Youth Events

  • 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
  • Tiny Tot Day

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

    Join your little ones and enjoy nature through movement, art and sensory play.

    Free
  • Green Lake Gardening

    Green Lake Woods • Calumet City, IL 60409

    Restore the garden and help pollinators. No experience needed. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Small Serendipity

    Small Serendipity
    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3-6 w/ adult.

    Free
  • Wee Wonders: Fall Colors

    Wee Wonders
    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

    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
  • Wee Wandering Wednesdays

    Wee Wandering Wednesdays
    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Read a story, make a craft and go on an adventure. Ages 2 to 6 with an adult. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served […]

    Free
  • Camping 101

    Camping 101
    Camp Reinberg • Palatine, IL 60074

    Learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more!

    Free
  • Magical Forest Houses

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Search for tiny, enchanted, homes built by mythical elves. These homes, built with natural materials, are hidden along our Farm Pond Trail. Scan the QR […]

    Free
  • Volunteer Workday

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 8 & up. Children under 15 w/ adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • R.I.P. Stewardship

    R.I.P. Stewardship
    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Help us restore native habitats - Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants encouraged. […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • 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
  • Aztec Dance Performance: La Danza de los Concheros

    Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473

    Experience a journey into Mexico’s ancient Aztec culture of music, song and dance. Presented with Xochitl-Quetzal Danza Azteca.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Wee Wonders: Fall Colors

    Wee Wonders
    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Children’s Storytime

    Children’s Storytime
    Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

    Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity. (Story provided orally & in ASL.)

    Free
  • Baby Buds

    Baby Buds
    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Join us for nature-themed interactive songs and stories. Ages 0-23 months w/ adult. Tickets first come, first served.

    Free
  • River Trail Nightlife: Night Hike

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Learn about nocturnal animals and more on a guided hike. Cost: $5/person. Ages 6 & up.

    $5 • Registration Required
  • Teen Exploration Day: Pond Dipping

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Drop in at the Redwing Trail pond to observe wetland inhabitants and macroorganisms. Geared towards teens & their families.

    Free
  • Restoration Workday

    Restoration Workdays at Trailside
    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Restore habitat and control invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Restoration Sunday

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Help us improve our wildlife habitat by cutting and removing invasive species. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Restoration Workday

    Restoration Workdays at Crabtree
    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Help us restore healthy habitats. Ages 8 & up. Children under 15 w/ adult. High schoolers may earn service hours.

    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