Events
Wellness Days at Whistler
Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
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 […]
Storytime & Picnic
Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Listen to a nature-themed book read aloud by North Riverside Public Library, followed by an activity. Stay after for a […]
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 in the natural world. Ages […]
Camping & Cooking 101
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480This 2-hour workshop covers camping and outdoor cooking basics. Camping and cooking gear provided. All ages.
Without Limits: Adventure for All
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Enjoy climbing and kayaking in this program specially designed for individuals with a primary physical disability or visual impairment.
Night of the Frogs/ Noche de las Ranas
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join our bilingual night walk to hear seasonal frog calls and other nocturnal creatures. Spanish native speakers encouraged! Ages 16 […]
Senior Nature Collaging
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join local artist, Phyllis Frick, in making collages of plants, animals and landscapes. Ages 55 and up.
Frog Frenzy
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Hear who is croaking in the night. Ages 7 and up.
Pedal the Preserves
Miami Woods • Morton Grove, IL 60053Learn bicycle basics, simple maintenance, and safe riding skills then explore the North Branch Trail. Family-friendly. Limited loaner bikes upon request. In […]
Nature Wellness Walk
Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)Reconnect with nature. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during a leisurely walk. Grove 6.
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Closed toed shoes and long […]
Self-Love in Nature
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Week 1: Create a Self-Love Kit (Jun 8) Week 2: Peace and Drum Circle (Jun 22) Week 3: Sensory Experience […]
Beaubien Woods Celebration
Beaubien Woods • Chicago, IL 60827Join us for archery, canoeing, and more.
Sunrise Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a “before hours” walk to experience the dawning of a new day.
Rocks on the Beach: Great Lakes Geology 101
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy a presentation that highlights how beachcombing for rocks on the shore of Lake Michigan provides a window into the […]
Wee Wonders
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Wellness Days at Kickapoo
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Fitness Hike
Sunset Bridge Meadow • River Grove, IL 60171Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Small Serendipity
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3 to 6 with adult.
Walk & Talk Hike: LGBTQ2S+ Environmentalists
LaBagh Woods • Chicago, IL 60630Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Wellness Days at Whistler
Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Wee Wonders
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Gone Fishin’ Day Camp
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Spend a day investigating fish and their habitat, making fish crafts, and learning how to cast. On the second day, […]
Teen Exploration Day: River Kayaking 101
Schuth’s Grove • Cook County, IL 60546 (near Riverside)Learn how to kayak on moving water. Class includes a 3-mile trip down the Des Plaines River. Instruction, equipment, kayaks […]
Rise of the Cicada
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646Learn about the once-in-a-lifetime double-brood cicada emergence and participate in cicada-themed activities.
Nesting Bird Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Busse Lake Outdoors Day & Fishing Derby
Busse Lake Boating Center • Cook County, IL 60007 (near Elk Grove Village)The whole family is invited for a day of outdoor fun! Free fishing derby, tree climb, nature play, animal encounters, […]
Juneteenth Celebration
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate freedom, family and country with various activities, presentations, performances and exhibits highlighting Black history, arts and culture.
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.