Events
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Ofrendas Sagradas: Una Ofrenda del Día de Muertos
FeaturedTrailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Visita nuestra ofrenda tradicional en exhibición del 12 de octubre al 2 de noviembre, honrando a los ancestros a través de ofrendas, símbolos y la […]
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Yoga in the Preserves
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Weekly yoga class for all ages and skill levels. Led by Kim Weber of Be Lightfooted.
Free • Registration Required -
Walk & Talk: History of Poplar Creek
Carl R. Hansen Woods • Cook County, IL 60192 (near Schaumburg)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be […]
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Wee Wonders: Owls
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Everyone in Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join 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 -
Fall Color Walks
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join us for an afternoon stroll.
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Camping 101
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more!
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Indigenous Scary Storytelling
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy listening to traditional and contemporary supernatural stories shared by the American Indian Center.
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Owl Prowl
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Join a naturalist for an evening walk while searching for owls.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall Artisan Series: Felting
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Get crafty on select Wednesday evenings. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Forest Preserves of Cook County Research Symposium
Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL 60513This event is for everyone interested in research at the Forest Preserves to share knowledge, activities and opportunities for future research to foster relationships and […]
$25 • Registration Required -
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Nature Thursdays ‘Skeletons from Trailside’s Collections’ Drop-In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature through fun themed activities for all ages. Led by University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists.
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Fall Open Climb
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Scale the indoor climbing wall! Participants must be over 40lbs. Adult supervision and waivers required. Accessible climbing equipment available.
Free • Registration Required -
Outdoor Skills Workshop
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Develop or master knot tying, tents, fire building and more. Presented with Chicago Voyagers.
Free • Registration Required -
Sunset Photography Meetup
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join Crabtree Nature Photographers’ Meetup Group for a guided sunset walk and capture nature in the fading light.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature Book Club: “Backyard Bird Chronicles”
Forest Park Public Library • Forest Park, IL 60130Join a lively book discussion about “Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan.
Free • Registration Required -
Night of Nature Play
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Scavenger hunt, games and crafts under the glowing night (black) lights.
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Spooky Shuffle 5k/10k
Swallow Cliff Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Race through then pristine Sag Valley Trail System. Presented with Village of Palos Park.
Free • Registration Required -
Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Follow the tale of Freedom Seekers through the Calumet Region. Presented with Midwest Underground Railroad Network.
Free • Registration Required -
Animal Enrichment Studio for Teens
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Create enrichment items for our ambassador animals, then see how they are used as an important part of their care.
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REACH Nature Navigators
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646A high-energy outdoor adventure guiding visitors through a Leave No Trace scavenger hunt, shelter building and backpack challenges, wilderness first aid demos, river critter investigations, […]
Free • Registration Required -
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Seed Collecting at Wolf Road Prairie
Wolf Road Prairie • Cook County, IL 60154 (near Westchester)Join us for a prairie seed collecting workday and learn about history of remnant prairie. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
America’s Landscapes: The Palos Preserves
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn the geological story of the hilly landscape and some of its special land formations. Oral and ASL presentation.
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Oak-tober Fall Colors Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Enjoy seasonal color changes and learn about our native oaks. Ages 12 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Meet the Birds
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Stop by to see our birds at mealtime.
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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.
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Sounds Natural Creative Retreat
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Enjoy art, wellness workshops, food and music. Limited camping spaces available for optional overnight. Presented with Sounds Natural.
Free • Registration Required -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Observe bird banding and talk with banders. Drop-in.
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Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Restore habitat and control invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall Festival
FeaturedRiver Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Celebrate the season with a special autumn fun day. Beekeeping demonstrations, animal encounters, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! Admission is free; there may […]
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Wee Wonders: Owls
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall Color Walk
FeaturedPalos Park Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Travel through beautiful, wooded preserves as we look for colors of the season. 3.5 miles.
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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.
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Yoga and Storytime
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join the Bridgeview Library for a short nature story followed by kid's yoga activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Wildlife Connections
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.
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Reptile Awareness Day
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn about and experience reptiles from Illinois and abroad.
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Prairie Pages
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join our adult nature book club with the Barrington Area Library!
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Yoga in the Preserves
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Weekly yoga class for all ages and skill levels. Led by Kim Weber of Be Lightfooted.
Free • Registration Required -
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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Owl Sit
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Celebrate Birdabilty week with a mobility friendly owl sit. Instead of walking through the woods trying to find owls, we will be waiting in one […]
Free • Registration Required -
Recycled Fairy Gardens
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Bring old plant pots, toys and other items to create fun planters. Led by Navraaz Kaur Basati from Wandering Paths.
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Be a Better Birder: Intermediate Bird ID
Virtual EventStep up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities of birds.
Free • Registration Required -
Forest Tales & Mysteries
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Listen to thrilling horror tales around the bonfire with La Grange Park Library and Gail’s soothing sound therapy. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Cicada Pinning Class
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn the process and importance of entomology: what it is, why it's important, and how it's done. This class will teach students the process of […]
$5 • Registration Required -
Nurtured by Nature Training Summit
Skokie Public Library • Skokie, IL 60077The Forest Preserves of Cook County wants to address how being in nature can positively impact mental health, raise awareness for using public lands, and […]
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Yoga
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Bring a yoga mat/towel. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Restoration Workday
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Help us restore healthy habitats. Ages 8 & up. Children under 15 w/ adult. High schoolers may earn service hours.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall Colors Paddle
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Enjoy stunning fall foliage while paddling through scenic waters at Kickapoo; experience the changing season from the water’s view. In partnership with Friends of the Chicago […]
Free • Registration Required -
Spooky Stories & S ’mores
FeaturedThatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Trick-or-treat, paint a pumpkin, listen to spooky stories and more. Costumes encouraged! Presented with the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library.
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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.
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Birding is Accessible: Owl Edition
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Slow-paced accessible stroll to search for owls.
Free • Registration Required -
River Trail Nightlife: The Return of Scary Stories
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062River Trail’s annual scary storytelling around the campfire. Cost: $5/person. Ages 8 & up.
$5 • Registration Required -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Observe bird banding and talk with banders. Drop-in.
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Restoration Sunday
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Help us improve our wildlife habitat by cutting and removing invasive species. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
The Un-Haunted Forest
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062A whimsical story-hike to solve a spooky mystery. Children under 10 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Oak-tober
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a hike to celebrate Oak Awareness Month.
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Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Self-guided search for hidden pumpkins on the trail. Costumes encouraged.
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Chicago Voyagers’ Fall Jamboree
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Join us for an immersive, family-oriented outdoor event that recreates the spirit of a Chicago Voyagers expedition. Learn new skills like knot tying or low […]
Free – $25 • Registration Required -
Trunk or Treat
FeaturedEggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Sponsored by the Forest Preserves and East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with candy!
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Forest Therapy
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us for a guided, meditative walk to connect back to nature and to ourselves. Led by an Illinois Master Naturalist. Ages 18 & up. […]
Free • Registration Required -
Cornhusk Doll and Storytelling Workshop
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473This workshop will be centered on Indigenous teachings related to land and connection. Participants will engage in creating corn husk dolls and experience traditional storytelling.
Free • Registration Required -
The Un-Haunted Forest
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062A whimsical story-hike to solve a spooky mystery. Children under 10 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Costumed Scavenger Hunt Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Wear your costume while walking through our autumn woods while finding hidden (nut-free) treats.
Free • Registration Required -
Share the Trails: Cycling Pit Stop
LaBagh Woods • Chicago, IL 60630Get your helmet fit, tires inflated, bike checked and learn about trail safety. Presented with Ride Illinois. Grove 4.
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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.
Free -
Yoga and Storytime
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join the Bridgeview Library for a short nature story followed by kid's yoga activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Women’s Night Out: Full Moon Empowerment
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062An evening designed to empower, connect and inspire us. Led by certified forest therapy guide Gayle Byck. Cost: $10/person. Ages 18 & up.
$10 • Registration Required -
Wildlife Connections
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.
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Little Red Rocks
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Perform or listen to music and poetry during open-mic night.
Free • Registration Required -
Yoga in the Preserves
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Weekly yoga class for all ages and skill levels. Led by Kim Weber of Be Lightfooted.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall Color Walks
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join us for an afternoon stroll.
Free -
Hike, Read & Write
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join a naturalist for a hike, followed by a poetry writing workshop. Presented with Poets & Patrons.
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Owl Prowl
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Join a naturalist for an evening walk while searching for owls.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall Open Climb
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Scale the indoor climbing wall! Participants must be over 40lbs. Adult supervision and waivers required. Accessible climbing equipment available.
Free • Registration Required -
Bachelor’s Grove: Conversations, History & Facts
Virtual EventJoin this virtual exploration of Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, one of the area’s most well-known cemeteries.
Free • Registration Required -
Cheers to Nature
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Enjoy a relaxing evening with an environment-themed lecture from a naturalist. Accessible building. BYOB. Ages 21 & up.
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Night at the Museum
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Step into the shadows for eerie animal encounters, exploration of the 1876 mansion, live musical performances, and the strange wonders lurking in the night woods. […]
Free • Registration Required -
Owl-oween Bash
FeaturedCrabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Jack-o’-lantern walk, campfire stories and festive fun. Costumes encouraged.
Free • Registration Required -
Ecological Restoration Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Help restore Sagawau’s diverse ecosystems by removing invasive plant species.
Free • Registration Required -
The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Discover hidden pumpkins on a fun scavenger hunt and take home your own pumpkin. While supplies last. Costumes encouraged!
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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.
Free -
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Nation of Nations
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Trailside is hosting an exhibit celebrating tribal diversity of contemporary Indigenous Communities whose ancestral homelands are the Great […]
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The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Discover hidden pumpkins on a fun scavenger hunt and take home your own pumpkin. While supplies last. Costumes encouraged!
Free -
Nature Journaling
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Express yourself and the world around you! Learn how to create a nature journal with an art instructor.
Free • Registration Required -
Día de los Muertos Craft
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Decorate a sugar skull to celebrate Day of the Dead. While supplies last.
Free -
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.
Free -
Waterfowl Watch
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Let’s walk out to our wetlands to see migrating waterfowl. Ages 13 & up.
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Garden Day
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Want to get your hands dirty? Help us grow the Trickster Cultural Center gardens! Call 847-301-2090 for more info.
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Wildlife Connections
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.
Free -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Yoga in the Preserves
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Weekly yoga class for all ages and skill levels. Led by Kim Weber of Be Lightfooted.
Free • Registration Required -
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 -
Chair Yoga
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Explore gentle postures, breathwork, meditation and deep relaxation with Karen Fotopoulos, a registered yoga teacher from Discover Yoga with Karen. 18 and up.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Yoga
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Discovering yoga through story, song and various yoga poses that will engage the use of imagination and all the senses. Program provided by Karen Fotopoulos, […]
Free • Registration Required -
Fall Color Walks
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join us for an afternoon stroll.
Free -
Senior Nature Club
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Discover nature through activities. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Native American Heritage Month History Walk
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Learn the origin of the name Sauk Woods. 3.4-mi.
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Stars, Stories & S’mores
FeaturedLaBagh Woods • Chicago, IL 60630Listen to stories, take a night hike, make s’mores and more. Presented with the American Indian Health Services Center. Grove 2.
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Pride Night
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Enjoy an evening at the nature center with s’mores around the campfire. This is a welcoming event for LGBTQ2S+ individuals and allies to connect, unwind, […]
Free • Registration Required -
Nature Story Trail “Giving Thanks” by Chief Jake Swamp
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk a short trail while reading a story.
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Fishing Derby
Horsetail Lake • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a fun family day of fishing.
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Sacred Wanderings in Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join Unity Temple of Oak Park as we practice connecting with nature. People with physical challenges are easily accommodated. For info, email [email protected].
Free
