Jack O’Lantern Trail
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Enjoy a night walk on our trails lit with carved pumpkins. Register for a time slot.
Enjoy a night walk on our trails lit with carved pumpkins. Register for a time slot.
Enjoy some spooky storytelling around the campfire. Ages 8 & up.
Sponsored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with plenty of candy.
Let’s take a stroll through the woods and watch squirrels and chipmunks busily stocking their larders for survival through winter.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, stop inside to learn about Mesoamerican tradition and view our alter dedicated to […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Celebrate the history of Día de los Muertos on a guided hike.
Take a stroll and learn the origin of the name Sauk Woods. Walk is 3.4 miles on a paved loop.
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop will focus on coyote ecology and behavior related to […]
For teachers/youth educators! DHLT gives you all the tools to take groups out into the preserves for the day.
Visit the bird feeding stations and hike along a nature trail to observe birds during the fall season.
Join us for a free family-friendly event to celebrate el Día de los Muertos at Eggers Grove. There will be […]
In partnership with Saint Kateri Center of Chicago, listen to storytelling, take a night hike, make a s’more, view stars, […]
Come join the Forest Preserves of Cook County at Go Ape for an unforgettable autumn experience complete with local vendors, […]
Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family-friendly bike. Loaner bikes available.
Get inspired by the colors of the season as we paint tree cookies and make art with fallen leaves. All […]
“Monty and Rose 2: The World of Monty and Rose” is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the […]
Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam by playing or listening.
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with the nature and the Preserves. Certified Forest Therapy guide. Ages 18 & […]
Join us at Trailside to discuss "The Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. For adults,
Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more. Experience the captivating artistry of international, award-winning bilingual storyteller […]
Join us for a book discussion about “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Humans have many uses for plants, and on Veterans Day, we will observe how they were used in the military.
Where do bumble bee queens overwinter? Join us on a search for dormant queens.
Let nature inspire your creativity. Join in on various nature-themed arts and crafts projects. Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion.
Come out and bring your best skating skills and routines, or just roll along to the music. We welcome you […]
Learn about Chicago’s ancient history through indoor fossil presentations followed by a visit to the fossil reserve quarry.
Learn how local nature adjusts to the changing seasons and prepare for winter.
Learn about the birds of prey ambassador animals as they enjoy their lunch!
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.