Events
Walk & Talk Hike: Native Prairies
Linne Woods • Morton Grove, IL 60053Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Forest Therapy
Busse Forest-South • Cook County, IL 60007 (near Elk Grove Village)Awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature with a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Ages 18 & up. Grove […]
Be a Better Birder: Intro to Bird ID
Learn the basics of bird identification, the lingo birders use to describe birds and how to identify birds using size […]
Telescope Party
Swallow Cliff Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Calling all amateur astronomers and night sky enthusiasts! Bring your telescope or use one of ours for an evening of […]
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 […]
Bird Migration and More Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Ages 18 and up.
Pedal the Preserves: Salt Creek Greenway
Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)In partnership with Ride Illinois, join us for a family-friendly event promoting riding bikes. Safety demonstration, techniques, tips, and a […]
Hummingbird Patrol
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Walk away from the feeders and watch hummingbirds with staff in some of their other favorite spots at Sagawau.
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.
Busse Night Ride
Busse Lake Boating Center • Cook County, IL 60007 (near Elk Grove Village)Don’t miss this unique opportunity to ride the Busse Woods trail at sunset, twilight or in the dark! Tickets include […]
Summer Bonfire
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we celebrate summer with a bonfire, activities, walks and more.
CAMBr Meltdown
Pulaski Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)The Palos Meltdown is Chicagoland’s premier mountain bike event, with racing for all ages and abilities. Free for spectators. More […]
The Science of Snakes
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn about these reptiles with fun activities and a walk.
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 […]
Meet Our Birds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn more about our flighted ambassador animals and discover their unique adaptations.
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.
Wellness Days at Kickapoo
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Wellness Days at Whistler
Whistler Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Pond Paddle
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy an afternoon out paddling. Instruction, equipment and kayaks provided.
Evening Insect Safari
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Come hear our late summer insects on a guided walk.
Walk & Talk Hike
Spears 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 […]
Canceled 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 […]
Restoration Stewardship Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Raptors
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn about birds of prey and how staff care for our ambassador raptors.
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.
Starry Night Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Come for a guided walk, observe the night sky, and learn about the constellations and astronomy.
Restoration Stewardship Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
“The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction” Film Screening
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join naturalist and author Joel Greenberg to view and discuss this film as we struggle to maintain the biodiversity and […]
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.