Southwest Cook County
Intro to Mountain Biking
Wolf Road Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Learn and practice riding techniques, including body and pedal position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending, and navigating minor obstacles on the […]
I am a Scientist
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Women’s Wellness
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Join The Do-Good Movement for a yoga class followed by a women’s wellness discussion based around the 31 Days to […]
Canceled Photography Walk
Maple Lake-East – Mountain Bike Staging Area • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Grab your camera and explore Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve with us.
Insects Behind the Icons: Parasitoids and Xenomorphs
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Parasitoids inspired one of horror’s greatest icons, the xenomorph from the “Alien” franchise. Learn how the ecology of these insects […]
Fossil Fun
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Become an amateur paleontologist and learn how to discover fossils in your own backyard while learning about the past. Ages […]
The Unseen Prairie
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for a walk to take a closer look at Sagawau’s tallgrass prairie. Sweep Netting: Saturday, Jun 22 Pollinators: […]
Bats Under a Dark Sky
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Wonder what species of bats live in our area? Using bat monitors, we will seek out these flying mammals while […]
Young Naturalists Field Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Children ages 8-9 will immerse themselves in nature through hiking, field experiments and hands-on wildlife discovery. Snacks provided. Registration opens […]
Camping & Cooking 101
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452This 2-hour workshop covers camping and outdoor cooking basics. Camping and cooking gear provided. All ages.
Jewels of the Night: Fireflies
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Presentation and walk to learn how to identify fireflies.
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Join us for a nature-inspired adventure for seniors. Ages 55 & up.
Nature Open Mic Night
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Perform songs, poetry or enjoy the live performances while overlooking the slough at sunset. All ages.
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Closed toed shoes and long […]
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
- Games & 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.