Events
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
7 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Tuesdays are for the Birds!
Tuesdays are for the Birds!
Join us as we seek out fall migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds […]
3 events,
Senior Fitness Walks in Thatcher Woods
Senior Fitness Walks in Thatcher Woods
Join other seniors for a moderately paced, one mile fitness walks in […]
I am a Scientist
I am a Scientist
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment […]
5 events,
Macroinvertebrates of the North Branch
Macroinvertebrates of the North Branch
Who lives below the water? Join us as we dip our nets […]
Macroinvertebrates of the North Branch
Macroinvertebrates of the North Branch
Who lives below the water? Join us as we dip our nets […]
1 event,
Halloween Hoot and Howl
Halloween Hoot and Howl
Join our partners the River Forest Public Library and River Forest Park […]
8 events,
2024 Hines Emeral Dragon Fly Disc Golf Open
2024 Hines Emeral Dragon Fly Disc Golf Open
Disc Golf Chicago will host a one-day, two-round Amateur C-tier PDGA-sanctioned singles […]
Pumpkinpalooza
Pumpkinpalooza
Pumpkin painting, bowling, ring toss, leaf rubbing, fall-themed obstacle course, and more. Supplies […]
6 events,
Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
We’re celebrating our 59th Annual Arts and Craft Fair! Art of all […]
Nurtured by Nature
Nurtured by Nature
Join Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and others for a nature-centered day […]
0 events,
5 events,
Tuesdays are for the Birds!
Tuesdays are for the Birds!
Join us as we seek out fall migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds […]
3 events,
Wee Wonders
Wee Wonders
Learn about nature through music, movement, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. […]
6 events,
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Join us for a nature-inspired […]
2 events,
Connecting Newcomers to Nature
Connecting Newcomers to Nature
Learn how nature helps refugees and immigrants heal from trauma. We'll explore […]
12 events,
10 events,
Indigenous Environmentalists Walk
Indigenous Environmentalists Walk
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, enjoy a self-guided walk and […]
1 event,
Indigenous Environmentalists Walk
Indigenous Environmentalists Walk
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, enjoy a self-guided walk and […]
2 events,
Bird painting Step-by-Step: Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Bird painting Step-by-Step: Red-Bellied Woodpecker
For beginners and intermediate artists. All materials provided. $5/person. Ages 18 & […]
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds […]
3 events,
Senior Fitness Walks in Thatcher Woods
Senior Fitness Walks in Thatcher Woods
Join other seniors for a moderately paced, one mile fitness walks in […]
Conservation@Home Seed Swap & Plant Exchange
Conservation@Home Seed Swap & Plant Exchange
Plant lovers unite! Native plant presentation followed by seed and plant sharing. […]
11 events,
Canceled Access Adventure Multi-Sport Day
Canceled Access Adventure Multi-Sport Day
Enjoy cycling and climbing while in this program specially designed for individuals […]
10 events,
Restoration Workday
Restoration Workday
Help protect our natural areas by collecting seeds or removing invasive species. […]
Kolory Jesieni /Fall Color Walk, In Polish
Kolory Jesieni /Fall Color Walk, In Polish
Z okazji miesiąca pamięci dziedzictwa Polsko-Amerykańskiego zapraszamy na spacer z przewodnikiem po […]
Fall Paddle Festival
Fall Paddle Festival
Embrace the fall season with nature-based activities on and off the water. […]
6 events,
Spooky Shuffle 5k/10k
Spooky Shuffle 5k/10k
This trail race takes you through the pristine Sag Valley Trail System, […]
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt Drop In
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt Drop In
Find all the hidden pumpkins during a fun self-guided scavenger hunt. Costumes […]
Fall Festival
Fall Festival
Celebrate the season with a special day of autumn fun. Entertainment, beekeeping demonstrations, […]
0 events,
2 events,
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds […]
0 events,
3 events,
Fall Color Excursion
Fall Color Excursion
Explore the North Branch and experience the changing colors of local species. […]
Fall Colors Scavenger Hunt
Fall Colors Scavenger Hunt
Explore the trails of Caldwell Woods and look for fall colors with […]
Be a Better Birder: Intermediate Bird ID
Be a Better Birder: Intermediate Bird ID
Step up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities […]
0 events,
9 events,
The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt
The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt
Discover hidden pumpkins on a fun scavenger hunt. Take home your own […]
0 events,
1 event,
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds […]
1 event,
2 events,
3 events,
Dia de Los Muertos Artmaking and Night Hike
Dia de Los Muertos Artmaking and Night Hike
Celebrate the history of Dia de los Muertos with artmaking and a […]
10 events,
Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy
Immerse yourself in nature, fostering mindfulness and wellness with a certified guide. […]
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
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
Sign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
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.