Fishing Derby
Horsetail Lake • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing.
Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing.
Watch this rare natural phenomenon here!
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Look for the changing colors on a 3.4-mile walk. Color scavenger hunts for the little ones provided.
Bring your friends to compete in an orienteering competition. Prizes will be awarded.
Learn why trees drop their leaves and the cause of leaf color change.
In partnership with the Village of Palos Park, this 5k/10k trail race takes you through the forest preserves.
“The Magic Stump” is a documentary short that tells the story of an Illinois tree stump that’s attracted a phenomenal […]
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Observe the ambassador animals, hike a trail, and warm up by a fire with hot chocolate. Ages 13 & up.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, stop inside to learn about Mesoamerican tradition and view our alter dedicated to […]
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop will focus on coyote ecology and behavior related to […]
Visit the bird feeding stations and hike along a nature trail to observe birds during the fall season.
“Monty and Rose 2: The World of Monty and Rose” is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the […]
Join us for a book discussion about “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Where do bumble bee queens overwinter? Join us on a search for dormant queens.
Let nature inspire your creativity. Join in on various nature-themed arts and crafts projects. Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion.
Learn about Chicago’s ancient history through indoor fossil presentations followed by a visit to the fossil reserve quarry.
Join us for a “scary” folktale recited by a LaGrange Park Library librarian during a walk under the darkest day […]
Celebrate National Take a Hike Day by hitting the trail with a naturalist on a 5-mile hike.
Enjoy a nocturnal walk followed by relaxing time by a fire.
Come along for a tour of the Sag Valley to observe and interpret its geologic formations. Participants will drive their […]
Come learn about America’s history of wildfire management and how a little bear influenced the whole nation.
Use your camera to observe nature on a guided photography walk. All levels and camera types. Ages 13 & up.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Learn the basics of starting a fire and explore the different types of campfires. S'mores and hot cocoa provided. All […]
Snowshoe hikes offered during any days that we have over 4” of snow! Free snowshoe rental with an ID on […]
Join a naturalist and learn how we care for our animals at the nature center. Ages 13-19.
Families, drop in and challenge yourself by climbing to the top of Swallow Cliff stairs. Then, try the story trail, […]
Help brush back the ski trails. Ages 10 & up. Weather dependent.
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.