MLK Service Day Celebration
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Partake in restoration, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and warm up with hot beverages. Restoration for ages […]
Partake in restoration, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and warm up with hot beverages. Restoration for ages […]
Create a walking stick from buckthorn. Ages 10 & up.
Learn about the amazing world of Ice Age Illinois through a series of family-oriented games and activities. Intended for ages […]
Calling all creatives! Join us as we explore pottery. $25/person for both sessions; must register for both sessions. Ages 13 […]
Join us as we explore the beauty of nature through watercolor painting. Materials provided. Must register for demos only. All […]
Calling all creatives! Join us as we explore natural dyes and print making. Ages 13 & up.
Calling all creatives! Join us as we explore macrame. Ages 13 & up.
Learn about Black environmentalists and the history of the Forest Preserves’ trails as it relates to the Underground Railroad Movement.
Walk & Talk Hikes are under 3.1 miles, have a theme and are slower paced. Grove 4.
Learn about sustainable at-home gardening and conservation practices, and talk to local organizations about native gardening. Presentation at noon. Drop-in.
Let nature keep you healthy by joining in active, playful and restful activities.
This inaugural eco-friendly family fun fest includes nature walks, native planting, animals from Brookfield Zoo, nature play, bird migration game […]
Spend time in nature while on school break! Try out several outdoor recreation activities. Explore, discover and create!
Learn about the amazing world of Ice Age Illinois through a series of family-oriented games and activities. Intended for ages […]
This hands-on program demonstrates how to use the natural resources around you. Ages 13-18 only. Drop-in. Grove 6.
Celebrate Earth Day by doing your part in helping clean up litter in the Preserves. Litter pick-up supplies for individuals […]
Celebrate the grandeur of trees and why they’re vital to our community with plantings and walks. Drop-in.
Join the American Indian Health Services, American Indian Center-Chicago, St. Kateri Center, Trickster Cultural Center, and the Forest Preserves of […]
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with various arts, storytelling and crafts. Drop-in. Grove 1.
Join in the effort to restore your local waterway with cleanup efforts. Equipment provided. Drop in.
Walk & Talk Hikes are under 3.1 miles, have a theme and are slower paced. Grove 1.
Walk & Talk Hikes are under 3.1 miles, have a theme and are slower paced. Grove 1.
Join the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States! Race begins at Oak Springs Road in Libertyville and […]
Bring your little one for open nature play time! Enjoy Rolling Knolls while helping your children connect with nature.
Engage in creative, imaginative and child-directed outdoor free-play as a family. In partnership with The Alliance for Early Childhood and […]
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with the nature and the Preserves. Certified Forest Therapy guide. Ages 18+.
Free fishing derby, tree climb, nature play, animal encounters and more! Enjoy local food and win prizes. Grove 25.
Individuals with physical disabilities and their friends and families can explore nature through adaptive cycling, paddling, rock wall climbing and […]
Paddlers of all skill levels can experience nature by exploring these waterways. Equipment provided. Timed paddles. Ages 5 & up. […]
Join others around the globe for a morning of splashing, squishing, making mud pies and more! Dress to get messy. […]
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.