Events
Migratory Bird Day: Raptor Encounter
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Get up close with live birds of prey.
Star Party
Deer Grove-East • Cook County, IL 60074 (near Palatine)Explore astronomy on this family-friendly night in the Preserves. Crafts, stargazing and refreshments included. Grove 3.
Spring Nature Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Mother’s Day Mindful Art Program
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us at Sand Ridge Nature Center for our Mother's Day Mindful Art Program. Celebrate mothers and Mother Earth with […]
Mother’s Day Woodland Wildflower Walk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join us for a walk in the woodland.
Wildflower Walk
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Learn about spring woodland wildflowers on a casual walk.
Tuesdays are for the Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we seek out spring migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Wildcrafting Throughout History
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us on a guided walk to learn about ways people have sustainably and ethically lived off the land throughout […]
World Mental Health Day Celebration
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Join Advocate Aurora Health - Behavioral Health Department to learn about the services that they provide the South Suburban PSA […]
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Nature Play Day
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Help connect your little one with nature during open nature play time. Grove 7.
Bemis Woods Bird Outing
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Join Chicago Bird Alliance for a bird walk at the height of spring migration with an expert birder and conservationist! […]
Canceled Walk & Talk
Willow Springs 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 […]
Walk & Talk: Social Club
Linne Woods • Morton Grove, IL 60053Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Thursdays In the Field – Drop In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join IL Ext. Master Naturalists for fun nature and inquiry-based activities.
A Symphony of Nature: A Forest Therapy Walk
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646Join us as we gather with the healing sounds of singing bowls in the forest and explore the sounds of […]
Nature Noises
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Relax and enjoy the sounds of nature as we sit around a campfire, tell stories, enjoy s’mores, and take a […]
Night Hike
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062An evening walk to learn about nocturnal animals at River Trail.
Kite Fest
Barrington Road Pond • Hoffman Estates, IL 60194In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, participate in all thing’s kites. Timed flying demonstration, crafts, and more.
Volunteer Workdays
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 10 & up; under 15 w/adult.
Nature Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Nature Block Party
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Join us for a day of celebration and exploration as we honor the incredible diversity of life at Eggers Grove.
Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Welcome Back, Cicadas!
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Welcome brood 13 of periodical cicadas. We will search for their emergence holes and learn how to identify good cicada […]
Teens and Turtles: Teen Exploration Day
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Teens will explore the world of turtles. Ages 13 & up.
Periodical Cicadas: Special Exhibit
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Periodical cicadas return to Northeastern Illinois. This special exhibit will help answer your buzzing questions about periodical cicadas.
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.