title
PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 7/1/2025-9/8/2025
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Wednesday, 7/2; 7pm─8:30pm
Naturalist Night Out: Owls, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Join us for a themed stroll under the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Wednesday, 7/2; 7:30pm─9:30pm
Jewels of the Night: Fireflies, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for a presentation and nature walk and learn how to identify fireflies. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 7/5; 10:30am─11:30am
Benefits of Beavers, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
The beaver is the largest rodent in Illinois. Join us for a hike to the to the beaver dam on our slough while we discuss its adaptation. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Sunday, 7/6; 10am
Maps and Compass Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Maps and compass are essential tools. You can learn how to use these tools and practice on a walk. Ages 10 and up. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Sunday, 7/6; 10:30am
Red, White and Blue Nature Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Enjoy a guided walk and look for our nation’s flag colors in nature. Registration required. Please call (708)366-6530.
Sunday, 7/6; 3pm─4:30pm
Red, White, and Black, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a walk to search for local woodpeckers and learn about their amazing traits. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606.
Monday, 7/7; 7:30pm─9:30pm
Dark Night Rising, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for a 1-mile hike while using binoculars and technology to look at and listen for bat signals. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Thursday, 7/10; 5pm─7pm
Wellness in Woods: Community Gardens, Caldwell Wellness Center, Chicago
Join us for this portion of the series as we learn about gardening and the incredible effect that plants can have on your well-being. Registration required. This guided walk will be led by Wandering Paths Founder and Flower Farmer Navraaz Kaur Basati. Please call (773)758-8899.
Thursday, 7/10; 5:30pm
Camping 101, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
Join us for a 1.5-hour workshop and learn about basic camping skills like setting up a tent, building a fire, dressing for the weather and more! For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 7/11; 9am
Walk & Talk: Summer Nature Exploration, LaBagh Woods, Grove 3
For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. Registration required, please call 773-758-8899.
Saturday, 7/12; 10am─3pm
Kids’ Fest, Wampum Lake, Thornton
Get ready to embrace the beauty of summer, the great outdoors and the wonders of nature at Kids' Fest 2025! This exciting festival is the perfect way to celebrate the sun-soaked season with your family and friends by enjoying many activities like nature exploration, crafts and archery. Registration required. Please visit the website.
Thursday, 7/17; 11am─2pm
Insect Fest, Cummings Square, River Forest
Enjoy this outdoor festival of insects. You can go on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo, explore bugs through yoga and music and more! For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Thursday, 7/17; 8pm
Sunset Night Hike, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Enjoy a guided walk and learn about the wildlife that begins their day as the sun begins to set. Registration required. The cost is $5 per person. Please call (847)824-8360.
Saturday, 7/19; 8am
Morning Cycle, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights
Enjoy a 16-miles bike ride on the Thorn Creek trail. This program is for experienced cyclists. Participants must bring their own bike and helmet.
Saturday, 7/19; 1:30pm
GPS Mystery Adventure, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
A murder most “fowl” has occurred in our woods! You can solve the case by using handheld GPS units to locate hidden clues and discover who did in the bird. Ages 10 and up. Ages 10-17 with an adult. All instruction and materials will be provided. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
Saturday, 7/19; 7pm─9pm
Nature at Night: Astronomy Night, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us for evening explorations at the campground! Registration required. This is a bilingual program and will be offered in English and Spanish. Please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Tuesday, 7/22 through Thursday, 7/24; 9:30am─2:30pm
Field Science Workshop: Biodiversity, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
This workshop includes hands-on field investigations leading to engaging discussions. You can earn Continuing Professional Development Units also known as CPDUs. Registration required. The cost is $75 per person. For more information, please call (630)257-2045 or visit the website.
Thursday, 7/24; 2pm─3:30pm
Teen Exploration Day: Clean Up and Explore, Caldwell Wellness Center, Chicago
You can learn service hours and help keep the Forest Preserves clean! Registration required. Ages 13-17. Litter pick-up supplies will be available for check out. Please call (773)758-8899.
Friday, 7/25; 10am─12pm
Fishing for Community, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join us for a morning of fishing on Trailside’s pond. This bilingual event offers a unique opportunity to learn the basics of fishing from our experts, build connections with others and enjoy the beauty of nature together in a welcoming atmosphere. All instructions and equipment will be provided. This is a bilingual program and will be offered in English and Spanish. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
Friday, 7/25; 1pm
Insect Inquiry: Dragonflies, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us on the last Friday of each month and learn about a highlighted insect. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 7/26; 10am─12:30pm
Indigenous Games and Activities, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Join the American Indian Center of Chicago for traditional Indigenous games and physical activities.
Saturday, 7/26; 10am─1pm
The Freedom Trail Bus and Walking Tour, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join a narrated bus tour and guided walk to learn about the Freedom Seekers who came through the Calumet region. Registration required. This event is presented with Midwest Underground Railroad Network. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 7/26; 11am─3pm
Campus Open House, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
Celebrate summer and explore what Sand Ridge has to offer with guided walks, artmaking and games. For more information, please call (708)868-0606.
Wednesday, 7/30; 10am─12pm
Teen Exploration Day: Pond Dipping Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch, Willow Springs
Teens and families will learn about freshwater ecology using dipping nets and water quality testing.
Saturday, 8/2; 10am─12pm
Green Lake Open Fishing Clinic, Green Lake Family Aquatic Center, Calumet City
Join us as we learn to fish with instructions. Registration required Fishing license is required for participants that are 16 and up. Equipment will be provided. This program will have 30-minute time slots, and it is presented with Get Hooked LLC. Please call (708)868-0606.
Saturday, 8/2; 10am─1pm
Back-to-School Community Adventure Day, Caldwell Wellness Center, Chicago
Bring the family and celebrate with the community! You can start the school year with give-a-ways, school supply distribution, activities, food and more! Donations are limited. This event is presented with ICNA Chicago, Niles-Maine Library, Hive Center for the Book Arts, and many others. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Sunday, 8/3; 1pm─3pm
From Oceans to Lakes to Rivers: Maintaining Knowledge Through Forced Migrations, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Explore the enduring legacy of African American Traditional Ecological Knowledge also known as TEK. You can learn about its role in survival, adaptation, and environmental stewardship across generations through storytelling, discussions, and interactive learning. This program is presented by the Mbwakawen Harambee Collective. For more information, please call (708)868-0606.
Monday, 8/4 through Friday, 8/8; 8:30am─12:30pm
Environmental Education Camp, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Campers will learn about local ecology through games, crafts and outdoor activities. Registration required. Ages 6-13. The cost is $25 per child. Please call (708)868-0606.
Wednesday, 8/6; 5pm─7pm
An Evening with Hummingbirds, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Drop-in and enjoy watching hummingbirds.
Wednesday, 8/6; 7pm─8:30pm
Naturalist Night Out: Senses, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Join us for a themed stroll under the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 8/9; 9am
Paddle the Upper Des Plaines River, Allison Woods, Northbrook
Discover this magnificent watershed on over 5-mile canoe ride. Registration required. Equipment will be provided. Ages 12 and up. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 8/9; 7pm─9pm
Nature at Night: Astronomy, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
Join us for evening explorations at the campground! Registration required. This is a bilingual program and will be offered in English and Spanish. Please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Tuesday, 8/12; 10am─12pm
Community Litter Cleanup, Schiller Woods-East, Chicago
Join us for a litter clean up and give back to the community. This event will be held at Grove 13. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Thursday, 8/14; 12pm─2pm
Nature Discovery Day, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Park
Drop-in for games, disc golf, art making, fish casting lessons and more.
Thursday, 8/14; 5pm─7pm
Wellness in Woods: Recycled Gardens, Caldwell Wellness Center, Chicago
Join us for this portion of the series as we learn about gardening and the incredible effect that plants can have on your well-being. Registration required. This guided walk will be led by Wandering Paths Founder and Flower Farmer Navraaz Kaur Basati. Please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 8/16 through Wednesday, 8/20; 9am─5pm
Mesoamerican Jewels of the Sky, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
A walking exhibition showcasing the cultural importance of hummingbirds in Mesoamerica and beyond. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 8/16; 9am─2pm
Hummingbird Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 8/16; 10am─12pm
Watercolor Workshop, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Unleash your creative energy with a unique painting workshop! We will be creating paints from different native berries and then creating art on seed paper. Registration required. This program is led by Wandering Paths Founder, Navraaz Kaur Basati. Please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 8/16 through Sunday, 8/17; 5:30pm
Camping 101-Overnight, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Part workshop, part campout! You can learn about camping skills then spend the night. Registration required. The cost is $50 per family of 6. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 8/23; 10am─1pm
Underground Railroad Southland Chicago Bus Tour, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
You can visit the Underground Railroad sites and locations and learn about their significance for Black history in Chicago Southland. Registration required. This event is presented with Midwest Underground Railroad Network. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 8/23; 1pm
Adult Wellness Walk in Thatcher Woods, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join us for a for a mindful and calming forest walk in the woods. Registration required. This program is led by Roberta Jannsen from the University of Illinois Extension. Please call (708)366-6530.
Saturday, 8/23; 6pm─11pm
Busse Night Ride, Busse Lake Boating Center, Elk Grove Village
Ride the trail at sunset, twilight or in the dark! The ticket will include live music, bonfires, refreshments and more. Registration required. For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday, 8/27; 9:30am─11:30am
Healing Trees and Sound Bath, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Experience the health benefits of being in nature with forest meditation and sound bathing. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program is led by certified forest therapy guides, Gayle Byck, of In Tune with Nature and Kim Eisendrath of Fascia and Function. Please call (847)824-8360.
Wednesday, 8/27; 7pm─9pm
Night of Nature Play, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Experience nature at night through open play, star gazing and s’mores. This program will be held at Grove 3. For more information, please call (224)763-4317.
Friday, 8/27; 1pm
Insect Inquiry: Wasps, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us on the last Friday of each month and learn about a highlighted insect. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 8/30; 9am─2pm
Kayak the Salt Creek Water Trail, Bemis Woods-North, Oakbrook
Enjoy kayaking 8 miles on Salt Creek from Bemis Woods to Plank Road Meadow. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Equipment and a shuttle van will be provided. Please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 8/30; 10am─1pm
View Finder, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Drop-in and bring a phone or camera to learn about our natural areas through an informational photography scavenger hunt. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Thursday, 9/4; 10am─11:30m
Wildflowers in the Prairie, Carl R. Hansen Woods, Hoffman Estates
Join us for a 2-mile nature walk! You can learn about the natural history and wildflowers of Shoe Factory Road Prairie. Registration required. Participants must bring sun protection and water. Please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 9/5; 6pm─8pm
Skate Party, Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago
Come out and bring your best skating skills and routines or just roll along to the music. This event will be held at Grove 15. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 9/6; 11am─3pm
Art in Nature Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us for our largest event of the year! There will be art activities for both kids and adults. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 9/6; 1pm
Singing with Cicadas, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Cicadas serenade us with song in the late summer. You can learn about their songs on a short, guided hike. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 9/6; 6:30pm─10pm
Full Moon Paddle, Tower Road Boat Launch, Northfield
Enjoy an exclusive after-hours sunset and moonlit paddle through the Skokie Lagoons. Registration required. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 9/7; 10am
Herbal Tea Party, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
It's teatime! You can learn about native plants that you can grow in the garden, then sample different infused teas made from them. Registration required. This program is led by certified forest therapy guides, Gayle Byck of In Tune with Nature and Kim Eisendrath of Fascia and Function. Please call (847)824-8360.
Sunday, 9/7; 12pm─3pm
Migrating Monarchs, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Celebrate the annual Monarch Butterfly migration with environmental and cultural displays, activities, music and crafts. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
Sunday, 9/7; 1pm
Herbal Tea Party, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
It's teatime! You can learn about native plants that you can grow in the garden, then sample different infused teas made from them. Registration required. This program is led by certified forest therapy guides, Gayle Byck of In Tune with Nature and Kim Eisendrath of Fascia and Function. Please call (847)824-8360.
Monday, 9/8; 8pm
Nocturnal Photography, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Enjoy the glow of moonlight and learn about the fundamentals of capturing digital night-time photos using a camera or smartphone. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Please call (708)839-6897.
end