Intro to Mountain Biking
Wolf Road Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Learn and practice riding techniques, including body and pedal position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending, and navigating minor obstacles on the […]
Learn and practice riding techniques, including body and pedal position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending, and navigating minor obstacles on the […]
Learn more about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
Grab your camera and explore Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve with us.
Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Spend time with other teenagers in the community, experiencing nature by learning about local plants and animals, and socializing on […]
Parasitoids inspired one of horror’s greatest icons, the xenomorph from the “Alien” franchise. Learn how the ecology of these insects […]
Venture out on our scenic trails for a guided 3- to 4-mile walk.
Become an amateur paleontologist and learn how to discover fossils in your own backyard while learning about the past. Ages […]
Join us as we dip our nets in the water and scoop up our discoveries! Equipment provided. Ages 5 to […]
Nature is more than just green, join us on a 1.4-mile guided walk.
Wonder what species of bats live in our area? Using bat monitors, we will seek out these flying mammals while […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Children ages 8-9 will immerse themselves in nature through hiking, field experiments and hands-on wildlife discovery. Snacks provided. Registration opens […]
Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3 to 6 with adult.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Walk a short, looped trail and experience a story unfolding with every step. Onsite activities will be provided. Grove 7. […]
Bring your little one for open nature play time. Enjoy the Dan Ryan Woods Nature Play space while helping your […]
This 2-hour workshop covers camping and outdoor cooking basics. Camping and cooking gear provided. All ages.
Presentation and walk to learn how to identify fireflies.
Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
The Forest Preserves District of Cook County and University of Illinois Extension staff are collaborating on this special event. The […]
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
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.