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.
Bring the whole family to spend time outside and have fun with activities, a nature scavenger hunt and more.
Listen to the hypnotic digital sounds of nature by DJ Q and Bennie while roasting s’mores and hotdogs over a […]
Get your conservation blood pumping as we do some invasive brush removal along the nature center trails. We will have […]
Medals awarded to winners of professionally juried competitive MC’ing, DJ’ing, Dance, Visual Art, Knowledge and Quintathlon categories. Registration starts at […]
Learn about our oaks and their importance while taking a leisurely stroll.
Join us for a short walk along some of our trails in search of “not-so-spooky” Sand Ridge residents; owls, bats […]
Sponsored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with plenty of candy.
Celebrate the history of Día de los Muertos on a guided hike.
Take a stroll and learn the origin of the name Sauk Woods. Walk is 3.4 miles on a paved loop.
Join us for a free family-friendly event to celebrate el Día de los Muertos at Eggers Grove. There will be […]
Get inspired by the colors of the season as we paint tree cookies and make art with fallen leaves. All […]
Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more. Experience the captivating artistry of international, award-winning bilingual storyteller […]
Come out and bring your best skating skills and routines, or just roll along to the music. We welcome you […]
Learn about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
Celebrate National Take a Hike Day with an evening stroll. Walk is 3.4 miles on a paved loop.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Celebrate the rich heritage of the Calumet region. On this day, we will collaborate with various partner organizations that host […]
Rustle through the fallen leaves on a guided 1-mile fitness walk.
Experience the health benefits that nature provides on a crisp winter walk. Ages 13 & up. 3.4 miles.
Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate winter holiday traditions. Play with handmade toys, make a craft, and see what’s […]
Walk the trails with a candle lantern as you discover signs of nighttime forest activity.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Join us as we celebrate the beginning of winter with a large bonfire, artmaking, nature walks and more.
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a potluck and s’mores by the campfire.
Join us for an up-close look at the brave birds staying local during winter at our feeders. Hot chocolate provided.
In this instructor-led course, create a painting inspired by nature. All materials provided. Ages 15 and up.
Seven days of music and nature-based activities following the seven principles: Day 1: Dec 26 - Umoja (Unity) Day 2: […]
Get creative and learn some new skills. Projects will include woodburning, painting and fiber arts. Ages 9-13 & families.
Take steps towards your health goals during this light, 1-mile nature walk.
Bring the whole family and enjoy winter in the Preserves with snowshoeing, nature hikes, art, campfires and more!
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.