Southwest Cook County
Events
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Walk & Talk
Red Gate 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 areas. These hikes will be […]
Free -
Nature Illustration Workshop
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Guided nature illustrations class for all levels. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Camping 101
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a workshop to learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more!
Free -
IDNR ENTICE Workshop: Weather, Climate, & Climate Change
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about the science behind climate, weather, and climate change and how to incorporate it into your classroom. PDH available.
Free • Registration Required -
Feeding Time
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Discover the diets and habitats of our ambassador animals and watch an engaging feeding demonstration.
Free -
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Amphibian Outing
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Join a walk and be on the lookout for amphibians during their most active time of year.
Free -
Crafternoon-Paint and Sip
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Come join us for an evening of art and alcohol. We have templates to paint or do your own thing! BYOB, cups provided. No glass allowed. Ages 21 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Salamanders
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore amphibian ecology on a walk to their seasonal breeding pools.
Free • Registration Required -
The Science of Clouds
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn how water vapor forms clouds with an indoor presentation and a short walk.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature Walk
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy a spring walk along the trails.
Free -
Little Red Rocks
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Share or enjoy music and poetry as the sun sets during our open-mic night.
Free • Registration Required -
Everyone in Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join a sensory class where individuals with disabilities and homeschoolers can learn about nature. Participants must be with an adult.
Free -
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Seniors can deepen their connection to the outdoors with fresh, engaging nature programs offered each month. Ages 55 […]
Free -
Woodcock Watch
Country Lane Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Witness the magical courtship display of the male woodcock. Bring binoculars.
Free • Registration Required -
Camping Leadership Immersion Course
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452This overnight course teaches essential camping skills. Complete the course, then bring groups of up to 30 for overnight stays. Training required to access camping […]
$25 • Registration Required -
Fishing Derby
Papoose Lake • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing.
Free -
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Help us restore native habitats - Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants […]
Free • Registration Required -
Signs of Spring Walk
FeaturedPalos Park Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Look for blooming wildflowers, listen for animals and take in the smells of spring’s arrival. All ages. 3.4 miles.
Free -
Arab American Heritage Celebration
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Experience art making, cultural showcases and more honoring Arab American culture and contributions. Drop in.
Free -
Plant Appreciation Day: The Under-appreciated Plants
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Investigate some of the underappreciated gems that call Sagawau home on a short walk. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Woodcocks at Dusk
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the spectacle of the woodcocks’ courtship behavior. Ages 10 & up.
Free -
Look Up at the Sky Day
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480This special day during International Dark Sky Week encourages people to pause, admire the sky’s beauty, and reconnect with nature’s quiet wonder.
Free • Registration Required
