Southwest Cook County
Events
-
-
Nature Explorers Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Hosted daily from 10 am to noon, this day camp invites young explorers to uncover the treasures of nature through guided hikes, creative art projects […]
$35 • Registration Required -
Fantastic Fireflies
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Please note: This event was moved to Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center due to a power outage at Sagawau.
Free • Registration Required -
Naturalist Night Out: Bats
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Join us for a themed stroll under the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place.
Free -
Juneteenth Walk
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for a walk focusing on the contributions made by African-American naturalists.
Free -
Intro to Kayaking Class
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Learn basic skills for beginner kayakers. Equipment provided.
Free • Registration Closed -
To Catch a Crayfish
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480We’ll set out traps and explore the amazing arthropods we discover. Ages 7 & up.
Free -
America’s Original Wildlife
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439As part of America 250, learn how iconic species helped shape America’s landscapes, ecosystems and culture. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Jr. Naturalist Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Running from 9:30 am to 1 pm each day, this day camp is perfect for kids who love nature and want to become junior naturalists! […]
$50 • Registration Required -
Teen Biodiversity Day
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Spend the day in the field with naturalists to discover the diversity of life in the Forest Preserves. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Walk & Talk
Red Gate 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 areas. These walks will be […]
Free -
Owl Pellet Dissection
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Dissect an owl pellet and learn about local owls. Supplies provided. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-17 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Fitness Hike
Vollmer Road Grove • Cook County, IL 60478 (near Country Club Hills)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. 3.6 […]
Free -
Community Paddle
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Drop in and experience a guided paddle tour on a voyager canoe. Limited spots available; first come, first served.
Free -
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities when the buildings are closed.
Free -
Feeding Time
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Discover the diets and habitats of our ambassador animals and watch an engaging feeding demonstration.
Free -
Nature Soundwalk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for an acoustic ecology hike led by the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology.
Free -
-
Naturalist Night Out: Owls
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Join us for a themed stroll under the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place.
Free -
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities when the buildings are closed.
Free -
Prairie Fireworks
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439As part of America 250, follow signs for a self-guided hike to learn about prairie influence on history, culture and its explosion of colorful flowers.
Free -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Visit Sagawau’s bird banders to see and learn about banding. Drop in.
Free -
Dark Night Rising
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Use binoculars and technology to look at and listen to bat signals on this 1-mile hike.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Everyone in Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join a sensory class where individuals with disabilities and homeschoolers can learn about nature. Participants must be with an adult.
Free -
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Seniors can deepen their connection to the outdoors with fresh, engaging nature programs offered each month. Ages 55 […]
Free
