Events
The Science of Snakes
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn about these reptiles with fun activities and a walk.
Cub Scout Adventure Series
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480A nature-related scout adventure will be offered and achieved. Jun 23: Wolf Level Jul 28: Bear Level Aug 25: Webelos […]
Meet Our Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn more about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Wellness Days at Kickapoo
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Wellness Days at Whistler
Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Pond Paddle
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy an afternoon out paddling. Instruction, equipment and kayaks provided.
Evening Insect Safari
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Come hear our late summer insects on a guided walk.
Walk & Talk Hike
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 […]
Canceled Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Restoration Stewardship Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Raptors
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn about birds of prey and how staff care for our ambassador raptors.
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Starry Night Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Come for a guided walk, observe the night sky, and learn about the constellations and astronomy.
Restoration Stewardship Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
“The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction” Film Screening
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join naturalist and author Joel Greenberg to view and discuss this film as we struggle to maintain the biodiversity and […]
Animal Encounter
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join our staff for an up-close look at one of our ambassador animals.
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Animal Encounter
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join our staff for an up-close look at one of our ambassador animals.
Tuesdays are for the Birds!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we seek out fall migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Wellness Days at Kickapoo
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Small Serendipity
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Nature stories and crafts. Children ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Senior Fitness Walks in Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a moderately paced, one mile fitness walks in beautiful Thatcher Woods. Led by senior Roberta Jannsen, […]
Wellness Days at Whistler
Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
I am a Scientist
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment & make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Forest Therapy
Linne Woods • Morton Grove, IL 60053Immerse yourself in nature, fostering mindfulness and wellness with a certified guide. Ages 16 & up. Grove 2.
Weekly Caldwell Woods Wellness Center Programming
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646An exciting new program will take place every Thursday! Check fpdcc.com for weekly offerings including time, age appropriateness, and other […]
Be a Better Birder: Backyard Bird Feeding
Zoom PresentationDiscover how to make your yard and home bird friendly. Learn about bird feeders, types of foods, garden opportunities and […]
Astronomy & Technology
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn about various apps used to raise awareness of the impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife.
Event Locations
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.
Event Categories
- All Events
- Adaptive
- Animal Encounter
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Astronomy
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Education
- Film
- Fishing
- Fitness
- Food & Beverage
- Nature Play
- Gardening
- Hiking & Walking
- History & Culture
- Music
- Paddling
- Photography
- Senior
- Storytelling
- Volunteer
- Wellness in the Woods
- Yoga
Events Guide
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)Nature Express Bus
Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
Learn MoreMonthly Newsletter
Sign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
Sign UpEvent Accessibility
The 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.