Fall Color Walk (in Polish)
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Take a guided walk in the woods in celebration of Polish American Heritage Month.
Take a guided walk in the woods in celebration of Polish American Heritage Month.
Enjoy a guided walk to view and photograph seasonal nature. For all levels and camera types. Ages 13 & up.
Find all the hidden pumpkins on our Giants Hollow Trail during this fun scavenger hunt. Costumes encouraged but not required.
Mark the end of the paddling season with the Forest Preserves and enjoy one last trip on the water! All […]
“The Magic Stump” is a documentary short that tells the story of an Illinois tree stump that’s attracted a phenomenal […]
Learn about our oaks and their importance while taking a leisurely stroll.
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Carve a pumpkin while surrounded by the natural beauty within the Forest Preserves. Supplies provided.
Step up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities of birds.
Join a family-friendly evening with a cozy fire, s ’mores, a “spooky” story trail, star gazing, pumpkin painting and more. […]
Observe the ambassador animals, hike a trail, and warm up by a fire with hot chocolate. Ages 13 & up.
Join us for a short walk along some of our trails in search of “not-so-spooky” Sand Ridge residents; owls, bats […]
Enjoy a night walk on our trails lit with carved pumpkins. Register for a time slot.
Enjoy some spooky storytelling around the campfire. Ages 8 & up.
Sponsored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with plenty of candy.
Let’s take a stroll through the woods and watch squirrels and chipmunks busily stocking their larders for survival through winter.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, stop inside to learn about Mesoamerican tradition and view our alter dedicated to […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Celebrate the history of Día de los Muertos on a guided hike.
Take a stroll and learn the origin of the name Sauk Woods. Walk is 3.4 miles on a paved loop.
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop will focus on coyote ecology and behavior related to […]
For teachers/youth educators! DHLT gives you all the tools to take groups out into the preserves for the day.
Visit the bird feeding stations and hike along a nature trail to observe birds during the fall season.
Join us for a free family-friendly event to celebrate el Día de los Muertos at Eggers Grove. There will be […]
In partnership with Saint Kateri Center of Chicago, listen to storytelling, take a night hike, make a s’more, view stars, […]
Come join the Forest Preserves of Cook County at Go Ape for an unforgettable autumn experience complete with local vendors, […]
Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family-friendly bike. Loaner bikes available.
Get inspired by the colors of the season as we paint tree cookies and make art with fallen leaves. All […]
“Monty and Rose 2: The World of Monty and Rose” is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the […]
Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam by playing or listening.
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.