Events in South Cook County
South Cook County
- Events
- South Cook County
POP UP: End of Season Canoeing
Powderhorn Lake • Burnham, IL 60633Squeeze in one more time out on the water before the change in seasons at Powderhorn Lake. All ages.
Accessible Bird Sit
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center • Chicago, IL 60620Join a naturalist and discover how many bird species can be seen from a sit spot.
Nature Wellness Walk
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Are you wanting an event to reconnect with nature and explore the beautiful colors of fall? Come to a wonderful […]
Family Fun Day!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Bring the whole family to spend time outside and have fun with activities, a nature scavenger hunt and more.
Sounds Natural: Forest Edition!
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Listen to the hypnotic digital sounds of nature by DJ Q and Bennie while roasting s’mores and hotdogs over a […]
Restoration and S’mores!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Get your conservation blood pumping as we do some invasive brush removal along the nature center trails. We will have […]
Hip-Hop Olympics
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Medals awarded to winners of professionally juried competitive MC’ing, DJ’ing, Dance, Visual Art, Knowledge and Quintathlon categories. Registration starts at […]
Oak Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about our oaks and their importance while taking a leisurely stroll.
Who, Who, Who’s Afraid of the Woods?
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us for a short walk along some of our trails in search of “not-so-spooky” Sand Ridge residents; owls, bats […]
Trunk or Treat
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Sponsored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with plenty of candy.
Día de los Muertos Night Hike
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Celebrate the history of Día de los Muertos on a guided hike.
National Native American Heritage Month History Walk
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Take a stroll and learn the origin of the name Sauk Woods. Walk is 3.4 miles on a paved loop.
Día de los Muertos
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Join us for a free family-friendly event to celebrate el Día de los Muertos at Eggers Grove. There will be […]
Autumnal Artmaking
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Get inspired by the colors of the season as we paint tree cookies and make art with fallen leaves. All […]
Stars, Stories and Smores
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more. Experience the captivating artistry of international, award-winning bilingual storyteller […]
Outdoor Nature Skate
Dan Ryan Woods-North • Chicago, IL 60620Come out and bring your best skating skills and routines, or just roll along to the music. We welcome you […]
Meet Our Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
National Take a Hike Day
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Celebrate National Take a Hike Day with an evening stroll. Walk is 3.4 miles on a paved loop.
Walk & Talk
Plum Creek Meadow • Cook County, IL 60411 (near Chicago Heights)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Sand Ridge Heritage Day
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate the rich heritage of the Calumet region. On this day, we will collaborate with various partner organizations that host […]
Walk Off That Turkey
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Rustle through the fallen leaves on a guided 1-mile fitness walk.
Winter Wellness Walk
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Experience the health benefits that nature provides on a crisp winter walk. Ages 13 & up. 3.4 miles.
Holiday Past
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate winter holiday traditions. Play with handmade toys, make a craft, and see what’s […]
Candle Lantern Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Walk the trails with a candle lantern as you discover signs of nighttime forest activity.
Fitness Hike
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Winter Bonfire
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we celebrate the beginning of winter with a large bonfire, artmaking, nature walks and more.
Winter Solstice Potluck
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a potluck and s’mores by the campfire.
Winter Feeder Big Sit
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us for an up-close look at the brave birds staying local during winter at our feeders. Hot chocolate provided.
Art in Nature
Dan Ryan Woods-South • Chicago, IL 60620In this instructor-led course, create a painting inspired by nature. All materials provided. Ages 15 and up.
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.