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: […]
Spring Birding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for a guided walk to learn how to identify birds and appreciate their ecological significance. Binoculars available for […]
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 […]
Early Morning Bird Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us in search of migrating birds. Bring binoculars; limited pairs to lend.
Spring Birding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for a guided walk to learn how to identify birds and appreciate their ecological significance. Binoculars available for […]
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.
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 Recreation
- Animal Encounter
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Astronomy
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Education
- Film
- Fishing
- Fitness
- Food & Beverage
- Games & Nature Play
- Gardening
- Hiking & Walking
- History & Culture
- Music
- Paddling
- Photography
- Senior
- Snow Sports
- Storytelling
- Sustainability
- Restoration
- 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.