Nature Explorers Camp

Hosted daily from 10 am to noon, this day camp invites young explorers to uncover the treasures of nature through guided hikes, creative art projects and fun outdoor activities. Snacks are provided. Cost is $35 per child. Ages 5 to 6. Registration for all camps opens Ap......More

Hosted daily from 10 am to noon, this day camp invites young explorers to uncover the treasures of nature through guided hikes, creative art projects and fun outdoor activities. Snacks are provided. Cost is $35 per child. Ages 5 to 6. Registration for all camps opens April 4 and must be completed in person with payment by cash or check.

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

Animal Enrichment Studio

Join us for an ADA-accessible event where you’ll create new items for our ambassador animals and then watch how enrichment is used as an important part of their care.

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

Community Fishing Clinic

Presented with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program, join us for an evening of wildlife watching and fishing fun. Participants will learn about basic fishing skills including casting techniques, baiting hooks and native fish ident......More

Presented with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program, join us for an evening of wildlife watching and fishing fun. Participants will learn about basic fishing skills including casting techniques, baiting hooks and native fish identification. Live bait, tackle and loaner poles will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring personal equipment. This program is suggested for families new to fishing and novice anglers, ages 6-15.

Cermak Woods, IL

Fantastic Fireflies

Fireflies enchant and inspire people across the globe, but there is much more to these beautiful beetles than just pretty lights. Join a Sagawau Firefly Expert for a discussion of their ecology and a firefly viewing along our trails. Ages 12 & up.

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

Morning Prairie Walk

Join us for a hike around Phantom Prairie. Ages 12 & up.

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

Senior Fitness Walk

Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.

Thatcher Woods

Fishing Bass-ics

Get hooked on the basics of fishing as we tackle new topics and activities each class. Today we’ll learn what a fish actually is, go over knots and rods, play a casting‑practice game and then see what we can catch in the pond.

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

Ethnobotany & The Power of Plants

Discover the healing stories of Chicago’s landscapes in this immersive indoor-outdoor herbalism workshop. Led by University of Illinois-Extension.

Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, 6350 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60646, United States

Naturalist Night Out: Bats

Join us for a themed stroll under the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place.

Spears Woods, IL

Baby Buds

Join us for nature-themed interactive songs and stories. Ages 0-23 months w/ adult. Tickets first come, first served.

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

Story Trail: Juneteenth

Experience a story unfolding along a short trail. A craft is available to take home upon story trail completion.

Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, 6350 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60646, United States

Stories in the Forest

Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.

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

Thursdays in Nature: Bug Detective!

Connect to nature with University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists through fun inquiry-based activities for both adults and kids. Drop in.

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

Freedom Trail: Paddle Tour

Join us on 10-person voyager canoes for a fascinating tale of the hundreds -perhaps thousands- of escaped slaves / “Freedom Seekers” that came through this region prior to the Civil War, who often found refuge and replenishment from local abolitionists, one being the Ja......More

Join us on 10-person voyager canoes for a fascinating tale of the hundreds -perhaps thousands- of escaped slaves / “Freedom Seekers” that came through this region prior to the Civil War, who often found refuge and replenishment from local abolitionists, one being the Jan Ton family who owned a farm near Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve on the Little Calumet River. The focus of the Hike is educating the tour attendee about the Underground Railroad history in the Calumet region. The free narrated tour & hike will depart from the Beaubien Woods boat launch and will last roughly 2 hours. Registration opens a month before the program.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Nature Arts for Health: Plein Air Watercolor

Experience the positive interaction between nature art and wellness in this fun, interactive art class. Led by University of Illinois-Extension.

Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, 6350 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60646, United States

Story Trail: Juneteenth

Experience a story unfolding along a short trail. A craft is available to take home upon story trail completion.

Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, 6350 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60646, United States

Nature Book Club: “Why Rats Laugh and Jellyfish Sleep” by D. Stipp

Discuss the featured book and ponder the hidden depths of familiar animals and ordinary things. Ages 18 & up.

Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL, 60130, United States

Family Fishing Exploration Day

Discover the wonders beneath the waters of the preserves. Learn to fish, examine specimens and create art with your family.

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

Juneteenth Reflection Hike

Self-guided Juneteenth reflection hike exploring freedom, resilience and belonging through thoughtful prompts.

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

Juneteenth Walk

Join us for a walk focusing on the contributions made by African-American naturalists.

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

Juneteenth Paddle

Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Juneteenth Paddle

Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Juneteenth Freedom Ride

Join this 16-mile cycling celebration with Major Taylor Trail Keepers and local bike clubs. BYO-bike and helmet.

Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, IL

Busse Lake Outdoors Day & Fishing Derby

Free fishing derby, nature play, animal encounters and more! Enjoy local food and win prizes. Join Commissioner Kevin Morrison for Outdoors Day and the annual Fishing Derby at Busse Woods at Grove 25, a family‑friendly event featuring hands‑on nature activities, a free ......More

Free fishing derby, nature play, animal encounters and more! Enjoy local food and win prizes. Join Commissioner Kevin Morrison for Outdoors Day and the annual Fishing Derby at Busse Woods at Grove 25, a family‑friendly event featuring hands‑on nature activities, a free fishing derby with prizes and outdoor fun for all ages.

Busse Lake Boating Center, IL

Intro to Kayaking Class

Learn basic skills for beginner kayakers. Equipment provided.

Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch, IL

To Catch a Crayfish

We’ll set out traps and explore the amazing arthropods we discover. Ages 7 & up.

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