Wellness in the Woods Events

  • Walk & Talk

    Walk & Talk
    John Husar I&M Canal Bicycle Trail Parking Lot • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    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
  • Women’s Night Out: Full Moon Empowerment

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    An evening designed to empower, connect and inspire. Led by Gayle Byck of InTune with Nature. Cost: $10/person. Ages 18 & up.

    $10 • Registration Required
  • Sunset Serenity Hike

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Enjoy the quiet of sunset as we explore the woods on a casual 2-mile hike. Ages 13 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Movie Night

    Weekly Wellness Programming
    Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646

    Come watch the (local) Emmy Award-winning Forest Preserves documentary: "Chicago's True Nature". Popcorn and s'mores provided.

    Free
  • Canceled Fitness Hike

    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
  • Nature Wellness Walk

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Learn techniques for using relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices while on a leisurely walk led by University of Illinois-Extension volunteer, Roberta Jannsen. Ages 18 & […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • Nature Wellness Walk

    Deer Grove-East • Cook County, IL 60074 (near Palatine)

    Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practice during this leisure walk. Led by University of Illinois-Extension. Ages 18 & up. Grove 1.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Senior Fitness Walk

    Senior Fitness Walk
    Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

    Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Wildflower Walk

    Weekly Wellness Programming
    Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646

    Explore Caldwell's flora as we walk through the woodlands and prairies, identifying different summertime wildflowers.

    Free
  • Trailside Resonance: Listening to Nature

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    A guided soundwalk invites you to slow down and listen to woodland trails, river currents, gardens and native animal habitats.

    Free
  • Little Cal Paddles

    Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827

    Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.

    Free
  • Wellness in the Woods: Yoga

    Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620

    Enjoy a 1-hour yoga class. Dress in active wear and bring a yoga mat.

    Free
  • Sunrise Hike

    Sunrise Hike
    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Step into the quiet stillness of early morning and join us for a before-hours hike to witness the beauty of a new day. Gates and […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • Natural Dyes Workshop

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Learn how to turn natural materials into fabric dyes. Color a bandana or bring your own 100% cotton item. Ages 10 & up.

    Free • Registration Closed
  • Everyone in Nature

    Everyone in Nature
    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Join a sensory class where individuals with disabilities and homeschoolers can learn about nature. Participants must be with an adult.

    Free
  • Canceled Wellness in the Woods: Fitness Walk

    Yankee Woods • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)

    Join a Master Naturalist for a brisk walk around this 3-mile paved trail.

    Free
  • Watercolor Workshop with Berry-based Paints

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Join Navraaz Basati of Wandering Paths, LLC on a forest therapy walk, then paint using plant-based inks on seed paper.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Nature Wellness Walk

    Catherine Chevalier Woods • Chicago, IL 60656

    Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practice during this leisure walk. Presented by University of Illinois-Extension. Ages 18 & up. Grove 1.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Forest Therapy Walk

    Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

    Enjoy a mindful and mediative guided nature walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Canceled Cultural Presentation and Dance Exhibition

    Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634

    A showcase of Native dance forms and cultural presentations. Presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago.

    Free
  • Summertime Stories

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    The Naperville Chinese Storytellers share stories in Chinese followed by nature-based art and activities. Ages 10 & under w/ adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Forest Therapy

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Join us for a guided, meditative walk to connect back to nature and to ourselves. Led by an Illinois Master Naturalist. Ages 18 & up. […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • Senior Fitness Walk

    Senior Fitness Walk
    Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

    Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Little Red Rocks

    Little Red Rocks
    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Share or enjoy music and poetry as the sun sets during our open-mic night.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Walk & Talk

    Walk & Talk
    Spears 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
  • Digital Detox in the Garden

    Weekly Wellness Programming
    Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646

    Learn how plants can help us disconnect from our devices. Led by Wandering Paths Founder and flower farmer Navraaz Kaur Basati.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Twilight Creations: Open Art Space

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Musicians, poets and visual artists find inspiration during the twilight hours indoors or outdoors.

    Free
  • Kayak the Salt Creek Water Trail

    Bemis Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60523 (near Oak Brook)

    Kayak 9 miles from Bemis Woods to Plank Road Meadow. Equipment and shuttle provided. Experience required.

    Free • Registration Closed
  • Canceled Walk & Talk: Champion Tree Hike

    Walk & Talk
    Wolf Road 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
  • Canceled Listening to Nature

    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

    Rescheduled for October 3, 2026: https://fpdcc.com/event/listening-to-nature-2/ W. Long will lead us in an exploration of the soundscape via the trails of the Sagawau Environmental Learning […]

    Free
  • Share the Trails: Cycling Pit Stop

    LaBagh Woods • Chicago, IL 60630

    Get your helmet fit, tires inflated, bike checked and learn about trail safety. Presented by Ride Illinois. Grove 4.

    Free
  • Senior Fitness Walk

    Senior Fitness Walk
    Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

    Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Chair Yoga

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Explore gentle postures, breathwork, meditation and deep relaxation with Karen Fotopoulos, a registered yoga teacher from Discover Yoga with Karen. 18 and up.

    Free
  • Twilight Creations: Open Art Space

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Musicians, poets and visual artists find inspiration during the twilight hours indoors or outdoors.

    Free
  • Forest Therapy Walk

    Forest Therapy
    Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

    Enjoy a mindful meditation and guided forest therapy walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteers.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Everyone in Nature

    Everyone in Nature
    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Join us for an inclusive sensory-based experience where individuals of all abilities and homeschool learners can explore and connect with nature through hands-on activities. Participants […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • S.E.N.I.O.R.S.

    S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Seniors 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
  • Autumn Equinox Celebration

    Weekly Wellness Programming
    Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646

    Experience the health benefits of being in nature with guided forest meditation. Led by Gayle Byck from InTune with Nature.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Nature Wellness Walk

    Linne Woods • Morton Grove, IL 60053

    Practice mindfulness and meditation during this leisure walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension. Ages 18 & up. Grove 2.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Kayak the Des Plaines

    Schuth’s Grove • Cook County, IL 60546 (near Riverside)

    Kayak 3 miles, from Schuth’s Grove to Plank Road Meadow. Equipment, shuttle provided. Beginners welcome.

    Free • Registration Closed
  • Landscape Needle Felting

    Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)

    Explore the beauty of our natural landscape using natural fibers. Supplies provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Wellness in the Woods: Yoga

    Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620

    Join us for a free 60-minute class focused on building stability, flexibility, and relaxation through the practices of breath-work, mindful movement, and meditation. Liz, from […]

    Free
  • Sunrise Hike

    Sunrise Hike
    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Step into the quiet stillness of early morning and join us for a before-hours hike to witness the beauty of a new day. Gates and […]

    Free
  • Canceled Trailside Fall Jam

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam! All are welcome to join or listen.

    Free
  • Monday Morning Mood Booster

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Fight the Monday blues and join us for a walk in the woods. Ages 18 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Forest Bathing for the High Holidays

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Experience shinrin-yoku, a form of therapeutic relaxation immersed in nature during the “Days of Awe” between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Led by Certified Forest […]

    Free • Registration Closed
  • Senior Fitness Walk

    Senior Fitness Walk
    Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

    Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Golden Prairie Walks

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Join us for an afternoon stroll.

    Free
  • Canceled Adult Night Hike

    Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)

    BYOB (no glass) and enjoy the night sky before taking part in a guided hike. Ages 21 & up. 1.5 miles.

    Free
  • Walk & Talk: Oak Forest Heritage Preserve

    Walk & Talk
    Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East • Oak Forest, IL 60452

    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
  • Canceled Nature Arts for Health

    Weekly Wellness Programming
    Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646

    Experience nature, art and wellness in this fun, interactive class using rocks to create art. Led by University of Illinois Extension.

    Free
  • Canceled Fall Nature Wellness Walk

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Immerse yourself and reconnect with nature and all the beauty it has to offer! Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led by certified forest […]

    Free
  • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

    Weekly Wellness Programming
    Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646

    Celebrate diverse, vibrant Hispanic cultures with dance performances, arts and nature education, and local food! Center of Peruvian Arts performance at 12 pm, Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • Yoga and Storytime

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Join the Bridgeview Library for a short nature story followed by kid's yoga activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Fall Equinox Forest Bath

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Welcome fall with a guided forest therapy walk with certified forest therapy guide Gayle Byck.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Harvest Moon Evening Walk

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Celebrate the September harvest moon with a peaceful walk through the woods as twilight descends. Ages 18 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Yoga

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Bring a yoga mat/towel. Ages 18 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Every Child Matters Powwow

    Bunker Hill • Niles, IL 60714

    Celebrate Native American culture. Enjoy traditional Powwow, native food, and listen to stories. Register: call 773-883-9100. Grove 1.

    Free
  • Forest Therapy

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Join us for a guided, meditative walk to connect back to nature and to ourselves. Led by an Illinois Master Naturalist. Ages 18 & up. […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • Forest Therapy Walk

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Reconnect with nature. Relaxing meditative practices and mindfulness led by the University of Illinois Extension.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Monday Morning Mood Booster

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Fight the Monday blues and join us for a walk in the woods. Ages 18 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Beautiful Sounds at Sunset

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Spend time outdoors with the sounds of nature and soothing instruments around a fire with certified instructor Gail. Bring a cushion. Ages 18 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Golden Prairie Walks

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Join us for an afternoon stroll.

    Free