Events
Wee 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 […]
Women in Conservation Walk
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Join us for a 1.2-mile walk and discussion about women who have made significant contributions in the fields of conservation, […]
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. Ages 4 & up w/adult.
Forest Therapy
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646Awaken your senses and renew your bond with the nature. Ages 18 & up.
Outdoor Cooking
Camp Reinberg • Palatine, IL 60074Cooking outdoors is easy and fun! Learn how to prepare food both over a fire and on a stove. Ages […]
Starry Night Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us for a guided walk and night sky observations as we admire the stars and learn about astronomy.
Women’s Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305In celebration of Women’s Heritage Month, join us as we highlight conservation leader Isabel Bassett Wasson and her work and […]
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Supplies provided. Age 17 and up w/adult.
Wellness in the Woods: Nature as Your Stage
Beaubien Woods • Chicago, IL 60827Warm up with a quick walk on the trail then get down with dance.
Sap’s Rising
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple […]
Prehistoric Play Day
Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center • Chicago, IL 60646Learn about the amazing world of Ice Age Illinois with family-oriented games and activities. Ages 5 & up.
Zoo Adventure Passport! (ZAP!): Conservation Science Adventures
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Explore through play-based learning and discovery. In collaboration with Brookfield Zoo.
Sap’s Rising
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple […]
Star Watch & Walk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Star light, star bright, soak in the sounds and stars at Crabtree tonight.
Sap’s Rising
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple […]
Selfie Scavenger Hunt for Teens
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Drop in for a fun and unique scavenger hunt while discovering fascinating plants and animals.
Sap’s Rising
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple […]
National Girl Scout Birthday Evening Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy an evening walk through the woods. Open to all levels of Girl Scout Troops.
Wee Wonders
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through music, movement, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Mar 13: Gold Hunt Apr 10: Butterflies May […]
Bird Walk
McGinnis Slough • Orland Park, IL 60462Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds.
Woodworking with Invasives
Camp Reinberg • Palatine, IL 60074Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Weaving Workshop
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Create a small wall hanging art piece using natural materials. Supplies, instruction provided. Ages 10 & up, ages 10-17 w/adult. […]
Nature Hike and Journaling
Orland Grassland • Cook County, IL 60467 (near Orland Park)Hike and learn while enjoying the fun of drawing and writing. Create a journal or bring your own.
The Energy of Water: A Forest Therapy Walk
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Join us as we gather with a grounding exercise that explores the movement of water all around us. Participants will […]
Fitness Hike
Brezina Woods • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Walk & Talk: Women’s History in Conservation Walk
Plum Creek Meadow • Cook County, IL 60411 (near Chicago Heights)Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Fitness Hike
Midlothian Meadows • Cook County, IL 60428Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Restoration & S’mores!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Help restore our woodlands by cutting down invasive species and having a brush pile burn. Then enjoy s’mores and light […]
Sap’s Rising
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple […]
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
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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.