Bird and Bagel Bird Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305We’ll observe bird feeder action while noshing on bagels and coffee inside the Museum, then head outdoors for a guided […]
We’ll observe bird feeder action while noshing on bagels and coffee inside the Museum, then head outdoors for a guided […]
Use your camera to observe nature on a guided photography walk. All levels and camera types. Ages 13 & up.
For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Help staff remove invasive plants through a brush pile burn and treat yourself to s’mores. Ages 10 & up.
Come with all your cross-country ski questions! Find your answers by attending this crash course before hitting the snow. Weather […]
Join us for an indoor presentation as we investigate amazing and unique salamanders and their importance in local ecosystems. Ages 12 & up.
Join us for a guided walk in the dark woods and learn about nocturnal animals.
Bring your favorite coffee with you and enjoy watching the bird feeders from inside our newly renovated exhibit room.
Join a naturalist as we discover several ways to identify trees in winter. Ages 18 & up. Weather dependent.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
This program is great for beginners who want to learn about building a birding kit, techniques and finding resources.
Discover Crabtree at night by the light of the Wolf Moon. Ages 8 & up.
Walk a short trail and read the posted story, then pick up a craft and activity bag.
Be inspired by the winter landscape and create pieces of art using woodburning or pyrography techniques and watercolor paints. BYOB. […]
Start your morning with birds and bagels! Enjoy a treat while observing local birds at our feeders. Bagels, light refreshments […]
Drop in to learn safe practices for fire building and containment, make fire-inspired art, build your own fire and roast […]
Learn what, why and how staff feed the great diversity of birds, fishes, reptiles and amphibians at the nature center.
Learn about ecological gems and the restoration process with volunteer site steward, Cathy Bloom. Ages 18 & up. Grove 6.
Celebrate the Danish tradition of coziness with hot chocolate and nature books.
Search our trails for the mighty snow flea and learn about other winter insects.
Walk with us on a short, 1.7-mile looped and paved trail with resting points throughout. Walk designed for people using […]
Will Sagawau Sam see his shadow on the ski trails this year? Ski by our outdoor exhibit to learn about […]
Learn about African-American skiers and the challenges faced in winter sports.
Learn about the amazing world of Ice Age Illinois through a series of family-oriented games and activities. Ages 5 & […]
Join a naturalist and explore the forest. We’ll investigate animal tracks, identify deciduous trees and observe the winter birds. Grove […]
Learn how different native animals survive during the colder winter months.
Enjoy a morning in the Preserves and learn the basics of photography using a smartphone.
Explore the Preserves via snowshoe! If conditions are not favorable for snowshoeing (4” or more of packed snow), hikes and […]
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.