Events

Walk and Talk: History of the Preserves

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 […]

Free

GPS Scavenger Hunt

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt.

Free

Fitness Hike

Brezina Woods • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)

Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]

Free
Event Series I am a Scientist

I am a Scientist

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment & make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]

Free

Camping 101

Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452

1.5-hour long workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.

Little Red Rocks

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

Perform or listen to music and poetry during an open-mic night at sunset. 

Free

Sagawau Bird Stories

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

Are you curious about birds? Enjoy the stories of common and rare birds found at Sagawau and in the Lemont […]

Free

Fishing Derby 

Horsetail 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.  

Free
Event Series Bird Walk

Fall Bird Walks

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Join us on a guided bird walk to see both resident and migratory birds, led by John Elliott of the […]

Free

Seeds and Stewardship

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Learn about seed dispersal techniques and spend time collecting native seed for our restoration areas. Come early and participate in […]

Free

Lunch with the Raptors

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Learn about Trailside’s outdoor birds of prey as they enjoy their lunch! Family program.

Free

Woodworking with Invasives

Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)

Build your own walking stick using buckthorn, an invasive species. Ages 12 & up.

Free

Walk and Talk: History of the Preserves

Deer Grove-East • Cook County, IL 60074 (near Palatine)

Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]

Free

Sunrise Hike

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

Join us for a “before hours” hike to experience the dawning of a new day. 

Free

Sunrise Hike

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

Join us for a “before hours” hike to experience the dawning of a new day. 

Free

Fossil Quarry Tour

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

Learn about Chicago’s ancient history through fossils. Indoor presentations followed by a visit to the fossil reserve quarry.

Free

Prescribed Fire

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

Ever wonder why we intentionally set fires in spring and fall? Come learn how prescribed fires help manage ecosystems.

Free