The Science of Snow
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn about the winter season, how snowflakes form and how snow can keep you warm through hands-on indoor and outdoor […]
Learn about the winter season, how snowflakes form and how snow can keep you warm through hands-on indoor and outdoor […]
Kids and families can walk a short, looped trail in a fun test of human versus animal abilities! Prize awarded […]
Calling all creatives! Join us for our themed sessions as we explore printmaking.
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
View the glass mosaic art and chat with local mosaic artist Judy Steed at the official opening of her show […]
Hang out by the fire with friends and enjoy a sweet treat. S’mores supplies provided.
View the constellations and hear their mythical tales while enjoying a treat around the campfire.
Teens and families, give back this MLK day. Join us for a litter clean-up in celebration of Martin Luther King, […]
Participate in restoration, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and warm up with hot beverages. Ages 10 & […]
Explore the Preserves via snowshoe! If conditions are not favorable for snowshoeing (4” or more of packed snow), hikes and […]
Believe it or not, some insects are active through the winter. Search for these cold-hardy survivors. Ages 14 & up. […]
Woodpeckers are well adapted for their environment. Join us for a short presentation and a stroll to observe these wonderful […]
Únase a nosotros durante la hora de comer para aprender sobre los animales embajadores de Trailside.
Stop by the nature center to participate in a self-led litter pick-up. Garbage bags and disposable gloves available.
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service. Join us for an afternoon of litter clean-up, crafts […]
Learn what it takes to keep our forest healthy and participate in a day of service. S’mores provided.
Put on some gloves and join us in removing invasive species. Tools, eye protection provided. Children 8 & up w/adult. […]
Give items a second life by turning them into an ornament, decoration or birdfeeder. Learn how to extend the life […]
Give items a second life by turning them into an ornament, decoration or birdfeeder. Learn to extend the life of […]
Explore the beauty of nature through watercolor painting. Drop-in is available for additional watercolor activities.
Sketch and paint a 9x12 canvas of a dark-eyed junco using acrylic paints. Ages 13 & up
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.
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.