Youth
Events
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Nature is Accessible!
FeaturedLittle Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Celebrate nature with inclusive, accessible experiences for all. Drop in.
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Explore the Forest
FeaturedCrabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate everything the Forest Preserves has to offer and learn about nature with animal encounters, tree climbing, touch-a-truck and more! Food concessions available for purchase.
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Let’s Play! Forest Exploration Day
Erickson Woods • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Engage in creative, imaginative and child-directed, outdoor free-play as a family. Presented with The Alliance for Early Childhood.
Free • Registration Required -
Sunset Serenity Hike
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy the quiet of sunset as we explore the woods on a casual 2-mile hike. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity.
Free -
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Read 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 […]
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Wee Wonders: Woodpeckers
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Help us restore native habitats - Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants […]
Free • Registration Required -
Wee Wonders: Woodpeckers
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
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 -
Community Fishing Clinic
Cermak Woods • Lyons, IL 60534Presented with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program, join us for an evening of wildlife watching and fishing fun. Participants will […]
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Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
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Thursdays in Nature: Bug Detective!
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature with University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists through fun inquiry-based activities for both adults and kids. Drop in.
Free -
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.
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Juneteenth Jubilee
FeaturedSand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate freedom, family and country with activities, refreshments and performances highlighting Black history. Juneteenth Jubilee transforms the Sand Ridge Nature Center Campus into a vibrant […]
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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 -
Night of Nature Play
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Experience nature at night through open play, star gazing and s’mores.
Free -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
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 -
Teen Restoration Sunday
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Help us improve our wildlife habitat by cutting and removing invasive species. Ages 12 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
International Mud Day
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Play and create with mud! Please dress for a muddy experience.
Free -
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Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Read 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
