Events
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 […]
I am a Scientist
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries. Ages 4 & up w/adult.
Canceled Walk and Talk: Chicago Portage National Historic Site
Chicago Portage National Historic Site • Lyons, IL 60402Walk & Talk hikes are for curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. […]
Arab American Heritage Walk
Wolf Road Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Take a 1.5 looped walk around Tomahawk Slough, stopping to read and learn about the Arab American community and their […]
Forest Therapy
Camp Reinberg • Palatine, IL 60074Awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature. Ages 18 & up.
Wellness in the Woods: Bike Ride
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Bring your own bike and helmet and join us on a guided ride. ~ 5 miles.
Woodcock Watch
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for an evening on the prairie to enjoy male woodcock’s arial sky dance. Ages 10 & up.
Woodcock Walk at Wolf Road Prairie
Wolf Road Prairie • Cook County, IL 60154 (near Westchester)Witness the amazing spring courtship flight of the male woodcock bird.
2nd Annual Trash Bash
Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)Get inspired to do some spring cleaning at home, and we'll help keep the things you no longer need out […]
Head in the Clouds
Facebook Live from Sagawau Environmental Learning CenterWant to know more about clouds? Learn all about cloud science. Tune in to Sagawau’s Facebook page.
Canceled Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Venture out on our scenic trails for a 3- to 4-mile hike.
Woodcock Watch
Country Lane Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Join us as we listen and watch the magical courtship display of the male woodcock.
Prime Real Estate
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Watch our stewardship of cavity-nesting birds, then observe tree swallows compete for their homes.
Build a Beehouse Workshop
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Support your gardens by building a beehouse for local native pollinators.
Animal Track Hunt
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Whose tracks are in the mud? Join us for the hunt and learn about tracks along the trails.
Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam!
Partial Solar Eclipse
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Use our scope and sun viewers to watch the eclipse safely.
Spectacular Partial Solar Eclipse
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Watch this rare natural phenomenon here! Telescopes ready for viewing.
Solar Eclipse Viewing
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about a partial solar eclipse and view the eclipse through a special solar telescope and eclipse glasses (weather permitting).
Tuesdays are for the Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we seek out spring migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Fitness Hike
Country Lane Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
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.
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.