Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Don’t be THAT person when you are out birding. Learn about ABA birding ethics and how to ensure other people […]
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
Join us for a short, slow-paced birdwatching experience on our ADA-accessible trail with a stop at a marsh overlook. Total […]
Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Join others around the globe for a morning of splashing, squishing, mud creations, and more! Dress to get messy. All ages. […]
Get active outdoors with Gigi’s Fitness at Flatfoot Lake.
Celebrate love and inclusion with nature play, games, art and more! In partnership with Out in Nature, Feminist Bird Club, […]
Families, attempt an obstacle course created from natural materials. Nature play, exploration and art activities will be available, too! Drop […]
Enjoy an afternoon out paddling.
Celebrate PRIDE month with a naturalist led nature walk. LGBTQ2S+ people, family, friends and allies welcome.
Are you afraid of snakes? Overcome your phobia by gaining a healthy understanding of these misunderstood reptiles.
Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Learn and practice riding techniques, including body and pedal position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending, and navigating minor obstacles on the […]
Learn more about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
Grab your camera and explore Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve with us.
Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Spend time with other teenagers in the community, experiencing nature by learning about local plants and animals, and socializing on […]
Parasitoids inspired one of horror’s greatest icons, the xenomorph from the “Alien” franchise. Learn how the ecology of these insects […]
Venture out on our scenic trails for a guided 3- to 4-mile walk.
Become an amateur paleontologist and learn how to discover fossils in your own backyard while learning about the past. Ages […]
Join us as we dip our nets in the water and scoop up our discoveries! Equipment provided. Ages 5 to […]
Nature is more than just green, join us on a 1.4-mile guided walk.
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.