Events in Southwest Cook County
Southwest Cook County
- Events
- Southwest Cook County
Cub Scout Adventure Series
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480A nature-related scout adventure will be offered and achieved. Jun 23: Wolf Level Jul 28: Bear Level Aug 25: Webelos […]
Walk & Talk Hike
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Canceled 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 […]
Restoration Stewardship Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Raptors
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn about birds of prey and how staff care for our ambassador raptors.
Restoration Stewardship Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
“The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction” Film Screening
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join naturalist and author Joel Greenberg to view and discuss this film as we struggle to maintain the biodiversity and […]
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 & make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Astronomy & Technology
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn about various apps used to raise awareness of the impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife.
Songs of Summer
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the summer chorus of insects while learning about songs of crickets, katydids and cicadas.
Hummingbird Sit
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Spend some time in our hummingbird garden for a Q&A with staff.
Sunrise Hike
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a “before hours” hike to experience the dawning of a new day.
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.
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Equipment provided. Ages 17 & up.
A River Thru History Rendezvous
Columbia Woods • Willow Springs, IL 60480A River Thru History is an early American party with all the trimmings! Join this festive gathering of fur trappers, […]
Monarch Migration
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Monarch butterflies are headed to Mexico. Learn how monarchs make this journey and how to support their migration.
The Tale of 2 Prairies
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Walk through a dolomite prairie and visit the Blenz restored prairie. Ages 14 & up.
Pedal the Preserves: I&M Bicycle Trail
John Husar I&M Canal Bicycle Trail Parking Lot • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join for a family friendly ride and learn about safety, techniques, and tips. Helmets and loaner bikes available. Presented with […]
A River Thru History Rendezvous
Columbia Woods • Willow Springs, IL 60480A River Thru History is an early American party with all the trimmings! Join this festive gathering of fur trappers, […]
Forest Therapy
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Immerse yourself in nature, fostering mindfulness and wellness with a certified guide. Ages 21 & up.
Teen Exploration Day: Kayaking
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us to learn paddling techniques and enjoy an afternoon on Bullfrog Lake. Adult supervision required. Ages 13 & up.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480A partial total lunar eclipse will be a sight to see!
Archery
Cherry Hill Woods • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Learn the basics of archery. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Teen Exploration Day: Crafternoon
Bremen Grove • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Use nature to inspire art and try your hand at a variety of arts and crafts. Ages 13-19.
Little Red Rocks
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Perform or listen to music and poetry during an open-mic night at sunset.
Walk and Talk
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East • Oak Forest, IL 60452Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Camping For All
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy cycling, climbing, kayaking and camping while you explore beautiful Camp Bullfrog Lake in this program specially designed for individuals […]
Drop In Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Banding at Sagawau is in its 27th year. See birds up close while learning about this scientific method.
“Check Out” Nature
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Explore nature by checking out some of our gear. We will answer questions, give trail recommendations, maps, and more.
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
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Learn MoreMonthly Newsletter
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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.