Camping 101
Camp Dan Beard • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with the nature and the Preserves. Certified Forest Therapy guide. Ages 18 & […]
Join us at Trailside to discuss "The Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. For adults,
Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more. Experience the captivating artistry of international, award-winning bilingual storyteller […]
Join us for a book discussion about “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Humans have many uses for plants, and on Veterans Day, we will observe how they were used in the military.
Where do bumble bee queens overwinter? Join us on a search for dormant queens.
Let nature inspire your creativity. Join in on various nature-themed arts and crafts projects. Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion.
Come out and bring your best skating skills and routines, or just roll along to the music. We welcome you […]
Learn about Chicago’s ancient history through indoor fossil presentations followed by a visit to the fossil reserve quarry.
Learn how local nature adjusts to the changing seasons and prepare for winter.
Learn about the birds of prey ambassador animals as they enjoy their lunch!
Learn about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
Join us for a “scary” folktale recited by a LaGrange Park Library librarian during a walk under the darkest day […]
Learn about the basics of knitting and simple techniques through a tutorial led by staff. Supplies provided. Ages 13 & […]
View a screening of “Monty and Rose,” the true story of a pair of endangered piping plovers who beat the […]
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Participants under 16 must be accompanied […]
Webinar teaching skills to begin to learn to identify local bird songs.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Celebrate National Take a Hike Day by hitting the trail with a naturalist on a 5-mile hike.
Celebrate National Take a Hike Day with an evening stroll. Walk is 3.4 miles on a paved loop.
Enjoy a nocturnal walk followed by relaxing time by a fire.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Put on some gloves and join us to remove invasive species. Tools and eye protection provided. Ages 8 & up. […]
Come along for a tour of the Sag Valley to observe and interpret its geologic formations. Participants will drive their […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Celebrate the rich heritage of the Calumet region. On this day, we will collaborate with various partner organizations that host […]
Come learn about America’s history of wildfire management and how a little bear influenced the whole nation.
Earn your service hours while helping the environment. Ages 13–17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn about the different attributes that make owls unique and fascinating.
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.