Events
Mnidoons Giizis Oohg (Little Spirit Moon)
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634November is recognized as the “Twelfth Moon of Creation” (a time of healing) by the Ojibwe people. Join the American […]
Be a Better Birder: Identifying Bird Songs
Zoom PresentationLearn how to identify local bird songs.
Walk and Talk
Spears 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 […]
Owl Prowl
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010WHoo’s calling out in the dark of night? Listen for owls. Ages 10 & up.
Fitness Hike
Cermak Woods • Lyons, IL 60534Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Fire for the Forest
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn about the benefits of prescribed burns and explore the equipment used while we take a 1-mile walk.
Restoration Workday
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Help protect our natural areas by collecting seeds or removing invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 8 & up w/ adult. […]
Sand Ridge: Calumet Heritage Day
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we explore the heritage of the Calumet region with guided walks, regional activities and displays.
Winter Bird Feeding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for a discussion on attracting birds to your yard using feeders and plantings.
Teen Exploration Day: Rock Climbing
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Come and test your nerves by climbing our rock wall. Adult supervision required. Ages 13 & 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.
Bone Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor animal ambassadors.
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.
Owls: Who are your neighbors?
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about this group of nocturnal birds through an indoor presentation and discussion.
Knock, Knock! Who’s there?
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Our native woodpeckers, that’s who! Learn about their adaptations, make your own feeder, and go on a binocular hunt.
Changing Seasons
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Don’t be a turkey. Learn how nature adapts to the changing seasons and prepares for winter.
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.
Fitness Hike
Pioneer Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
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 […]
Weekly Caldwell Woods Wellness Center Programming
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646An exciting new program will take place every Thursday! Check fpdcc.com for weekly offerings including time, age appropriateness, and other […]
Walk off that Turkey
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Rustle through the fallen leaves on a guided 1-mile fitness walk.
Annual Turkey Trot Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk off that extra helping of turkey and stuffing on this annual post-holiday walk.
We’re ‘Owl’ Ears!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us for an early morning walk as we keep our eyes and ears open for signs of owls!
Ecological Restoration Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work by helping to restore habitat. Equipment provided.
Feed the Birds
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about the best bird foods, feeders, and landscape elements to benefit our resident winter birds. You will even make […]
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.
Ecological Restoration Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work by helping to restore habitat. Equipment provided.
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.
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.