carved pumpkins. Register for a time slot.
Let’s take a stroll through the woods and watch squirrels and chipmunks busily stocking their larders for survival through winter.
Humans have many uses for plants, and on Veterans Day, we will observe how they were used in the military.
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Participants under 16 must be accompanied […]
Put on some gloves and join us to remove invasive species. Tools and eye protection provided. Ages 8 & up. […]
Earn your service hours while helping the environment. Ages 13–17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more about whitetail deer and what unique survival adaptations they have on a guided walk. 8 years & […]
Join us for a fast paced 3-mile hike through all three of Crabtree’s habitats. Ages 18 & up.
An introduction to some practices that benefit overwintering pollinators in your garden.
Join us for a short presentation to learn about our local owls and observe them on the trail. Ages 12 […]
A Certified Forest Therapy guide will help you awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature. Ages 18 & […]
Join us for an indoor presentation to learn about unique adaptations of owls that make them silent, skilled nocturnal hunters.
Celebrate the longest night of the year with an evening lantern walk. All ages.
Drop by for outdoor and indoor family fun. Visit the self-directed activity stations and discover seasonal nature through play and […]
Explore activities while learning the significance of the winter season in Native American culture. Presented by Trickster Cultural Center.
Learn about the winter season, how snowflakes form and how snow can keep you warm through hands-on indoor and outdoor […]
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
View the constellations and hear their mythical tales while enjoying a treat around the campfire.
Nearly all Forest Preserves events are free; some require registration and/or a low fee. Residents may qualify for free admission opportunities at our partners: Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Printed copies of our quarterly Events Guide are available at our Nature Centers and General Headquarters. They may also be available at your local city hall or library. Know a location that should have our Events Guide? Contact us.
Events Guide (PDF)Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
Learn MoreSign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
Sign UpThe Forest Preserves is committed to providing equal, integrated participation for individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Nature Center hosting your event or program 72 hours in advance to request reasonable accommodations or inquire about site accessibility.
Please contact Experience.Nature@cookcountyil.gov or 708-771-1573 about accommodations for specific camping and outdoor recreation activities.