Events
Fridays in the Field
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
Craftpalooza
National Grove-South • North Riverside, IL 60546Kids, get creative! Help decorate a large canvas with stamps, paint and markers. Presented in partnership with the North Riverside […]
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Bilingual Community Series/ Serie de la Comunitaria Bilingüe
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Join Friends of the Forest Preserves for an early morning adventure to admire the local trees. Únase a Friends of […]
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Closed toed shoes and long […]
Pedal the Preserves: Ride IL
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Fun, family-friendly bike ride led by experienced guides. Bikes/helmets provided.
A Closer Look: Magnifier and Microscope Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Explore the tiny secrets of the woods as we examine plants and small animals both on our walk and in […]
The Jewels of Mexico
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Did you know there are over 50 species of hummingbirds in Mexico? An indoor presentation about hummingbirds’ legend and cultural […]
Sunrise Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a “before hours” walk to experience the dawning of a new day.
Morning Mugs with a Naturalist
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Nature conversations with a naturalist. BYO-mug and we’ll provide the beverages.
Wee Wonders
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Wellness Days at Kickapoo
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Canceled Walk & Talk Hike
Sundown Meadow • Countryside, IL 60525Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Story Time in Polish
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich […]
Wellness Days at Whistler
Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Wee Wonders
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Teen Exploration Day: Archery
Bremen Grove • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Designed for all teens. Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery.
Thursdays in the Field
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. Drop in.
Adaptative Adventures: Kayaking & Climbing
Powderhorn Lake • Burnham, IL 60633Embrace adventure through kayaking and rock climbing opportunities specially tailored for people of all ages with a primary physical disability. […]
Thursdays in the Field
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Celebrate Indigenous Plant Knowledge: 3 Sisters Garden and More Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. […]
Nature Discovery Day
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Drop in for a fun afternoon of kids’ yoga, guided walks, art making, kite flying and more.
Canceled History of the Lagoons Paddle
Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Explore the uniqueness of Skokie Lagoons by way of water. Equipment provided. In partnership with Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.
Canceled Nature Book Club: Eating Animals by J.S. Foer
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for a lively discussion at Trailside Museum of this book, about consuming meat vs. vegetarianism in the modern […]
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Nature Discovery Day
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Drop in for a fun afternoon of nature discovery. We’ll have nature games, disc golf, art making, kite flying and […]
Movies in the Parks
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Sit under the stars and enjoy a family film at Elgin’s own beautiful Forest Preserve! BYO-blanket and bug spray. Refreshments […]
Summer Shakeout
Orland Grassland South • Cook County, IL 60467 (near Orland Park)Enjoy a 1.6-mile walk or run through the prairie.
Hummingbird Fest
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes.
Walk & Talk Hike
St. Mihiel Woods-East • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
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
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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.