South Cook County Events

South Cook County

Events

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  • a Forest Preserves staff member leading a group on an Underground Railroad history hike at Sand Ridge Nature Center

    Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour

    Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827

    Follow the tale of Freedom Seekers. Presented with the Midwest Underground Railroad Network. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

    Free • Registration Closed
  • Two people pictured during an outdoor archery event.

    Beaubien Woods Celebration

    Featured
    Beaubien Woods • Chicago, IL 60827

    Immerse yourself in the beauty of Beaubien Woods as we celebrate the wonders of nature. This exciting day features a wide range of activities to […]

    Free
  • A couple of frogs perching on a log at night.

    Night of the Frogs/ Noche de las Ranas

    Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473

    Join our bilingual night walk to hear seasonal frog calls and other nocturnal creatures. Ages 16 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A Forest Preserves staff member sharing migratory bird information with visitors.

    Wee Wonders: Woodpeckers

    Wee Wonders
    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A group of people on the water in a canoe.

    Freedom Trail: Paddle Tour

    Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827

    Join us on 10-person voyager canoes for a fascinating tale of the hundreds -perhaps thousands- of escaped slaves / "Freedom Seekers" that came through this […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • the boardwalk on the Lost Beach Trail at Sand Ridge Nature Center

    Juneteenth Reflection Hike

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Self-guided Juneteenth reflection hike exploring freedom, resilience and belonging through thoughtful prompts.

    Free
  • three people in a canoe at Beaubien Woods

    Juneteenth Paddle

    Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827

    Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

    Free • Registration Closed
  • three people in a canoe at Beaubien Woods

    Juneteenth Paddle

    Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827

    Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

    Free • Registration Closed
  • A group of biking riding on a paved trail in the woods.

    Juneteenth Freedom Ride

    Featured
    Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620

    Join this 16-mile cycling celebration with Major Taylor Trail Keepers and local bike clubs. BYO-bike and helmet.

    Free
  • A group of people celebrating in an outdoor pavilion.

    Juneteenth Jubilee

    Featured
    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Celebrate freedom, family and country with activities, refreshments and performances highlighting Black history. Juneteenth Jubilee transforms the Sand Ridge Nature Center Campus into a vibrant […]

    Free
  • A night landscape with a full moon shining amongst an indigo sky.

    Night of Nature Play

    Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620

    Experience nature at night through open play, star gazing and s’mores.

    Free
  • Two people standing on the edge of a body of water with binoculars.

    Bird Walk

    Bird Walk
    Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617

    Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels […]

    Free
  • A group of people on the water in a canoe.

    Freedom Trail: Paddle Tour

    Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827

    Join us on 10-person voyager canoes for a fascinating tale of the hundreds -perhaps thousands- of escaped slaves / "Freedom Seekers" that came through this […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • Wellness in the Woods logo

    Wellness in the Woods: Yoga

    Dan Ryan Woods-Central • Chicago, IL 60620

    Enjoy a 1-hour yoga class. Dress in active wear and bring a yoga mat. Grove 10.

    Free
  • a person cutting buckthorn with loppers at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

    Teen Restoration Sunday

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Help us improve our wildlife habitat by cutting and removing invasive species. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A group of people on the water in a canoe.

    Community Paddle

    Wampum Lake • Cook County, IL 60476 (near Thornton)

    Open community paddle on 10-person canoes. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

    Free • Registration Required

  • children playing indoors at Trailside Museum

    Canceled Open Nature Play Day

    Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620

    Children can connect to nature and enjoy open nature play.

    Free
  • A couple of frogs perching on a log at night.

    Canceled Calling of the Frogs

    Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827

    Join a frog monitor to learn how to identify local frogs by sound.

    Free
  • downy woodpecker on a tree branch

    Red, White & Black

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    As part of America 250, join us for a walk and presentation to search for local woodpeckers and learn about their amazing traits.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A group of people walking down a forested pathway in the distance.

    Freedom in Nature Self-Guided Reflection Hike

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    As part of America 250, explore freedom and resilience in nature while celebrating Independence Day through guided reflection prompts along the trail.

    Free
  • open prairie at Sand Ridge Nature Preserve

    Wild Edibles Walk

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Learn about wild plants with culinary and medicinal uses on a casual walk.

    Free • Registration Closed
  • A close-up shot of a bee perched on top of a flower.

    Wee Wonders: Pollinators

    Wee Wonders
    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A group of people near a body of water with a fishing pole.

    Kids’ Fest

    Featured
    Wampum Lake • Cook County, IL 60476 (near Thornton)

    Get ready to embrace the beauty of summer, the great outdoors and the wonders of nature at Kids' Fest 2026! This exciting festival is the […]

    Free • Registration Required