Events
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
6 events,
Restoration Sunday
Restoration Sunday
Help restore our woodlands by cutting down invasive species and having a […]
0 events,
2 events,
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds […]
4 events,
Senior Fitness Walk
Senior Fitness Walk
Join us for a one-mile, easy-paced walk in beautiful Thatcher Woods. Led […]
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Join us for a special program for little naturalists. Limited tickets available. […]
4 events,
Tiny Tot Adventures
Tiny Tot Adventures
Join us for an adventure in nature through movement, stories and artmaking. […]
1 event,
ADA Trail Walk
ADA Trail Walk
Guided walk on 1.7-mile paved trail with resting points throughout. Wheelchair accessible; […]
9 events,
Birds & Bagels
Birds & Bagels
Visit our indoor bird feeders while enjoying complimentary hot drinks and bagels. […]
Wilderness Survival
Wilderness Survival
Learn 10 essentials tailored to our local terrain. Gain skills to navigate […]
Wellness in the Woods: Yoga
Wellness in the Woods: Yoga
Join us for a free class focused on building stability, flexibility and […]
6 events,
Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy
Immerse yourself in nature, fostering mindfulness and wellness with a certified guide. […]
0 events,
1 event,
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds […]
2 events,
Wee Wonders: Hibernation
Wee Wonders: Hibernation
Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult.
4 events,
Caldwell Social Club
Caldwell Social Club
Every second Thursday of the month, meet Forest Preserve staff and your […]
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Strengthen your connection to nature […]
Caldwell Social Club
Caldwell Social Club
Every second Thursday of the month, meet Forest Preserve staff and your […]
6 events,
Story Trail: “Animals in Winter”
Story Trail: “Animals in Winter”
Read a children’s story along a short trail. Afterwards, get an activity […]
Fridays in the Field
Fridays in the Field
Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers.
7 events,
Restoration Workday
Restoration Workday
Join us to help restore the natural community structure of our woodlands, […]
0 events,
2 events,
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds […]
2 events,
Senior Fitness Walk
Senior Fitness Walk
Join us for a one-mile, easy-paced walk in beautiful Thatcher Woods. Led […]
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Join us for a special program for little naturalists. Limited tickets available. […]
5 events,
Tiny Tot Adventures
Tiny Tot Adventures
Join us for an adventure in nature through movement, stories and artmaking. […]
1 event,
Winter Solstice Night of Lights
Winter Solstice Night of Lights
Celebrate the longest night of the year! Choose a timeslot to walk […]
8 events,
Winter Wellness Walk
Winter Wellness Walk
Bundle up and experience forest bathing and the health benefits nature provides. […]
Winter Solstice Day
Winter Solstice Day
Presented with American Indian Center, learn about the Winter Solstice through indigenous […]
5 events,
Winter Play Date
Winter Play Date
Drop-in for this outdoor/indoor family fun. Self-guided activity stations and learn through […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
5 events,
Winter Nature Days
Winter Nature Days
Drop in for family fun nature activities including pinecone bird feeders, walking […]
3 events,
Winter Nature Days
Winter Nature Days
Drop in for family fun nature activities including pinecone bird feeders, walking […]
Winter Play Date
Winter Play Date
Drop-in for this outdoor/indoor family fun. Self-guided activity stations and learn through […]
1 event,
2 events,
Kwanzaa Celebration
Kwanzaa Celebration
Celebrate community, honor Pan-African Heritage and embrace the seven principles of Kwanzaa. […]
0 events,
3 events,
Winter Camp
New Year’s Resolution Walk
New Year’s Resolution Walk
Fulfill your resolution of being more active by taking a brisk guided […]
3 events,
Winter Exploration Day
Winter Exploration Day
Get outside and enjoy winter. Great opportunity for the whole family to […]
8 events,
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Ski programs will occur only when there is snow. Learn to ski […]
Winter Workshop: Woodworking
Winter Workshop: Woodworking
Calling all creatives! Join us for our themed sessions as we explore […]
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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.