Charley Harper: The Geometric Genius

This ongoing event will be held from Friday, Jan. 2, to Saturday, March 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.View a rare and delightful playfulness in the prints of renowned American illustrator Charley Harper. Known as a modernist wildlife artist, Harp......More

This ongoing event will be held from Friday, Jan. 2, to Saturday, March 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.View a rare and delightful playfulness in the prints of renowned American illustrator Charley Harper. Known as a modernist wildlife artist, Harpers unique minimalist approach is unmistakable. He has been featured in Ford Times magazine and Golden Books and has composed posters for national parks and other wildlife organizations. His whimsical serigraph and gicle prints are a beloved treasure and an inspiration to an entire generation of artists and designers. A conservationist as well as an artist, Harper revealed the unique aspects of his wildlife subjects through highly stylized geometric reduction. 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States

Shamrock Search

This ongoing event will be held from Sunday, March 1, to Sunday, March 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.Good luck! Bad luck! There is no luck needed for this program! All you need is a sharp eye and a willingness to learn about all things green as y......More

This ongoing event will be held from Sunday, March 1, to Sunday, March 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.Good luck! Bad luck! There is no luck needed for this program! All you need is a sharp eye and a willingness to learn about all things green as you explore around the nature center. Drop by the front desk to pick up a green question card then let the search begin. Shamrock answers have been hidden all over the nature center campus. After your quest is complete, stop by the desk and pick up a small prize should your answers be correct! 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Sculpture Fun

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see ......More

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see what we made all week! Ages 5-12. Monday, March 30 Painting Adventure $25 Tuesday, March 31 Discovering Clay $25 Wednesday, April 1 Sculpture Fun $25 Thursday, April 2 Exploring Collage $25 Friday, April 3 Textile Art Techniques $25. Saturday, April 4, Opening Exhibition Free to the public 3-4PM!   

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States

Clean Up the Oaks

This ongoing program will be held from Wednesday, April 1, to Thursday, April 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. To celebrate Earth Month, do a little bit to help your mother (Earth)! Hidden Oaks will provide a bucket and picker to help you do your p......More

This ongoing program will be held from Wednesday, April 1, to Thursday, April 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. To celebrate Earth Month, do a little bit to help your mother (Earth)! Hidden Oaks will provide a bucket and picker to help you do your part. Pick up litter around the preserve to contribute to a cleaner environment and earn a prize! Remember: A clean Hidden Oaks is a happy and healthy Hidden Oaks for the squirrels, birds, deer, coyotes and you! 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Exploring Collage

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see ......More

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see what we made all week! Ages 5-12. Monday, March 30 Painting Adventure $25 Tuesday, March 31 Discovering Clay $25 Wednesday, April 1 Sculpture Fun $25 Thursday, April 2 Exploring Collage $25 Friday, April 3 Textile Art Techniques $25. Saturday, April 4, Opening Exhibition Free to the public 3-4PM! 

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States

The Landing Pad Re-Opening

Mark your calendars! The Landing Pad re-opens on April 2nd, 2026 open Thurs-Mon, 10am-4pm! Start your centennial trip off with a blast, and stop by the Gemini Giant and The Landing Pad. There’s something out-of-this-world for everyone inside! 

The Landing Pad, 110 S. Park St., Suite C, Wilmington, IL, 60481, United States

Easter Egg Cookie Class

Need a dessert for Easter? Why not make one yourself! Decorate your very own chocolate chip cookie cake inside the Hegeler Carus Mansion. All supplies included! Just bring yourself, an apron, and your creativity! This event is a partnership between the Hegeler Carus Man......More

Need a dessert for Easter? Why not make one yourself! Decorate your very own chocolate chip cookie cake inside the Hegeler Carus Mansion. All supplies included! Just bring yourself, an apron, and your creativity! This event is a partnership between the Hegeler Carus Mansion and Blue Eyed Rascal Baking Co. Disclaimer- This event is non-refundable. Cost: $55 per ticket. Note:Limited space (16 seats), registration ends on March 27, 2026. 

Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Textile Art Techniques

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see ......More

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see what we made all week! Ages 5-12. Monday, March 30 Painting Adventure $25 Tuesday, March 31 Discovering Clay $25 Wednesday, April 1 Sculpture Fun $25 Thursday, April 2 Exploring Collage $25 Friday, April 3 Textile Art Techniques $25. Saturday, April 4, Opening Exhibition Free to the public 3-4PM! 

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States

The Forge Celebrates Easter

The Forge has gone a bit Topsy-Turvy and we need clever explorers to help make sense of it all! In this unusual scavenger hunt, participants are given six egg halves and must scout the area to find their perfect matches. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Mad Hatter’s ......More

The Forge has gone a bit Topsy-Turvy and we need clever explorers to help make sense of it all! In this unusual scavenger hunt, participants are given six egg halves and must scout the area to find their perfect matches. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Mad Hatter’s Riddle – solve it for a special surprise! Once your eggs are whole, show them to the Forge Staff to claim your prize. The Mad Hatter will be available on the hour, every hour to guide you through his whimsical course. 

The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois, 60439

Easter Egg Hunt with Princeton Rotary Club

Hop on over to Soldiers and Sailors Park for the Princeton Rotary Club’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, 2026! 

Soldiers & Sailors Park, 14 Park Ave. E, Princeton, 61356, United States

Utica Fire Department Easter Egg Hunt

 The family-friendly event features egg hunts for various age groups, ranging from toddlers to 6th graders.Age Groups:*Toddler*Pre-School*Kindergarten*1st*2nd & 3rd*4th, 5th, & 6th. 

Carey Memorial Park, 315 W. Church St., Utica, IL, 61373, United States

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Opening Exhibition

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see ......More

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see what we made all week! Ages 5-12. Monday, March 30 Painting Adventure $25 Tuesday, March 31 Discovering Clay $25 Wednesday, April 1 Sculpture Fun $25 Thursday, April 2 Exploring Collage $25 Friday, April 3 Textile Art Techniques $25. Saturday, April 4, Opening Exhibition Free to the public 3-4PM!   

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States

Living on the Land Field Trip for Homeschool & Remote Learners

Explore in detail the American Indians relationship with the land. Students will learn about the seasonal preparations and activities of the Potawatomi people. This is an opportunity for homeschooled or remote learning students to experience Isle a la Caches field trip ......More

Explore in detail the American Indians relationship with the land. Students will learn about the seasonal preparations and activities of the Potawatomi people. This is an opportunity for homeschooled or remote learning students to experience Isle a la Caches field trip programs that are normally only offered to school groups. Ages 7-12. Students must be accompanied by a chaperone. Registration required by Tuesday, April 7: 815-722-9301. Admission is free.

Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States

A Voyageur's Life Field Trip for Homeschool & Remote Learners

What was life like for a French fur trader in the 1700s? How much knowledge did these early explorers need to survive their journey in search of furs? Students learn about the challenges, risks and rewards of being a French fur trader and demonstrate the skills necessar......More

What was life like for a French fur trader in the 1700s? How much knowledge did these early explorers need to survive their journey in search of furs? Students learn about the challenges, risks and rewards of being a French fur trader and demonstrate the skills necessary for success. This is an opportunity for homeschooled or remote learning students to experience Isle a la Caches field trip programs that are normally only offered to school groups. Ages 7-12. Students must be accompanied by a chaperone. Registration required by Tuesday, April 7: 815-722-9301.

Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States

Trout Season Celebration

Its spring trout season at Hidden Lakes! To celebrate, we are opening the gates and concessions building for fishing at 6 a.m. Find your perfect spot along the two stocked lakes. Head to the Tackle Box Bait shop for a free hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Plus, top off the......More

Its spring trout season at Hidden Lakes! To celebrate, we are opening the gates and concessions building for fishing at 6 a.m. Find your perfect spot along the two stocked lakes. Head to the Tackle Box Bait shop for a free hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Plus, top off the morning with a complimentary doughnut to keep you fueled to fish. Need a fishing license and trout stamp? No problem! The Tackle Box sells those too. 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States

Lake Renwick Photography Bird Hike

Join other photographers for a special opportunity to view and photograph the herons, egrets, cormorants and even eagles at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. This is the beginning of nesting season, with hundreds of nesting birds in the preserve. Explore off-t......More

Join other photographers for a special opportunity to view and photograph the herons, egrets, cormorants and even eagles at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. This is the beginning of nesting season, with hundreds of nesting birds in the preserve. Explore off-trail habitats and share insights into this exciting hobby with like-minded shutterbugs. A naturalist and a camera buff will lead the group. Ages 10 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Thursday, April 9: 815-722-9470.

Lake Renwick Preserve, 23113 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL, 60455, United States

Recycle Your Bicycle

This ongoing program runs from Saturday, April 11, through Sunday, April 26. Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes(Opens in a new window), an organization that refurbishes and d......More

This ongoing program runs from Saturday, April 11, through Sunday, April 26. Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes(Opens in a new window), an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes globally to individuals with disabilities and in developing countries for transportation. No bike is too old or rusty! Bikes can be dropped off at the following Will County preserves: Hidden Oaks Preserve: 8 a.m. to sunset. The bike drop is located on the southwest side of the parking lot on a flat, accessible surface. Isle a la Cache Museum: 8 a.m. to sunset. The bike drop is located in the far west parking lot near the latrine on a flat, accessible surface. McKinley Woods Kerry Sheridan Grove: 8 a.m. to sunset. The bike drop is centrally located in the McKinley Woods Kerry Sheridan Grove parking lot. Monee Reservoir: 6 a.m. to sunset. The bike drop is centrally located in the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center parking lot. Sugar Creek Preserve: 8 a.m. to sunset. The bike drop is located in the far west parking lot on a flat, accessible surf 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States

Wondrous Weather Weekend

Enjoy an afternoon discovering the wondrous world of weather through hands-on activities and art. Craft your own clouds, construct a rain stick, measure the wind and more in this self-guided program! 

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States

Tune Ups & Treats Bike Social

The weather is warming, and the trails are calling! Come out to Prairie Bluff to get your bike ready for the season and learn about basic maintenance and repair from our partners at REI. Staff from the Orland Park Co-op bike shop and Forest Preserve District of Will Cou......More

The weather is warming, and the trails are calling! Come out to Prairie Bluff to get your bike ready for the season and learn about basic maintenance and repair from our partners at REI. Staff from the Orland Park Co-op bike shop and Forest Preserve District of Will County will be at the Prairie Bluff Shelter presenting on bicycle maintenance along with trail recreation and safety in the preserves. Participants can visit the picnic shelter for short presentations, swag, trail maps and safety materials, then hit the trail for some prairie views to kick off the season. All riders must bring their own bicycle and helmet, though riding is not required to participate in the program. Be sure to visit the TaCanijo food truck for a snack or beverage and grab a free churro! Along with their instructional presentations, REI staff will be able to assess your bike for simple adjustments or minor repairs or suggest needed maintenance to get your bike ready for the season. The following presentations are scheduled: 1:30 p.m.: Bike Basics 2 p.m.: Fix-a-Flat2:30 p.m.: Trailside Maintenance Have a bike you’re ready to part with? Bring it along to donate to our Recycle Your Bicycle(Opens in a new window) program in partnership with Working Bikes! Donations will be accepted at the trailer in the preserve parking lot for the duration of the event. 

Prairie Bluff Preserve, 2025 Renwick Rd., Crest Hill, 60403, United States

Booze & Bunnies

Prepare yourself for an evening of non-stop entertainment as you engage in thrilling contests, win incredible prizes, and dance the night away on the lively dance floor. The Booze and Bunnies Event boasts a cash bar, mouth-watering food options, and a variety of engagin......More

Prepare yourself for an evening of non-stop entertainment as you engage in thrilling contests, win incredible prizes, and dance the night away on the lively dance floor. The Booze and Bunnies Event boasts a cash bar, mouth-watering food options, and a variety of engaging activities to keep you and your friends entertained from start to finish.As the event is exclusively for those aged 21 and over, ensure you have your ID ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss the chance to capture the perfect snapshot with the Easter Bunny or frolic amongst farm animals. Experience the thrill of sliding down a giant mountain slide and show off your dance moves on our hopping dance floor.General Admission: $20VIP Ticket: $50 

Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, 17250 Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL, 60403, United States