Fire for the Forest
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn about the benefits of prescribed burns on a 1-mile walk.
Learn about the benefits of prescribed burns on a 1-mile walk.
Designed for teens ages 13–19. Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery. Call 312-415-2970 for more […]
Enjoy a hike through Sagawau’s dolomite prairie. Rough terrain. Ages 14 & up.
Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family friendly bike ride. Loaner […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Attend this session to learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 & up; equipment provided.
Walk in the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place during the darkest night of the month.
In 2021, DarkSky International designated the Palos Preserves in southwest Cook County as an Urban Night Sky Place—a location near […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
What kind of invertebrates can we find in the prairie and why is it important to know? Sweep net through […]
Learn about our ambassador raptors.
Explore nature by checking out some of our gear: field guides, binoculars, scavenger hunts and litter pick-up materials. We’ll be […]
Explore two major divisions of the fungi kingdom with a talk followed by a short walk. Ages 18 & up.
“Monty and Rose 2: The World of Monty and Rose” is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the […]
Experience nature at nighttime.
On a one-hour, leisurely walk on Sagawau’s grassy trails, discuss where birds migrate to and where they overwinter. Durante una […]
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by joining us for live music from Funkadesi - Funkadesi - Chicago's Award-Winning Afro-Indo-Caribbean Music […]
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Perform songs and poetry or relax and enjoy the live performances while overlooking the slough at sunset.
In partnership with Adaptive Adventures, join an overnight event geared for individuals with physical disabilities, their families and friends.
Join us for the Annual Arts and Craft Fair! Art of all styles will be sold by artists inspired by […]
Walk with a naturalist around the prairie, enjoy the blooming flowers with the sea of grass. Ages 18 & up.
Join us in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and community organizations for the annual Awe of Nature Festival! The festival […]
Enjoy an indoor presentation by former Argonne scientist, Dave Dolak. Afterwards, drive to Red Gate Woods for a guided walk […]
Let the healing powers of nature help ease your mind and stimulate your senses on this fall color walk.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, chat with Advocate Health Care to learn more about breast cancer.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing.
Watch this rare natural phenomenon here!
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
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.