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 […]
Reptile Exploration Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Children ages 7-8 will discover the fascinating world of native snakes and turtles through up-close encounters, participate in field investigations […]
Canceled Fitness Hike
Country Lane Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
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 […]
Make Hummingbirds Happy
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Invite hummingbirds to your garden. We’ll discuss gardening tips, feeding, pest control and answer your questions.
Cicadas: Teen Exploration Day
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Teens will explore the world of the cicadas. Ages 13 & up.
Walk & Talk Hike
Wolf Road 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 […]
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 […]
Night Sky Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy an evening walk in the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world.
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 […]
The Jewels of Mexico
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Did you know there are over 50 species of hummingbirds in Mexico? An indoor presentation about hummingbirds’ legend and cultural […]
Sunrise Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a “before hours” walk to experience the dawning of a new day.
Teen Exploration Day: Archery
Bremen Grove • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Designed for all teens. Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery.
Nature Discovery Day
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Drop in for a fun afternoon of kids’ yoga, guided walks, art making, kite flying and more.
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 […]
Summer Shakeout
Orland Grassland South • Cook County, IL 60467 (near Orland Park)Enjoy a 1.6-mile walk or run through the prairie.
Hummingbird Fest
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes.
Walk & Talk Hike
St. Mihiel Woods-East • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Come join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult
Telescope Party
Swallow Cliff Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Calling all amateur astronomers and night sky enthusiasts! Bring your telescope or use one of ours for an evening of […]
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 […]
Hummingbird Patrol
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Walk away from the feeders and watch hummingbirds with staff in some of their other favorite spots at Sagawau.
CAMBr Meltdown
Pulaski Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)The Palos Meltdown is Chicagoland’s premier mountain bike event, with racing for all ages and abilities. Free for spectators. More […]
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 […]
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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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.