Winter Solstice Day
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with American Indian Center, learn about the Winter Solstice through indigenous storytelling & songs. Snowshoeing (condition permitting), tracking, shelter […]
Presented with American Indian Center, learn about the Winter Solstice through indigenous storytelling & songs. Snowshoeing (condition permitting), tracking, shelter […]
Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor resident animals.
The winter can appear barren of wildlife, but surprisingly so much is happening above, within and beneath the snow. Join […]
Celebrate community, honor Pan-African Heritage and embrace the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Call for more info.
Learn the significance of the winter season in Native American culture while participating in various activities. Activities, hosted from 10 […]
Fulfill your resolution of being more active by taking a brisk guided walk. Ages 18 & up.
Check out this jaw-dropping interactive display of animal skulls and bones.
Get outside and enjoy winter. Great opportunity for the whole family to experience snowshoeing (weather permitting), hikes, art making, campfires […]
Indoor investigation into our amazing, unique and important salamanders. Ages 12 & up.
Enjoy a winter afternoon on a self-guided hunt for signs of animals and plant life on your Scavenger Hunt List, […]
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.
Today marks the start of Picnic & Outdoor Event Permit sales for 2025. Cook County residents and visitors can now reserve a spot for celebrations—such as birthdays, reunions, holidays and special events—while surrounded by nature in the Forest Preserves of Cook County.