Cicada Celebration
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473This year’s cicada emergence is a once-in-a-lifetime event! Join us for crafts, games and refreshments and learn what makes this […]
This year’s cicada emergence is a once-in-a-lifetime event! Join us for crafts, games and refreshments and learn what makes this […]
Engage in creative, imaginative, and child-directed, outdoor free-play as a family. In partnership with The Alliance for Early Childhood and BackYard Nature Center.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Celebrate all things Forest Preserves at Daley Plaza. We’ll be there with partners and information about all the exciting things […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Listen to a nature-themed book read aloud by North Riverside Public Library, followed by an activity. Stay after for a […]
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
This 2-hour workshop covers camping and outdoor cooking basics. Camping and cooking gear provided. All ages.
Enjoy climbing and kayaking in this program specially designed for individuals with a primary physical disability or visual impairment.
Join our bilingual night walk to hear seasonal frog calls and other nocturnal creatures. Spanish native speakers encouraged! Ages 16 […]
Join local artist, Phyllis Frick, in making collages of plants, animals and landscapes. Ages 55 and up.
Hear who is croaking in the night. Ages 7 and up.
Learn bicycle basics, simple maintenance, and safe riding skills then explore the North Branch Trail. Family-friendly. Limited loaner bikes upon request. In […]
Reconnect with nature. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during a leisurely walk. Grove 6.
Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Closed toed shoes and long […]
Week 1: Create a Self-Love Kit (Jun 8) Week 2: Peace and Drum Circle (Jun 22) Week 3: Sensory Experience […]
Join us for archery, canoeing, and more.
Join us for a “before hours” walk to experience the dawning of a new day.
Enjoy a presentation that highlights how beachcombing for rocks on the shore of Lake Michigan provides a window into the […]
Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3 to 6 with adult.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Spend a day investigating fish and their habitat, making fish crafts, and learning how to cast. On the second day, […]
Learn how to kayak on moving water. Class includes a 3-mile trip down the Des Plaines River. Instruction, equipment, kayaks […]
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.