Events in South Cook County
South Cook County
- Events
- South Cook County
Walk and Talk
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Family Fun Day!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Bring the whole family to spend time outside and have fun with cooperative games, nature scavenger hunts, and more.
The Sounds Natural Series
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Enjoy art activities, food, music, and workshops. If interested in camping overnight, call (708) 868-0606.
The Sounds Natural Series
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Enjoy art activities, food, music, and workshops. If interested in camping overnight, call (708) 868-0606.
Meet Our Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn more about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
Conservation@Home Seed Swap & Plant Exchange
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Plant lovers unite! Native plant presentation followed by seed and plant sharing. All welcome. Bring a mug, warm beverages provided.
Teen Exploration Days at Sand Ridge
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us after hours each month for fun activities. Spanish speakers welcome! Ages 13-18.
Creative Reuse Collage
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Create a collage inspired by nature using repurposed materials. Light refreshments provided. All ages.
The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Discover hidden pumpkins on a fun scavenger hunt. Take home your own pumpkin after finding them all. While supplies last. […]
Dan Ryan Music Jam
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Make music with the community and listen to local talent.
Trunk or Treat
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Sponsored by the Forest Preserves and East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with plenty of […]
Fall Fungi Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn mushroom ID basics and sketch specimens on a guided walk. Ages 18 & up or 13-17 w/adult.
Dia de Los Muertos Artmaking and Night Hike
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Celebrate the history of Dia de los Muertos with artmaking and a night hike.
Forest Therapy
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Immerse yourself in nature, fostering mindfulness and wellness with a certified guide. Ages 16 & up. Register: thatforestfeeling.com/register
Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Venture out on our scenic trails for a 3- to 4-mile guided walk.
Owl-o-ween Prowl
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us for a not-so-spooky night! Learn about and search for these amazing predators of the night. Candy provided; costumes […]
Open Nature Play Day
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center • Chicago, IL 60620Bring your little one for open nature play time and help your children connect with nature. Enjoy stories, art, and […]
Teen Exploration Days at Sand Ridge
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us after hours each month for fun activities. Spanish speakers welcome! Ages 13-18.
Meet Our Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn more about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
Wee Wonders
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through music, movement, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Sep 11: Gardening Oct 9: Changing Colors Nov […]
National Native American Heritage Month History Walk
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Take a stroll on a 3.4-mile paved loop and learn the origin of the name Sauk Woods.
Walk and Talk
Plum Creek Meadow • Cook County, IL 60411 (near Chicago Heights)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Sand Ridge: Calumet Heritage Day
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we explore the heritage of the Calumet region with guided walks, regional activities and displays.
Walk off that Turkey
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Rustle through the fallen leaves on a guided 1-mile fitness walk.
We’re ‘Owl’ Ears!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us for an early morning walk as we keep our eyes and ears open for signs of owls!
Event Locations
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.
Event Categories
- All Events
- Adaptive
- Animal Encounter
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Astronomy
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Education
- Film
- Fishing
- Fitness
- Food & Beverage
- Nature Play
- Gardening
- Hiking & Walking
- History & Culture
- Music
- Paddling
- Photography
- Senior
- Storytelling
- Volunteer
- Wellness in the Woods
- Yoga
Events Guide
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)Nature Express Bus
Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
Learn MoreMonthly Newsletter
Sign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
Sign UpEvent Accessibility
The 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.