Bone Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor resident animals.
Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor resident animals.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Learn birding basics in the warmth of our newly remodeled nature center.
Plant lovers unite! Native plant presentation followed by seed and plant sharing. All are welcome. Bring a mug; warm beverage […]
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Discover how to make your yard and home bird-friendly. Learn about bird feeders, types of foods, garden opportunities and more.
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
Build your own walking stick using buckthorn, an invasive species. Please bring your own work gloves. Ages 12 & up. […]
An outdoor workshop focusing on amazing winter scenes. Ages 13 & up.
Join us for a casual bird walk to observe our resident birds and their behavior. Binoculars available to borrow.
For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Activities to educate and celebrate the Lunar New Year–Year of the Dragon.
Presented by REI. During this class, our instructors will help you understand a topographic map, the proper use of your […]
Have you ever wondered how paleontologists study fossils? Visit our lab as we break down features of invertebrate fossils. Weather […]
Learn about the natural and individual histories and husbandry of our ambassador raptors.
Ski with wood skis and wool knickers to win a prize. Test your knowledge of the Birkebeiner Ski Race, answer […]
Bring the family on a walk on our scenic trails! We will discuss some of the amazing year-round residents of […]
Can you guess what animals have been visiting from the clues they’ve left behind? Learn about tracks, scat and more […]
Join a naturalist for a walk around Spears Woods on a quest to capture some magical winter photos.
Learn about the importance of Black environmentalists and how the Forest Preserves’ trails relate to the Underground Railroad Movement. Grove […]
Learn the basics of bird identification by identifying birds using size and shape as well as the lingo used by […]
Join us for our themed sessions as we explore pottery. Ages 13 & up.
Check out a pair of our snowshoes, help with litter pickup, warm up by a fire, and play in the […]
Embark on a self-guided exploration of the Underground Railroad route that traversed the Calumet Region during the mid-1800s. On Sunday, […]
Learn about the many benefits to you and to the environment of gardening using native plants in a Conservation@Home Zoom […]
Welcome back migrating birds by making a birdhouse just in time for spring nesting season. Ages 18 & up or […]
Learn about the importance of Black environmentalists and how the Forest Preserves’ trails relate to the Underground Railroad Movement.
Using a microscope, let’s go on a safari through the waters of Crabtree to see all the tiny creatures busily […]
Build your own walking stick using buckthorn. Please bring your own work gloves. Ages 12 & up.
Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
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.