Events
Hispanic Heritage Month Paddling Celebration
Powderhorn Lake • Burnham, IL 60633Bring the celebration outdoors to the Calumet region and paddle at Powderhorn Lake. All ages.
We are All Connected/Todos estamos conectados
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join us for a guided bilingual nature walk exploring how all of nature is interconnected, including us. Únase a nosotros […]
Birds of Prey
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Meet one of our raptors and learn what makes these winged hunters so unique.
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Tuesdays are for the Birds!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we seek out fall migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Wildlife Connections
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds from the residents of Misericordia - Heart of […]
Senior Fitness Walks in Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a moderately paced, one mile fitness walks in beautiful Thatcher Woods. Led by senior Roberta Jannsen, […]
ADA Trail Walk
Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)Enjoy a guided walk on 1.7-mile paved trail with resting points throughout. Wheelchair accessible; open to all. Presented with Opportunity […]
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 & make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Weekly Caldwell Woods Wellness Center Programming
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646An exciting new program will take place every Thursday! Check fpdcc.com for weekly offerings including time, age appropriateness, and other […]
Story Trail
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by experiencing a story unfold along a short trail. A craft is available to take home […]
Archery
Dan Ryan Woods-Central • Chicago, IL 60620Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery. Ages 10 & up. Junior archery available for those […]
Qigong Under the Dark Sky
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn Qigong, a series of slow flowing movements and deep measured breaths, then walk in an Urban Night Sky Place.
Halloween Hoot and Howl
Keystone Park • River Forest, IL 60305Join our partners the River Forest Public Library and River Forest Park District for an evening of slightly spooky family […]
Fall Bird Walks
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us on a guided bird walk to see both resident and migratory birds, led by John Elliott of the […]
Pumpkinpalooza
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646Pumpkin painting, bowling, ring toss, leaf rubbing, fall-themed obstacle course, and more. Supplies limited. Presented with Jerome Witte, My Town Realty […]
Awe of Nature
Midlothian Meadows • Cook County, IL 60428Join The Nature Conservancy as they connect people to nature through environmental engagement and community partners.
Oak Ecology
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Walk under ancient oaks to learn about their natural history and why they are a keystone species.
Wellness Walks in Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a mindful and meditative guided nature walk in Thatcher Woods, led by Roberta Jannsen, Univ. of IL Extension volunteer, […]
Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Venture out on our scenic trails for a 3- to 4-mile guided walk.
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480We’re celebrating our 59th Annual Arts and Craft Fair! Art of all styles will be sold by artists inspired by […]
Autumn Voyagers
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn and observe who moves when winter approaches.
Nurtured by Nature
Harms Woods-Central • Cook County, IL 60077 (near Skokie)Join Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and others for a nature-centered day of wellness focusing on mental, physical, and emotional […]
Nature Detective
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062What happened here?! Learn how to look for clues to figure out nature’s mysteries.
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Tuesdays are for the Birds!
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we seek out fall migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Small Serendipity
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Nature stories and crafts. Children ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Wildlife Connections
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds from the residents of Misericordia - Heart of […]
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.