Events
Story Trail
Catherine Chevalier Woods • Chicago, IL 60656Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, experience a story unfold along a short trail. A craft is available to take home upon […]
Story Trail
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by experiencing a story unfold along a short trail. A craft is available to take home […]
Thursdays in the Field Drop In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Drop in at Trailside on the 3rd Thursday of each month to connect to nature through fun themed activities for […]
Teen Exploration Day: Paleontology Mystery
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646Learn the science behind the study of fossils. Participate in a simulated fossil hunt to shed light on a 12,000-year-old […]
Teen Exploration Day: Crafternoon
Bremen Grove • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Use nature to inspire art and try your hand at a variety of arts and crafts. Ages 13-19.
Little Red Rocks
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Perform or listen to music and poetry during an open-mic night at sunset.
Teen Exploration Days at Sand Ridge
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us after hours each month for fun activities. Spanish speakers welcome! Ages 13-18.
Food is Medicine: A Small Taste of Native America
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Participate in the American Indian Center's Food is Medicine event with the resident chef, who will showcase a sampling of […]
Fall Equinox Walk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate the coming equinox with a 1.5-mile walk.
River Trail Nightlife: Night Walk
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Learn about nocturnal animals. Register by 9/17. Cost: $5/person. Ages 8 & up.
Party for the Preserves: Litter Clean-up
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010In honor of National CleanUp Day, help care for our natural world. Drop in anytime and pick up supplies for […]
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.