Busse Lake Outdoors Day & Fishing Derby
Busse Lake Boating Center • Cook County, IL 60007 (near Elk Grove Village)The whole family is invited for a day of outdoor fun! Free fishing derby, tree climb, nature play, animal encounters, […]
Juneteenth Celebration
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate freedom, family and country with various activities, presentations, performances and exhibits highlighting Black history, arts and culture.
MagiCicada Fest
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Celebrate the biggest party in 17 years! Make some noise with Brood XIII as you enjoy scheduled walks, presentations, exhibits, […]
Wellness in the Woods: Senior Fitness
Beaubien Woods • Chicago, IL 60827Get active outdoors with Gigi’s Fitness at Flatfoot Lake.
Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Rainbow Families
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate Pride Month and learn about different types of family arrangements in the animal kingdom.
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.
Juneteenth Paddling
Little Calumet Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60827 (near Riverdale)Experience the African American Heritage Water Trail.
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Come join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult
The Un-buried Treasure Hunt
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Pick up a treasure map then decode the clues along the trails to find the un-buried treasure.
Father’s Day Ramble
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join us for a summer walk.
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 Recreation
- Animal Encounter
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Astronomy
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Education
- Film
- Fishing
- Fitness
- Food & Beverage
- Games & Nature Play
- Gardening
- Hiking & Walking
- History & Culture
- Music
- Paddling
- Photography
- Senior
- Snow Sports
- Storytelling
- Sustainability
- Restoration
- 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.