Earth Day
Busse Lake Boating Center • Cook County, IL 60007 (near Elk Grove Village)Celebrate Earth Day by doing your part in helping clean up litter in the Preserves. Supplies available to check-out. Grove […]
Celebrate Earth Day by doing your part in helping clean up litter in the Preserves. Supplies available to check-out. Grove […]
Join us for poetry in motion as we explore the forest through our senses. Participants will receive a journal and […]
Celebrate Earth Day by doing your part in helping clean up litter in the Preserves. Litter pick-up supplies available to […]
Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, experience a story unfold along a short trail. A craft is available to […]
Enjoy a morning in the preserves and learn the basics of photography using a smartphone. Grove 5.
In partnership with the American Indian Health Services Center, St. Kateri Center, Trickster Cultural Center, American Indian Center-Chicago, and the […]
A night of outdoor games, trivia, and nature play. BYOB (no glass). Ages 21 & up.
Explore astronomy on this family-friendly night in the Preserves. Crafts, stargazing and refreshments included. Grove 3.
Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Join us as we gather with the healing sounds of singing bowls in the forest and explore the sounds of […]
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, participate in all thing’s kites. Timed flying demonstration, crafts, and more.
Join the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States! The race begins at Oak Springs Road in Libertyville […]
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature. Ages 18 & up.
Learn the basics of archery. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
You are invited to this annual fishing extravaganza. Give-a-ways to participants, prizes for category winners, and refreshments for all. Event […]
Engage in creative, imaginative, and child-directed, outdoor free-play as a family. In partnership with The Alliance for Early Childhood and BackYard Nature Center.
Learn bicycle basics, simple maintenance, and safe riding skills then explore the North Branch Trail. Family-friendly. Limited loaner bikes upon request. In […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Learn about the once-in-a-lifetime double-brood cicada emergence and participate in cicada-themed activities.
Celebrate the summer solstice by paddling Busse South Pool. Ages 5 & up.
Join others around the globe for a morning of splashing, squishing, mud creations, and more! Dress to get messy. All ages. […]
Calling all dog lovers! Dog-themed offerings include adoption opportunities, canoe paddles, sniff walks, paw print Olympic medals, pictures, creative reuse […]
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.
Earn service hours and do your part to help keep the forest preserves clean! Litter pick-up supplies are available for […]
Welcome the school year with a day of community give-a-ways, school supply distribution, and adventure such as archery, kids tree […]
Enjoy a morning in the preserves and learn the basics of photography using a smartphone. Grove 1. (Teen exploration day; […]
Explore the uniqueness of Skokie Lagoons by way of water. Equipment provided. In partnership with Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.
Sit under the stars and enjoy a family film at Elgin’s own beautiful Forest Preserve! BYO-blanket and bug spray. Refreshments […]
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.