Events in Southwest Cook County
Southwest Cook County
- Events
- Southwest Cook County
Cub Scout Adventure Series
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Programs will address content required to achieve varying levels of nature-related cub scout adventures. Mar 24: Wolf Level Apr 28: […]
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. Ages 4 & up w/adult.
Walk and Talk: Black Partridge Woods
Black Partridge Woods • Cook County, IL 60439 (near Lemont)Walk & Talk hikes are for curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. […]
Camping Leadership Immersion Course
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Overnight training course to learn skills needed to plan and lead group camping trips. Covers safety, day-hiking, tent and stove-set […]
Book Swap
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Bring in gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Any genre and reading level; nature-themed books encouraged. Snacks […]
Book Discussion: Conversations with Birds
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy a shared love of reading and birds as we discuss this book by Priyanka Kumar.
Spring Sensory Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy a leisurely walk and appreciate the sights, smells and sounds of springtime in nature.
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Banding at Sagawau is beginning its 27th year. See birds up close while learning about this scientific study method.
Dark Sky Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy an evening walk through our woods and get a close-up view of the night sky.
Outdoor Cooking
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Cooking outdoors is easy and fun! Learn how to prepare food both over a fire and on a stove. Ages […]
Frog Talk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn why frogs communicate while walking along wetlands.
World Migratory Bird Day
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Celebrate migratory birds and watch bird banding demonstrations while learning how insects affect bird populations.
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Supplies provided. Age 17 and up w/adult.
Learn to Kayak
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)This class will introduce you to the fundamentals of kayaking in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace. You […]
World Mental Health Day Celebration
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Join Advocate Aurora Health - Behavioral Health Department to learn about the services that they provide the South Suburban PSA […]
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Bemis Woods Bird Outing
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Join Chicago Bird Alliance for a bird walk at the height of spring migration with an expert birder and conservationist! […]
Canceled Walk & Talk
Willow Springs 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 […]
Welcome Back, Cicadas!
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Welcome brood 13 of periodical cicadas. We will search for their emergence holes and learn how to identify good cicada […]
Teens and Turtles: Teen Exploration Day
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Teens will explore the world of turtles. Ages 13 & up.
Periodical Cicadas: Special Exhibit
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Periodical cicadas return to Northeastern Illinois. This special exhibit will help answer your buzzing questions about periodical cicadas.
Nature IS Accessible!
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Visitors of all abilities are invited to celebrate nature through accessible activities. Drop in.
Ecological Restoration Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Ecological Restoration Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Cub Scout Adventure Series
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Programs will address content required to achieve varying levels of nature-related cub scout adventures. Mar 24: Wolf Level Apr 28: […]
Walk and Talk
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Archery
Cherry Hill Woods • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Attend this session to learn the basics of archery. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Walk with Pride!
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us this Pride Month for a self-guided interpretive walk to learn about LGBTQ2S+ people in conservation.
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
Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
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.