Forest Therapy Walk
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120A Certified Forest Therapy guide will help you awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature. Ages 18 & […]
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.
Participate in restoration, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and warm up with hot beverages. Ages 10 & […]
Woodpeckers are well adapted for their environment. Join us for a short presentation and a stroll to observe these wonderful […]
Put on some gloves and join us in removing invasive species. Tools, eye protection provided. Children 8 & up w/adult. […]
Join us for an indoor presentation as we investigate amazing and unique salamanders and their importance in local ecosystems. Ages 12 & up.
Bring your favorite coffee with you and enjoy watching the bird feeders from inside our newly renovated exhibit room.
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Discover Crabtree at night by the light of the Wolf Moon. Ages 8 & up.
Celebrate the Danish tradition of coziness with hot chocolate and nature books.
Enjoy a morning in the Preserves and learn the basics of photography using a smartphone.
Prepare a house for the upcoming nesting season. Limited space. One birdhouse per family. $5 suggested donation. Ages 10 & […]
Pick up an informational guide and enjoy a self-led half mile hike to discover how native reptiles are surviving winter.
Enjoy a self-guided walk on a candlelit trail and warm up by the fire with your special someone. For Ages […]
See what makes Crabtree special on a 3-mile hike before the big game.
Learn birding basics in the warmth of our newly remodeled nature center.
Can you guess what animals have been visiting from the clues they’ve left behind? Learn about tracks, scat and more […]
Join us for our themed sessions as we explore pottery. Ages 13 & up.
Learn about the importance of Black environmentalists and how the Forest Preserves’ trails relate to the Underground Railroad Movement.
Using a microscope, let’s go on a safari through the waters of Crabtree to see all the tiny creatures busily […]
Celebrate Women’s History Month on a spring stroll discussing inspiring women who impacted our natural world.
Help us improve biodiversity and remove invasive plants. Outdoor work clothing required.
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Cooking outdoors is easy and fun! Learn how to prepare food both over a fire and on a stove. Ages […]
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.