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, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Animal Encounter
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us for an up-close look at one of our ambassador animals.
Fridays in the Field
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
Women’s Wellness
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Join The Do-Good Movement for a yoga class followed by a women’s wellness discussion based around the 31 Days to […]
Photography Walk
Maple Lake-East – Mountain Bike Staging Area • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Grab your camera and explore Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve with us.
Volunteer Workdays
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 10 and up; children under 15 with adult.
Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Teen Exploration Day: Teen Hiking Meet-up
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Spend time with other teenagers in the community, experiencing nature by learning about local plants and animals, and socializing on […]
Insects Behind the Icons: Parasitoids and Xenomorphs
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Parasitoids inspired one of horror’s greatest icons, the xenomorph from the “Alien” franchise. Learn how the ecology of these insects […]
Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Venture out on our scenic trails for a guided 3- to 4-mile walk.
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 Recreation
- Animal Encounter
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Astronomy
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Education
- Film
- Fishing
- Fitness
- Food & Beverage
- Games & Nature Play
- Gardening
- Hiking & Walking
- History & Culture
- Music
- Paddling
- Photography
- Senior
- Snow Sports
- Storytelling
- Sustainability
- Restoration
- 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.