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.
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries. Ages 4 & up w/adult.
Walk & Talk hikes are for curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. […]
Overnight training course to learn skills needed to plan and lead group camping trips. Covers safety, day-hiking, tent and stove-set […]
Bring in gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Any genre and reading level; nature-themed books encouraged. Snacks […]
Enjoy a shared love of reading and birds as we discuss this book by Priyanka Kumar.
Enjoy a leisurely walk and appreciate the sights, smells and sounds of springtime in nature.
Banding at Sagawau is beginning its 27th year. See birds up close while learning about this scientific study method.
Enjoy an evening walk through our woods and get a close-up view of the night sky.
Cooking outdoors is easy and fun! Learn how to prepare food both over a fire and on a stove. Ages […]
Learn why frogs communicate while walking along wetlands.
Celebrate migratory birds and watch bird banding demonstrations while learning how insects affect bird populations.
Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Supplies provided. Age 17 and up w/adult.
This class will introduce you to the fundamentals of kayaking in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace. You […]
Join Advocate Aurora Health - Behavioral Health Department to learn about the services that they provide the South Suburban PSA […]
Join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Join Chicago Bird Alliance for a bird walk at the height of spring migration with an expert birder and conservationist! […]
Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Welcome brood 13 of periodical cicadas. We will search for their emergence holes and learn how to identify good cicada […]
Teens will explore the world of turtles. Ages 13 & up.
Periodical cicadas return to Northeastern Illinois. This special exhibit will help answer your buzzing questions about periodical cicadas.
Visitors of all abilities are invited to celebrate nature through accessible activities. Drop in.
Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Programs will address content required to achieve varying levels of nature-related cub scout adventures. Mar 24: Wolf Level Apr 28: […]
For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Attend this session to learn the basics of archery. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Join us this Pride Month for a self-guided interpretive walk to learn about LGBTQ2S+ people in conservation.
Clean water supports a biodiverse ecosystem. Help us survey Sagawau’s creek to see what life it supports. Ages 12 & […]
Join us for stories told by the Naperville Chinese Storytime group and enjoy nature-based art and activity afterwards. Supplies provided. […]
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.