Children's Storytime

Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity.

Thatcher Woods Pavilion, Chicago Ave, west of Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States

Wee Wandering Wednesdays

Read a story, make a craft and go on an adventure. Ages 2 to 6 with an adult. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Wee Wonders: Woodpeckers

Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

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

Everyone in Nature

Join a sensory class where individuals with disabilities and homeschoolers can learn about nature. Participants must be with an adult.

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

Camping 101

Join us for a workshop to learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more!

Camp Bullfrog Lake, 9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States

Nature Photography

Enjoy the summer landscapes and bring your own camera to capture the beauty along our trail.

Sauk Trail Woods-Central, IL

S.E.N.I.O.R.S.

Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Seniors can deepen their connection to the outdoors with fresh, engaging nature programs offered each month. Ages 55 & up.

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

Summer Solstice Forest Bathing

Discover the health benefits of being in nature. Meditation led by Gayle Byck of InTune with Nature. Ages 18 & up.

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

Campfire Stories

Enjoy the lingering daylight with stories, songs and s’mores around the campfire. Cost: $5/person.

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

Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Celebrate Juneteenth with a 1.5-mile walking tour highlighting notable sites connected to Freedom Seekers. Led by the Midwest Underground Railroad Network. Meet at Thatcher Glen Pond.

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

History of the Lagoons Paddle

Explore the uniqueness of Skokie Lagoons by water. Equipment provided. Presented with Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.

Tower Road Boat Launch, IL

Birding By Ear

Join us for a birding adventure to learn some mnemonics and other tips to ID birds by their songs.

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

Geology & Herpetology - The Bridging of Two Sciences

What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us as we discover the geology and herpetology of the Chicago Region. This workshop will emphasize how geological forces have shaped the ecology of local reptiles and amphibians. Explore the connection between how the ......More

What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us as we discover the geology and herpetology of the Chicago Region. This workshop will emphasize how geological forces have shaped the ecology of local reptiles and amphibians. Explore the connection between how the shape of the land effects the different species of reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chicago area. The focus will be on current species and include how we can follow changes in species through fossil remains. Up to 1.5 miles of easy to strenuous hiking is involved. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

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

Volunteer Workday

Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 8 & up ages 8-14 w/adult.

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

Nature Wellness Walk

Reconnect with nature. Relax and meditate during a leisurely walk. Ages 18 & up.

Bemis Woods-North, IL

R.I.P. Stewardship

Help us restore native habitats – Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants encouraged. Children aged 15 & under w/adult.

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

Little Cal Paddles

Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Meet Our Ambassador Animals

Meet the animals that call Crabtree home.

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

Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour

Follow the tale of Freedom Seekers. Presented with the Midwest Underground Railroad Network. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Beaubien Woods Celebration

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Beaubien Woods as we celebrate the wonders of nature. This exciting day features a wide range of activities to enjoy, including archery, canoeing and engaging activities from our community partners. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast ......More

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Beaubien Woods as we celebrate the wonders of nature. This exciting day features a wide range of activities to enjoy, including archery, canoeing and engaging activities from our community partners. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a memorable family outing, there’s something for everyone at this celebration. Admission to the Beaubien Woods Celebration is FREE. While registration is not required, it helps us ensure we have the resources to accommodate everyone in attendance. The event is outside rain or shine. Canoe slots are limited and is first come, first served. Additionally, feel free to join the Midwest Underground Railroad Network for a guided bus tour exploring the powerful history of the Underground Railroad in our region. The bus tour runs from 11 am to 1:30 pm online registration required: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/gvsug4j  

Beaubien Woods, IL

Wildlife Pride Walk

Join a 1.6-mile guided walk to learn about the diverse relationships and anatomy of native wildlife.

Bemis Woods-South, IL

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

Night of the Frogs/ Noche de las Ranas

Join our bilingual night walk to hear seasonal frog calls and other nocturnal creatures. Ages 16 & up.

Camp Shabbona Woods, 15810 S Torrence Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473, United States

Sunrise Hike

Step into the quiet stillness of early morning and join us for a before-hours hike to witness the beauty of a new day. Gates and restroom open 15 minutes prior to start time.

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

Morning Bird Walk

Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels of birding skills welcome! Presented by the Chicago Bird Alliance.

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

LGBTQ2S+ Nature Trivia

Join us for a celebration of all things queer in nature.

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

Wee Wonders: Woodpeckers

Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

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

Trailside Summer Bluegrass Jam

As part of America 250, join this all-American music jam! Come play or listen. Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own.

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