Dog Days of Summer
Beck Lake • Cook County, IL 60016 (near Des Plaines)Calling all dog lovers! Dog-themed offerings include adoption opportunities, canoe paddles, sniff walks, paw print Olympic medals, pictures, creative reuse […]
Calling all dog lovers! Dog-themed offerings include adoption opportunities, canoe paddles, sniff walks, paw print Olympic medals, pictures, creative reuse […]
Disc Golf Chicago and the Forest Preserves of Cook County have partnered to set up a temporary course at Schiller […]
Join the American Indian Center’s Cultural Ambassador in a game of chance using “moccasin-tops.” These interactive games are performed with […]
Week 1: Create a Self-Love Kit (Jun 8) Week 2: Peace and Drum Circle (Jun 22) Week 3: Sensory Experience […]
Create your own adventure with family and friends through music, nature play, games, artmaking, walks and more.
Join in an exclusive after-hours moonlit paddle through the Skokie Lagoons. Ages 8 and up.
Ages 18 and up.
Discover the secretive underground lives of our noisiest insects.
Talk and walk with us to learn about the specialized relationship between certain fungi and plants. Age 18 and up.
Learn more about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
Learn the different aspects of Capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial arts) on a basic level and in a safe environment. We will […]
Children ages 5-6 will enjoy three fun-filled days creating art inspired by the wonders of nature. Hike through the woods, […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3 to 6 with adult.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature with a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Ages 18 & up.
Do your part to help keep the forest preserves clean! Litter pick-up supplies are available for checkout. Grove 2.
Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Earn service hours and do your part to help keep the forest preserves clean! Litter pick-up supplies are available for […]
Learn how to build your birding kit, how to get started birding, and where to find resources. Great for beginners […]
Create land art, write a poem, and make tie dye using fruits and spices. Drop in.
We’ll review casting and other aspects of fly fishing, then we’ll jump into fishing with instruction and tips. Presented by […]
Sketch and paint a barn swallow. Materials provided. All skill levels welcome. Ages 13 & up.
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Discover the artistry of mosaics and collages by using nature to create a personal project.
Join us as we watch aerial artists hunt and fight for territory in awe-inspiring aerial displays. Includes a moderate 1-mile […]
Geared for experienced cyclists. BYO bike/helmet. 16 miles.
Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Re-plant the river and learn about water conservation with Friends of the Chicago River. Register at aanderson@chicagoriver.org.
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.