Periodical Cicadas: Special Exhibit
Periodical cicadas return to Northeastern Illinois. This special exhibit will help answer your buzzing questions about periodical cicadas.
Periodical cicadas return to Northeastern Illinois. This special exhibit will help answer your buzzing questions about periodical cicadas.
Join us this Pride Month for a self-guided interpretive walk to learn about LGBTQ2S+ people in conservation.
Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Learn and practice riding techniques, including body and pedal position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending, and navigating minor obstacles on the […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
Spend time with other teenagers in the community, experiencing nature by learning about local plants and animals, and socializing on […]
Become an amateur paleontologist and learn how to discover fossils in your own backyard while learning about the past. Ages […]
Join us as we dip our nets in the water and scoop up our discoveries! Equipment provided. Ages 5 to […]
Wonder what species of bats live in our area? Using bat monitors, we will seek out these flying mammals while […]
Children ages 8-9 will immerse themselves in nature through hiking, field experiments and hands-on wildlife discovery. Snacks provided. Registration opens […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Bring your little one for open nature play time. Enjoy the Dan Ryan Woods Nature Play space while helping your […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
The Forest Preserves District of Cook County and University of Illinois Extension staff are collaborating on this special event. The […]
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Explore the symbolism between art in nature. Create land art, write a poem, and make tie dye using fruits and […]
Join Friends of the Forest Preserves and Chicago BIPOC Birders for a morning of crafting, along with some stationary birding […]
Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Closed toed shoes and long […]
Learn about nature through music, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Jun 9: Cicadas! Jun 12: Cicadas! Jul 10: Snakes! […]
Children ages 12-14 will learn essential wilderness skills including forest navigation/hiking, fire building and aquatic recreation. We'll have other fun […]
Through indoor instruction and intensive field learning, you will develop familiarity with Silurian and glacial geology, fossils of northeastern Illinois, […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Join us for this all-things-insect event! Go on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo, explore bugs through yoga […]
Embrace adventure through rock climbing, cycling and kayaking opportunities specially tailored for people of all ages with a primary physical disability. […]
Take a Pond Dip: Water Animal Discovery Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. Drop in.
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Join us for a farmers' market with limited free produce and workshops about growing food in your community! All Ages.
Celebrate National Moth Week. Join us as we head down to Sagawau’s magic porch to see the diversity of moths […]
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Calling all dog lovers! Dog-themed offerings include adoption opportunities, canoe paddles, sniff walks, paw print Olympic medals, pictures, creative reuse […]
Talk and walk with us to learn about the specialized relationship between certain fungi and plants. Age 18 and up.
Children ages 5-6 will enjoy three fun-filled days creating art inspired by the wonders of nature. Hike through the woods, […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature with a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Ages 18 & up.
Do your part to help keep the forest preserves clean! Litter pick-up supplies are available for checkout. Grove 2.
Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Sketch and paint a barn swallow. Materials provided. All skill levels welcome. Ages 13 & up.
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Re-plant the river and learn about water conservation with Friends of the Chicago River. Register at aanderson@chicagoriver.org.
Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided. Age […]
Children ages 7-8 will discover the fascinating world of native snakes and turtles through up-close encounters, participate in field investigations […]
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Embrace adventure through cycling and rock climbing opportunities specially tailored for people of all ages with a primary physical disability. […]
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Welcome the school year with a day of community give-a-ways, school supply distribution, and adventure such as archery, kids tree […]
Join us as we learn to fish with instructions. Equipment provided. Fishing license required for ages 16 & 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.