Walk & Talk
Willow Springs Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Individuals with physical disabilities and their friends and families are invited to explore nature through adaptive cycling and rock wall […]
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills. All ages.
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with the nature and the Preserves. Led by a Certified Forest Therapy guide. […]
Sketch and paint. For both beginners and more experienced artists. All materials provided.
Help biologists understand bird populations and species diversity in our area by joining the Fall Migratory Bird BioBlitz! During the […]
Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing.
Collect prairie seeds with us and learn about the story of the prairie. Ages 12 & up.
Are you wanting an event to reconnect with nature and explore the beautiful colors of fall? Come to a wonderful […]
Bring the whole family to spend time outside and have fun with activities, a nature scavenger hunt and more.
Watch this rare natural phenomenon here!
Join us (if the sun is shining) to view a partial solar eclipse! We will have special telescope set up […]
Participate in a canoe trip, fishing, archery, Dia de los Muertos-themed pumpkin painting, nature play, and Bach-to-Rock music. The rain […]
Join us for a presentation comparing mammals found in Cook County with some of the mammals found in South Korea.
Join naturalists as they discuss three innovations in earth science, and how they can help us understand our local geoscience.
Listen to the hypnotic digital sounds of nature by DJ Q and Bennie while roasting s’mores and hotdogs over a […]
Celebrate the season with a special day of autumn fun, entertainment, beekeeping demonstrations, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! […]
Individuals with physical disabilities and their friends and families can explore nature through adaptive cycling and rock wall climbing. In […]
Connect to nature through fun themed activities for adults and kids. Hosted by Univ of IL Extension volunteers.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Forest therapy opens the gateway for creativity and a deepened relationship with self and the natural world. Led by certified […]
Look for the changing colors on a 3.4-mile walk. Color scavenger hunts for the little ones provided.
Get your conservation blood pumping as we do some invasive brush removal along the nature center trails. We will have […]
Medals awarded to winners of professionally juried competitive MC’ing, DJ’ing, Dance, Visual Art, Knowledge and Quintathlon categories. Registration starts at […]
Bring your friends to compete in an orienteering competition. Prizes will be awarded.
Learn about local reptiles and meet some scaly Animal Ambassadors.
Learn why trees drop their leaves and the cause of leaf color change.
Family-friendly activities including pumpkin painting and bowling, ring toss, leaf rubbings, fall-themed obstacle course, and more. In partnership with Jerome […]
In partnership with the Village of Palos Park, this 5k/10k trail race takes you through the forest preserves.
Take a guided walk in the woods in celebration of Polish American Heritage Month.
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.