Let’s Play! Forest Exploration Day

Engage in creative, imaginative and child-directed, outdoor free-play as a family.

Erickson Woods, IL

Meandering Mondays

Join us for an afternoon guided stroll.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Summer Nature Camp

From 12 pm to 3 pm, learn the significance of summer in Native American culture while participating in various activities. Presented by Trickster Cultural Center.

Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States

Weekly Programming at Camp Reinberg

Love art and nature? Join the like-minded nature enthusiasts Deer Grove Nature Artists. BYO-art supplies.

Camp Reinberg, 1801 N Quentin Rd, Palatine, IL, 60074, United States

Live Healthy, Discover Nature

Learn how to connect to nature, book an event in the Forest Preserves, listen to live music, and win free giveaways.

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL, 60602, United States

Wildlife Connections

Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Senior Fitness Walk

Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk.

Thatcher Woods

Wee Wandering Wednesdays

Read a story, make a craft and go on an adventure. Ages 3-6 w/ adult. Tickets on first come, first served basis.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Baby Buds

Join us for nature-themed interactive songs and simple stories. 0-23 months. Tickets on first come, first served basis.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Monarchs & Milkweeds

Learn about Monarchs, their migration and milkweed from a Forest Preserves staff member.

Caldwell Woods, IL

Monarchs & Milkweeds

Learn about Monarchs, their migration and milkweed from a Forest Preserves staff member.

Caldwell Woods, IL

After Life in the Forest Walk

A 2.5-mile guided walk where we learn about decomposition, fungi and the importance of decay in the forest.

Spears Woods, IL

Senior Nature Collaging

Join local artist Phyllis Frick in making collages of plants, animals and landscapes. Ages 55 & up.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States

Fitness Hike

Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. 3 miles.

Yankee Woods

Pride Night

Celebrate Pride and join us for an evening nature walk with s’mores around the campfire. LGBTQ2S+ people and allies are welcome.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

IKES Fish for Fun

Youth 15 and under are invited to experience fishing in the Preserves! Bait, raffles, giveaways, snacks, and refreshments available in the Rolling Knolls Pavilion.  No longer a fishing derby. Drop in. Call 773-758-8899 for information.

Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States

Little Calumet River Clean-up

Canoe and kayak while helping clean the Little Calumet River. Event is full waitlist available: https://www.openlands.org/riverday25

Kickapoo Woods, IL

Wellness in the Woods: Yoga

Join a 30-minute yoga session. Please bring your own yoga mat. Grove 3.

Rubio Woods, IL

Volunteer Workday

Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 10 & up. Children under 15 w/adult.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Weed Busters

Help us improve biodiversity by removing invasive plants.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour

Join us for a fascinating tale of the hundreds – perhaps thousands – of escaped slaves/”Freedom Seekers” that came through this region prior to the Civil War. They often found refuge and replenishment from local abolitionists, one being the Jan Ton family who owned a fa......More

Join us for a fascinating tale of the hundreds – perhaps thousands – of escaped slaves/”Freedom Seekers” that came through this region prior to the Civil War. They often found refuge and replenishment from local abolitionists, one being the Jan Ton family who owned a farm near Beaubien Woods on the Little Calumet River. The focus of the Hike is educating the tour attendees about the Underground Railroad history in the Calumet region. Professor Larry McClellan, the foremost authority on the Underground Railroad in Northern Illinois, and Tom Shepherd of the Midwest Underground Railroad Network will be narrators for this hike/tour. The free narrated tour & hike will depart from the Beaubien Woods Boat Launch and will last roughly two hours.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Community Book Swap

Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books. Books can be of any genre and at any reading level nature-themed books are particularly encouraged. Presented by Oak Lawn Public Library and Green Hills Public Library.

Swallow Cliff Woods-North, IL

Sounds of the Slough

Learn about common animals heard and seen around the water on a 1-mile hike.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States

Ceramic Creation Workshops

Unleash your creativity! Learn basic techniques in shaping and decorating unique pieces to take home. All materials provided. Presented by Greg’s Ceramics 4 You.

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473, United States

Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Walk

Venture out on our scenic trails for a guided 3- to 4-mile walk.

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473, United States

What’s On The Menu?

Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Sunrise Hike

Come join us for a “before hours” hike to experience the dawning of a new day.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States

Herp Hike

What is a “herp”? Learn about and look for our region’s herpetofauna, or reptiles and amphibians, on a guided walk.

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473, United States

Nests: Bird Baskets of Life

Learn how to find and safely watch birds while they nest.

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States