Events

Walk & Talk

Chicago Portage National Historic Site • Lyons, IL 60402

For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]

Winter Exploration Day

Dan Ryan Woods-South • Chicago, IL 60620

Bring the whole family and enjoy winter in the Preserves with snowshoeing, nature hikes, art, campfires and more!

Winter Camp

Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120

Explore activities while learning the significance of the winter season in Native American culture. Presented by Trickster Cultural Center.

Family Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Enjoy a winter afternoon on a self-guided scavenger hunt. Afterward, enjoy refreshments around the campfire.

Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

Learn to ski with a certified Professional Ski Instructor of America. Ages 12 & up. Weather dependent.

$20

Feeder Watch

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

What birds are visiting the feeding station? Enjoy watching the feeders on a paved surface. Binoculars available for loan. Weather […]

Walk & Talk

Sundown Meadow • Countryside, IL 60525

For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]

Snowshoe Walk

Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452

Enjoy the Preserves of snowshoes. Snowshoes provided; 4” of snow required. If no snow is present, we will enjoy a […]

Birding & Board Games

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

Watch and learn about winter birds at our feeders while playing nature-themed board games. Ages 14 & up.

Birdy, it’s Cold Outside

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

Learn about some of the surprising adaptations and behaviors birds use to survive winters deep freeze with an indoor presentation. […]

The Science of Snow

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

Learn about the winter season, how snowflakes form and how snow can keep you warm through hands-on indoor and outdoor […]

Animal Olympics Trail

Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)

Kids and families can walk a short, looped trail in a fun test of human versus animal abilities! Prize awarded […]

Winter Workshop: Printmaking

Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center • Chicago, IL 60646

Calling all creatives! Join us for our themed sessions as we explore printmaking.

Winter Fire Building Workshop

Camp Reinberg • Palatine, IL 60074

Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.

Winter Artist Showcase Exhibit Opening

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

View the glass mosaic art and chat with local mosaic artist Judy Steed at the official opening of her show […]

Teen S’mores Night

Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center • Chicago, IL 60620

Hang out by the fire with friends and enjoy a sweet treat. S’mores supplies provided.

Stories of the Stars

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

View the constellations and hear their mythical tales while enjoying a treat around the campfire.

Teen Exploration Day: Day of Service

Miller Meadow-North • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)

Teens and families, give back this MLK day. Join us for a litter clean-up in celebration of Martin Luther King, […]

MLK Service Day Celebration

Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120

Participate in restoration, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and warm up with hot beverages. Ages 10 & […]

Snowshoeing

Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center • Chicago, IL 60620

Explore the Preserves via snowshoe! If conditions are not favorable for snowshoeing (4” or more of packed snow), hikes and […]

Free

Winter Insects

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

Believe it or not, some insects are active through the winter. Search for these cold-hardy survivors. Ages 14 & up. […]

Picidae

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

Woodpeckers are well adapted for their environment. Join us for a short presentation and a stroll to observe these wonderful […]

Bone Appetit en español

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Únase a nosotros durante la hora de comer para aprender sobre los animales embajadores de Trailside.

MLK Day of Service

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

Stop by the nature center to participate in a self-led litter pick-up. Garbage bags and disposable gloves available.

MLK Day of Service

Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service. Join us for an afternoon of litter clean-up, crafts […]

MLK Day of Service & Brush Pile Burn

Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617

Learn what it takes to keep our forest healthy and participate in a day of service. S’mores provided.

MLK Day Restoration

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

Put on some gloves and join us in removing invasive species. Tools, eye protection provided. Children 8 & up w/adult. […]

Creative Sustainability Workshop

Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

Give items a second life by turning them into an ornament, decoration or birdfeeder. Learn how to extend the life […]

Creative Sustainability Workshop

Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)

Give items a second life by turning them into an ornament, decoration or birdfeeder. Learn to extend the life of […]

Winter Workshop: Watercolors

Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center • Chicago, IL 60646

Explore the beauty of nature through watercolor painting. Drop-in is available for additional watercolor activities.