History Hike: Isabel Basset Wasson
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Explore Thatcher Woods while learning about the inspiring life of a local pioneering environmental educator. Ages 13 & up.
Explore Thatcher Woods while learning about the inspiring life of a local pioneering environmental educator. Ages 13 & up.
Celebrate the start of the winter season with a giant bonfire under the night sky. Enjoy winter craft and star […]
Drop in to learn the basics about winter bird feeding and pick up a do-it-yourself pinecone bird feeder craft.
Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate winter holiday traditions. Play with handmade toys, make a craft, and see what’s […]
An introduction to some practices that benefit overwintering pollinators in your garden.
Join a naturalist and learn how we care for our animals at the nature center. Ages 13-19.
Chcesz się dowiedzieć co jedzą zwierzęta w Trailside i jak się nimi opiekujemy? Zapraszamy na program!
Kids and families are invited to search for various natural items on a short-looped trail. Find all the treasure and […]
Join us at Thatcher Pavilion for a screening of “The Magic Stump” – the story of an Illinois tree stump […]
Enjoy an afternoon in the Preserves and learn the basics of photography using a smartphone.
Walk the trails with a candle lantern as you discover signs of nighttime forest activity.
Join us for a short presentation to learn about our local owls and observe them on the trail. Ages 12 […]
Families, drop in and challenge yourself by climbing to the top of Swallow Cliff stairs. Then, try the story trail, […]
Make a festive birdseed wreath to help our feathered friends this winter! Materials provided. Ages 13 & up.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
A Certified Forest Therapy guide will help you awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature. Ages 18 & […]
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
Walk a short trail and read the posted story, then pick up a craft and activity bag.
A guided walk on our trails to search for local owls. Ages 8 & up.
Help brush back the ski trails. Ages 10 & up. Weather dependent.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Borrow a pair of our snowshoes, help with litter pickup, warm up by a fire and play in the snow!
Bring the family on a guided hike to discover where our local animals will spend the winter.
Join us for an indoor presentation to learn about unique adaptations of owls that make them silent, skilled nocturnal hunters.
Enjoy a leisurely nature hike with stops at feeding stations to observe birds’ amazing winter behaviors.
Join us as we celebrate the beginning of winter with a large bonfire, artmaking, nature walks and more.
Listen for owls as part of the annual Christmas Bird Count with John Elliott from the Chicago Bird Alliance. Ages […]
Join us and a special guest for a talk about owls.
Get to know the Forest Preserves! Learn about the Forest Preserves while taking a slow hike.
School is out! Join us for fun and adventure during winter break. Snowshoeing hikes, tracking, shelter building and other winter […]
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.
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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.