Stairs, Stories & S’mores
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Families, drop in and challenge yourself by climbing to the top of Swallow Cliff stairs. Then, try the story trail, […]
Families, drop in and challenge yourself by climbing to the top of Swallow Cliff stairs. Then, try the story trail, […]
Make a festive birdseed wreath to help our feathered friends this winter! Materials provided. Ages 13 & up.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
A Certified Forest Therapy guide will help you awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature. Ages 18 & […]
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
Walk a short trail and read the posted story, then pick up a craft and activity bag.
A guided walk on our trails to search for local owls. Ages 8 & up.
Help brush back the ski trails. Ages 10 & up. Weather dependent.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Borrow a pair of our snowshoes, help with litter pickup, warm up by a fire and play in the snow!
Bring the family on a guided hike to discover where our local animals will spend the winter.
Join us for an indoor presentation to learn about unique adaptations of owls that make them silent, skilled nocturnal hunters.
Enjoy a leisurely nature hike with stops at feeding stations to observe birds’ amazing winter behaviors.
Join us as we celebrate the beginning of winter with a large bonfire, artmaking, nature walks and more.
Listen for owls as part of the annual Christmas Bird Count with John Elliott from the Chicago Bird Alliance. Ages […]
Join us and a special guest for a talk about owls.
Get to know the Forest Preserves! Learn about the Forest Preserves while taking a slow hike.
School is out! Join us for fun and adventure during winter break. Snowshoeing hikes, tracking, shelter building and other winter […]
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a potluck and s’mores by the campfire.
A self-guided candlelit walk through our woods will delight visitors as we celebrate the shortest day of the year.
Celebrate the longest night of the year with an evening lantern walk. All ages.
Join us for an up-close look at the brave birds staying local during winter at our feeders. Hot chocolate provided.
In this instructor-led course, create a painting inspired by nature. All materials provided. Ages 15 and up.
Seven days of music and nature-based activities following the seven principles: Day 1: Dec 26 - Umoja (Unity) Day 2: […]
Get creative and learn some new skills. Projects will include woodburning, painting and fiber arts. Ages 9-13 & families.
For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Enjoy the Preserves on snowshoes then learn different methods for fire building outdoors and make s’mores! Snowshoes provided; 4” of […]
Bring the family on a walk to see what is happening above, within, and beneath the snow.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Learn about ABA birding ethics and how to ensure other people—and most importantly birds—are minimally impacted during your trip.
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.