Events
Wee Wonders
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through music, movement, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Mar 13: Gold Hunt Apr 10: Butterflies May […]
Camping 101
Camp Reinberg • Palatine, IL 60074Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills.
Walk & Talk
Camp Pine Woods • Cook County, IL 60056 (near Mount Prospect)Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Crafternoon
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Let nature inspire art! Try your hand at different crafts suitable for people of all abilities.
Nature Workshop: Embroidery
Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center • Chicago, IL 60646Learn of the native plants while developing basic embroidery skills. Supplies provided.
Bird Painting Workshop Step-by-Step: Goldfinch
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305All skill levels welcome. Materials provided. Ages 15 & up.
Camping Leadership Immersion Course
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Overnight training course to learn skills needed to plan and lead group camping trips. Covers safety, day-hiking, tent and stove-set […]
Fishing Derby
Papoose Lake • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing. Prizes awarded.
Animal Origami
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Observe bird feeder activity as we make origami animals such as bunnies, insects and birds, including your own favorite animal!
ENTICE Workshop: The Wonderful World of Lichens
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, explore the world of lichens by learning about this symbiotic partnership. […]
Walk & Talk
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East • Oak Forest, IL 60452Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Fitness Hike
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Supplies provided. Age 17 and up w/adult.
Teen Exploration Day: Service-Learning Hours
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634High school students: learn why it’s important to keep natural spaces free of trash. Help pick up litter and earn […]
Map & Compass Walk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn how to use a map and compass, then practice on a 1.5-mile walk.
Arab American Heritage Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480In partnership with UIC Arab American Cultural Center and Arab American Family Services, have fun learning about Arab American culture […]
Naturalist’s Choice
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Come visit to see what we came up with.
Accessible Wildflower Walk
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439This leisurely walk will highlight wildflowers along a paved driveway.
Bone Appetit in Spanish
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Únase a nosotros durante la hora de comer para aprender sobre los animales embajadores de Trailside. Sin registracion necessario.
Tuesdays are for the Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we seek out spring migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Canceled Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Explore the wonders of nature with fellow seniors!
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
International Bat Appreciation Folktale and Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a folktale recited by a librarian from the LaGrange Park Library as we walk and discuss the […]
Family Bird Walk
Erickson Woods • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Start with a DIY binoculars craft then try it out while on a guided bird walk.
Thursdays In the Field – Drop In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join IL Ext. Master Naturalists for fun nature and inquiry-based activities.
Creative Sustainability Workshop
Possum Hollow Woods • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Make chemical-free cleaning supplies, lavender pouches, and native seed bombs. Ages 10 & up.
Earth Day Cleanup
Jerome Huppert Woods • River Grove, IL 60171Celebrate Earth Day by doing your part in helping clean up litter in the Preserves. Supplies provided for check out.
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
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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.