Events
Walk and Talk
John Husar I&M Canal Bicycle Trail Parking Lot • Willow Springs, IL 60480For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Protecting the Nightscape: The Hows and Whys of Natural Darkness
Zoom PresentationDark nights are one of the most natural elements of life on Earth. Nearly every ecosystem depends on darkness as […]
Spring Wildflower Walk
St. Mihiel Woods-East • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Join a staff person as you search for unique spring wildflowers.
Walk & Talk: Quiet Walk
Carl R. Hansen Woods • Cook County, IL 60192 (near Schaumburg)Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Story Trail
Catherine Chevalier Woods • Chicago, IL 60656In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, experience a story unfold along a short trail. A craft is available to […]
Be a Better Birder: Intermediate Bird ID
Zoom PresentationStep up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities of birds.
Night Hike: Stars and Stories
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Join in and listen to the story "Under the Drinking Gourd" and learn the significance of why reading the stars […]
Nature Book Club: “An Immense World” by Ed Yong
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join a lively discussion of this book about animal senses. In partnership with Forest Park Public Library. Ages 18 & […]
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010The Kenneth Young Center will be offering a FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for adults at Crabtree Nature […]
Frog Survey Night Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Come be a citizen scientist for an evening as we listen to and document our local frogs. Space is limited. […]
Nature at Night
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Explore the world of nature after the sun sets.
Bird Walk
Burnham Prairie • Burnham, IL 60633Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds.
Ecological Restoration Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Wildflower Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Come along for a guided walk to explore spring ephemerals in bloom.
Teen Shelter Building
Camp Dan Beard • Northbrook, IL 60062Learn all about primitive shelter buildings and build your own. Bring your friends! Ages 12 & up.
Pond Exploration
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Search a pond for invertebrates, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms.
Ecological Restoration Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Arab American Heritage Month
Rubio Woods • Cook County, IL 60445 (near Midlothian)Join us in celebrating Arab American Heritage Month! Immerse yourself in the rich cultural contributions and diverse heritage of Arab […]
Spring Ephemerals Walk
Sundown Meadow • Countryside, IL 60525Guided walk to see colorful wildflowers. Ages 18 & up.
Micro-Safari, Part III
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Our microscopic exploration of the lively waters of Crabtree concludes.
Spring Stroll
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062A walk to highlight the signs of spring.
Cub Scout Adventure Series
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Programs will address content required to achieve varying levels of nature-related cub scout adventures. Mar 24: Wolf Level Apr 28: […]
Tuesdays are for the Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we seek out spring migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
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
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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.