Youth Events

  • Wild About Play

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Ready to craft, create, and unleash your wild side? Swing by and take on the challenge: design paper mache enrichment items that'll spark joy for […]

    Free
  • Spring Nature Camp

    Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120

    Join us for a free, all-ages, one-day spring camp at Rolling Knolls featuring cultural teachings, crafts, storytelling, outdoor games and more.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Green Lake Gardening

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Help us restore the pollinator garden at Green Lake. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Earth-a-Palooza

    Linne Woods • Morton Grove, IL 60053

    Enjoy guided walks, touch-a-truck, tree climbs, crafts and a visit from Brookfield Zoo Chicago during this eco-friendly family fun fest.

    Free
  • Sounds Like Spring

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.

    Free
  • Wee Wanderer Wednesdays

    Wee Wandering Wednesdays
    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Join us for a special program for little naturalists. Ticket giveaway starts at 9:30 am and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ages 2-6 […]

    Free
  • Tiny Tot Day

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

    Join us in celebrating children’s day in nature through movement, stories, and artmaking. Families with children of all ages are welcomed.

    Free
  • Mythical Forest Series: Toadstools

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Explore the forest to examine the mythology and realities of nature in fantasy. Ages 8 & up.

    Free
  • Family Garlic Mustard Pull

    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

    Help remove this invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free
  • Frog Frenzy

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Learn how to dress, act and live as a frog. All ages.

    Free
  • Sounds Like Spring

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.

    Free
  • Crane Day

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Young visitors can learn the facts and folklore about cranes that live in Cook County and throughout Asia through stories, activities and crafts.

    Free
  • National Space Day Folktale and Walk

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Join La Grange Park Library for a magical folktale under the sky as we walk and explore the wonders of space.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Canceled Monotype Printing Workshop

    Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)

    Learn about different forms of monotype printing and create a one-of-a-kind print. Supplies provided. Ages 10 & up. Hosted at Swallow Cliff Pavilion.

    Free
  • Kite Fest

    Carl R. Hansen Woods • Cook County, IL 60192 (near Schaumburg)

    In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for kite-themed activities, crafts and more. Offsite parking is available at Streamwood High […]

    Free
  • 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 […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • Bird Walk

    Bird Walk
    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

    Enjoy Sagawau’s trails while spotting and identifying birds. All birding levels welcome. Binoculars available for loan. Ages 13 & up.

    Free
  • Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk

    Dan Ryan Woods-Central • Chicago, IL 60620

    Join us for a joyful Mother’s Day Fun Run & Walk! Celebrate with family-friendly activities, treats and laughter. All ages.

    Free • Registration Required
  • 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
  • Wee Wanderer Wednesdays

    Wee Wandering Wednesdays
    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Join us for a special program for little naturalists. Ticket giveaway starts at 9:30 am and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ages 2-6 […]

    Free