Creative Sustainability Workshop
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Give items a second life by turning them into an ornament, decoration or birdfeeder. Learn to extend the life of […]
Events
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Winter Workshop: Watercolors
Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center • Chicago, IL 60646Explore the beauty of nature through watercolor painting. Drop-in is available for additional watercolor activities.
Bird Painting Workshop Step-by-Step: Dark-eyed Junco
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Sketch and paint a 9x12 canvas of a dark-eyed junco using acrylic paints. Ages 13 & up
$5
Bird and Bagel Bird Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305We’ll observe bird feeder action while noshing on bagels and coffee inside the Museum, then head outdoors for a guided […]
Freeze Frames
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Use your camera to observe nature on a guided photography walk. All levels and camera types. Ages 13 & up.
Walk & Talk
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East • Oak Forest, IL 60452For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Fitness Hike
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Restoration and S’mores
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Help staff remove invasive plants through a brush pile burn and treat yourself to s’mores. Ages 10 & up.
Skier 101
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Come with all your cross-country ski questions! Find your answers by attending this crash course before hitting the snow. Weather […]
Salamanders
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join us for an indoor presentation as we investigate amazing and unique salamanders and their importance in local ecosystems. Ages 12 & up.
A “Winters” Night
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us for a guided walk in the dark woods and learn about nocturnal animals.
$3
Coffee and Feeders
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Bring your favorite coffee with you and enjoy watching the bird feeders from inside our newly renovated exhibit room.
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
Sign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
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.