Events
Connecting Newcomers to Nature
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Learn how nature helps refugees and immigrants heal from trauma. We'll explore how newcomer communities can connect with nature. To […]
Walk and Talk
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Fitness Hike
Orland Grassland • Cook County, IL 60467 (near Orland Park)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Equipment provided. Ages 17 & up.
Phone Photography
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Enjoy a guided walk to observe and photograph seasonal nature. For all levels and phone camera types. Register by 10/9. Ages 13 […]
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Join us to celebrate Native American culture. Listen to drumming, enjoy Native dancing, explore the Serpent Mounds, & more. Presented […]
Family Fun Day!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Bring the whole family to spend time outside and have fun with cooperative games, nature scavenger hunts, and more.
Quarries: Stories of Ancient Reef Discovery
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Celebrate Earth Science Week: Earth Science Everywhere by looking into the history of quarries and how it led to a […]
How to do Nothing for Overwintering Pollinators
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Find out best practices that support native pollinators.
Seed Collecting
Wolf Road Prairie • Cook County, IL 60154 (near Westchester)Collect prairie seed while learning about the significance and history of Wolf Road Prairie. Ages 12 & up.
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.
The Sounds Natural Series
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Enjoy art activities, food, music, and workshops. If interested in camping overnight, call (708) 868-0606.
The Sounds Natural Series
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Enjoy art activities, food, music, and workshops. If interested in camping overnight, call (708) 868-0606.
Sunrise Hike
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a “before hours” hike to experience the dawning of a new day.
Autumn Nature Walks
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for a guided walk as the autumn color intensifies. Family program.
Indigenous Environmentalists Walk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, enjoy a self-guided walk and learn about indigenous naturalists.
Fall Walk
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Spectacular fall colors to view while enjoying a casual walk in the woods.
Red Gate Woods
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Former Argonne scientist, Dave Dolak, will give a presentation. Then visit the site of the world’s first nuclear reactor on […]
Fall Walk
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Spectacular fall colors to view while enjoying a casual walk in the woods.
Meet Our Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn more about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
Beats in the Forests
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join Solidarity Studios to record forest sounds to use for making hip-hop beats. Beatmakers of all levels are welcome. Please […]
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.
Indigenous Environmentalists Walk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, enjoy a self-guided walk and learn about indigenous naturalists.
Bird painting Step-by-Step: Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305For beginners and intermediate artists. All materials provided. $5/person. Ages 18 & up.
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 […]
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, […]
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3-6 w/ adult; siblings welcome. Tickets on a […]
Conservation@Home Seed Swap & Plant Exchange
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Plant lovers unite! Native plant presentation followed by seed and plant sharing. All welcome. Bring a mug, warm beverages provided.
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.