Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Join Friends of the Forest Preserves for an early morning adventure to admire the local trees. Únase a Friends of […]
Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Closed toed shoes and long […]
Fun, family-friendly bike ride led by experienced guides. Bikes/helmets provided.
Explore the tiny secrets of the woods as we examine plants and small animals both on our walk and in […]
Did you know there are over 50 species of hummingbirds in Mexico? An indoor presentation about hummingbirds’ legend and cultural […]
Join us for a “before hours” walk to experience the dawning of a new day.
Nature conversations with a naturalist. BYO-mug and we’ll provide the beverages.
Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Designed for all teens. Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery.
Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. Drop in.
Embrace adventure through kayaking and rock climbing opportunities specially tailored for people of all ages with a primary physical disability. […]
Celebrate Indigenous Plant Knowledge: 3 Sisters Garden and More Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. […]
Drop in for a fun afternoon of kids’ yoga, guided walks, art making, kite flying and more.
Explore the uniqueness of Skokie Lagoons by way of water. Equipment provided. In partnership with Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.
Join us for a lively discussion at Trailside Museum of this book, about consuming meat vs. vegetarianism in the modern […]
University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Drop in for a fun afternoon of nature discovery. We’ll have nature games, disc golf, art making, kite flying and […]
Sit under the stars and enjoy a family film at Elgin’s own beautiful Forest Preserve! BYO-blanket and bug spray. Refreshments […]
Enjoy a 1.6-mile walk or run through the prairie.
Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Disc Golf Chicago and the Forest Preserves of Cook County have partnered to set up a temporary course at Miller […]
Week 1: Create a Self-Love Kit (Jun 8) Week 2: Peace and Drum Circle (Jun 22) Week 3: Sensory Experience […]
Spend time with other teenagers in the community, experiencing nature by learning about local plants and animals, and socializing on […]
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.