Events
Maker Space for Nature Play!
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010All ages are welcome to create, paint and sculpt.
Cub Scout Adventure Series
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480A nature-related scout adventure will be offered and achieved. Jun 23: Wolf Level Jul 28: Bear Level Aug 25: Webelos […]
Wellness Days at Kickapoo
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Reptile Exploration Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Children ages 7-8 will discover the fascinating world of native snakes and turtles through up-close encounters, participate in field investigations […]
Canceled Fitness Hike
Country Lane Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Wellness Days at Whistler
Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Canceled Adaptative Adventures: Cycling & Climbing
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Embrace adventure through cycling and rock climbing opportunities specially tailored for people of all ages with a primary physical disability. […]
Bat Chat
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Learn about these fascinating creatures while watching them over the river.
Fridays in the Field
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
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 […]
Green Lake Open Fishing Clinic
Green Lake Family Aquatic Center • Calumet City, IL 60409Join us as we learn to fish with instructions. Equipment provided. Fishing license required for ages 16 & up.
Back-to-School Community Adventure Day
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646Welcome the school year with a day of community give-a-ways, school supply distribution, and adventure such as archery, kids tree […]
Scat-venger Hunt
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Drop in to get the scoop on poop as you hunt for scat.
Canceled Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Venture out on our scenic trails for a guided 3- to 4-mile walk.
Scat-venger Hunt
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Drop in to get the scoop on poop as you hunt for scat.
Summer Prairie Blooms Walk
Silver Creek Family Picnic Area • Melrose Park, IL 60160Ages 18 and up.
Make Hummingbirds Happy
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Invite hummingbirds to your garden. We’ll discuss gardening tips, feeding, pest control and answer your questions.
Cicadas: Teen Exploration Day
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Teens will explore the world of the cicadas. Ages 13 & up.
Wellness Days at Kickapoo
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Small Serendipity
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3 to 6 with adult.
Craft Camp
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Get creative and learn some new skills. Project materials will vary. Ages 8-13.
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Wellness Days at Whistler
Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Wee 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 […]
Walk & Talk Hike
Wolf Road Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
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, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Story Trail
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Walk a short, looped trail and experience a story unfolding with every step. Onsite activities will be provided. Grove 7. […]
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.