The Forest Preserves’ nearly 300 picnic groves, including more than 40 accessible shelters, are popular locations for outdoor events of all sizes.
On this page:
- Apply for a Permit
- Permit Types & Requirements
- Maps, Forms & Other Resources
- Non-profit Discount
- Accessible Picnic Groves
- Help
Accepted Payment Methods
We are unable to process cash transactions at this time. Accepted credit or debit cards only.
Apply for a Permit
We strongly encourage patrons to apply online.
Please review the following information carefully as the application process has changed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- There are no COVID-19 related capacity restrictions for outdoor permitted events and picnics. Existing permit holders can increase their attendance up to the maximum capacity of their picnic grove by contacting the permits office and paying the difference in price (if any). The $5 change fee will not apply.
- Permit offices are open for walk-ins and appointments. Learn more and book an appointment
- Permit reservations are considered non-refundable. Refunds will only be issued in the event that state or local COVID-19 public health guidelines require the Forest Preserves to cancel your permit.
- There is an updated fee schedule for all 2023 events: Sample Permit Fees (PDF)
- Customers adding special use items to their picnic permit are encouraged to rent through a vendor from our Approved Vendor List to best meet the Forest Preserves’ insurance requirements. Insurance from vendors not currently on our Approved Vendor List will not be accepted. (Customers who own their own special use items are still required to provide proof of insurance.)
- Some forest preserves have comfort stations (indoor bathrooms open April through October). Others have portable bathrooms that may be open year-round or seasonally. Check the specific location you wish to visit for information about bathrooms (including accessibility information).
Online & Phone
We strongly encourage you to apply online. You may also apply for a permit by calling 800-870-3666, option 1.
Have questions or need help? Email fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov or call 800-870-3666, option 1. If you already have a permit, please include your permit number and date of event in the subject of your email or voicemail. Emails and voicemails are returned in the order they are received. During busy periods it may take two to three business days to receive a response.
In-Person
The Forest Preserves General Headquarters is currently open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking an appointment.
The Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center is currently open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking an appointment.
Have questions or need help? Email fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov or call 800-870-3666, option 1 If you already have a permit, please include your permit number and date of event in the subject of your email or voicemail. Emails and voicemails are returned in the order they are received. During busy periods it may take two to three business days to receive a response.
Permit Types & Requirements
Your permit type, fees, requirements and deadlines will vary depending on the details of your event.
Basic Picnic Permit
Definition
- Private event
- 25 – 399 attendees
- May feature Special Use Items
- *Examples: Family reunion, birthday party, quinceañera, graduation party, wedding, corporate picnic
*The Forest Preserves also rents indoor event spaces for private events.
Fees
Fees, requirements and deadlines vary depending on the details of your event. Requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $25 late fee.
Application Deadlines
- Online: 7 days prior to event
- In person: 7 days prior to event
- Permit changes: 7 days prior to event
- Permit Change Form (PDF)
- Change requests received within one week of event date are subject to denial or a $25 late fee.
Additional Requirements
For events that feature Special Use Items:
- All special use items (excluding portable restrooms, food/beverage trucks, and on-site caterers) that are not rented through an Approved Vendor must provide insurance in the permit holder’s name.
- Basic Picnic Permit holders may use personally owned Special Use Items. They may also use the vendor of their choice for on-site catering or portable bathroom rentals. However, permit holders must submit:
- A Certificate of Liability Insurance with the endorsement attached, naming the Forest Preserves of Cook County as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence. All documentation must be submitted and approved at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Special/Athletic/Other Event Permit
Definition
- Any size event with additional features such as, but not limited to: routes, vendors, promotions, ticket sales or fundraising.
- Any event with 400+ attendees (total includes staff, volunteers, etc.)
- *Examples: Festival, fundraiser, 5K walk/run, fishing derby
*Athletic events cannot be booked online. Applicants must apply in person or via email/phone for all athletic events.
Fees
Fees, requirements and deadlines vary depending on the details of your event. Requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $25 late fee.
Application Deadlines
- 25 – 399 attendees: 30 days prior to event
- 400 – 999 attendees: 45 days prior to event
- 1,000+ attendees: 60 days prior to event
- Permit changes: 14 days prior to event
- Permit Change Form (PDF)
- Change requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $25 late fee.
Additional Requirements
Upon receipt of your application, a Permit Administrator is assigned. The Permit Administrator will evaluate your application, reserve the space requested and provide you with more specific requirements/fees for your event.
All required documentation is due at least two weeks prior to the event date. Requirements that are not fulfilled before the two-week deadline may result in cancellation of your permit, or a late fee.
Additional requirements may include:
- Special Use Items: If your event features Special Use Items, the Special Use Items request form and related documentation must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event.
- Insurance: A Certificate of Liability Insurance with the endorsement attached, naming the Forest Preserves of Cook County as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence. All documentation must be submitted and approved at least 10 business days prior to the event.
- Large Events: Events with 400+ attendees must take place in designated large event areas.
- Clean-up Plan: Due to the impact of large and special events, additional maintenance requirements may apply—including portable bathroom and dumpster rental and a detailed plan for post-event clean-up.
- Safety Plan: To ensure the safety of our patrons and the participants of your event, a Safety Plan may be needed. Required documents may include: event layout, first aid station, on-site security, route, signage, transportation/parking plan, emergency response plan.
- On-site Meeting: To reduce day of event issues, the Forest Preserves may require an on-site meeting with event organizers. On-site meetings should be completed no less than 30-45 days prior to the event.
Special Use Items
Definition
Items not naturally found in a forest preserve are typically considered Special Use Items.
Examples include, but are not limited to: amplified sound (DJ, stereo system, live band, etc.), generators, grills wider than 5 feet, inflatables, on-site catering, portable bathrooms or snack machines. If you are unsure if your event requires adding a Special Use Item to your permit, please contact us.
Fees
Special Use Item applications require a $25 processing fee, plus $10 per item. Requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $25 late fee.
Application Deadlines
- 14 days prior to event
Additional Requirements
- You must have an approved or pending Basic Permit or Special/Athletic/Other Event Permit before adding Special Use Items to your permit.
- All special use items (excluding portable restrooms, food/beverage trucks, and on-site caterers) that are not rented through an Approved Vendor must provide insurance in the permit holder’s name.
- Basic Picnic Permit holders may use personally owned Special Use Items. They may also use the vendor of their choice for on-site catering or portable bathroom rentals. However, permit holders must submit:
- A Certificate of Liability Insurance with the endorsement attached, naming the Forest Preserves of Cook County as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
- Special/Athletic/Other Event Permit holders may use an Approved Vendor, a vendor of their choice or personally owned Special Use Items, subject to insurance and documentation requirements.
- All documentation must be submitted and approved at least 10 business days prior to the event.
- All rental agreements and insurance documents must be in the permit holder’s name.
Maps, Forms & Other Resources
Maps
- Forest Preserves Web Map
- Picnic Grove PDF Maps
- Check Picnic Grove Availability Online
- Important Permit Policies (PDF)
- Sample Permit Fees (PDF)
- Large Capacity Areas List (PDF)
- 2018-2021 Incremental Permit Fee Increases
Forms
- Permit Change Form (PDF)
- Special Use Items Request Form (PDF)
- Sample Certificate of Liability Insurance (PDF)
- How to View and Print a Permit (PDF)
Approved Vendors
Picnic and event permit holders can obtain Special Use Items directly through approved vendors without any additional insurance requirements. You are not required to use an approved vendor.
Portable Bathroom Rental
Picnic and event permit holders can rent Portable Bathrooms directly through the Forest Preserves. You are not required to rent from the Forest Preserves.
Non-profit Discount
A bona fide non-profit organization is one which is engaged in charitable, educational, civic, youth and faith-based activities. For purposes of qualifying for the reduced rate, an applicant must submit proof of the following:
- Exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or current registration with the Illinois Attorney General as a charitable organization; and
- The location of the official headquarters or administrative office of the organization submitting the request for said permit is located in the County of Cook and is the same as that which is on file with the Illinois Attorney General, or was submitted for exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, except in the case of local chapters of national organizations, wherein the local chapter maintains a Cook County office and submits proof of affiliation with the national organization.
If the applicant is a school located within Cook County, no additional documentation or proof of nonprofit status shall be required other than a letter signed by an official of the school stating that the activity, event, and/or use is officially sanctioned under and supervised by employee(s) of the school.
Apply for Non-profit Discount
Required non-profit documentation can be included with your application when applying in person, or submitted later when applying online. Non-profits that apply online will be reimbursed 4 to 6 weeks after documentation is approved. Documentation must be received and approved 14 days prior to event date.
Accessible Picnic Groves
Certain picnic shelters at these locations are accessible from May 1 to October 31. Visit the location’s page for information about each grove’s parking and bathroom options.
Each accessible shelter has accessible parking, an accessible curb cut and path from parking to picnic shelter, and accessible path from picnic shelter to an accessible indoor bathroom or accessible portable bathroom.
These shelters are available to people with disabilities and their guests and must be reserved ahead of time. For questions and assistance please call the Permits Department at 800-870-3666.
Help
Have questions or need help? Email fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov or call 800-870-3666, option 1. If you already have a permit, please include your permit number and date of event in the subject of your email or voicemail. Emails and voicemails are returned in the order they are received. During busy periods it may take two to three business days to receive a response.