Winter Exploration Day
Dan Ryan Woods-South • Chicago, IL 60620Bring the whole family and enjoy winter in the Preserves with snowshoeing, nature hikes, art, campfires and more!
Bring the whole family and enjoy winter in the Preserves with snowshoeing, nature hikes, art, campfires and more!
Explore activities while learning the significance of the winter season in Native American culture. Presented by Trickster Cultural Center.
Enjoy a winter afternoon on a self-guided scavenger hunt. Afterward, enjoy refreshments around the campfire.
Learn to ski with a certified Professional Ski Instructor of America. Ages 12 & up. Weather dependent.
What birds are visiting the feeding station? Enjoy watching the feeders on a paved surface. Binoculars available for loan. Weather […]
For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Enjoy the Preserves of snowshoes. Snowshoes provided; 4” of snow required. If no snow is present, we will enjoy a […]
Watch and learn about winter birds at our feeders while playing nature-themed board games. Ages 14 & up.
Learn about some of the surprising adaptations and behaviors birds use to survive winters deep freeze with an indoor presentation. […]
Learn about the winter season, how snowflakes form and how snow can keep you warm through hands-on indoor and outdoor […]
Kids and families can walk a short, looped trail in a fun test of human versus animal abilities! Prize awarded […]
Calling all creatives! Join us for our themed sessions as we explore printmaking.
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
View the glass mosaic art and chat with local mosaic artist Judy Steed at the official opening of her show […]
Hang out by the fire with friends and enjoy a sweet treat. S’mores supplies provided.
View the constellations and hear their mythical tales while enjoying a treat around the campfire.
Teens and families, give back this MLK day. Join us for a litter clean-up in celebration of Martin Luther King, […]
Participate in restoration, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and warm up with hot beverages. Ages 10 & […]
Explore the Preserves via snowshoe! If conditions are not favorable for snowshoeing (4” or more of packed snow), hikes and […]
Believe it or not, some insects are active through the winter. Search for these cold-hardy survivors. Ages 14 & up. […]
Woodpeckers are well adapted for their environment. Join us for a short presentation and a stroll to observe these wonderful […]
Únase a nosotros durante la hora de comer para aprender sobre los animales embajadores de Trailside.
Stop by the nature center to participate in a self-led litter pick-up. Garbage bags and disposable gloves available.
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service. Join us for an afternoon of litter clean-up, crafts […]
Learn what it takes to keep our forest healthy and participate in a day of service. S’mores provided.
Put on some gloves and join us in removing invasive species. Tools, eye protection provided. Children 8 & up w/adult. […]
Give items a second life by turning them into an ornament, decoration or birdfeeder. Learn how to extend the life […]
Give items a second life by turning them into an ornament, decoration or birdfeeder. Learn to extend the life of […]
Explore the beauty of nature through watercolor painting. Drop-in is available for additional watercolor activities.
Sketch and paint a 9x12 canvas of a dark-eyed junco using acrylic paints. Ages 13 & up
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.