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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 11/17/2026-12/14/2026
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Tuesday, 11/17 through Monday, 12/14; 4:30pm─9pm
Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Patrons can enjoy bold, artistic and unforgettable displays that are expertly curated each year at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate and step into an enchanting and showstopping 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights. Registration required. The cost may vary based on timeslot, age, and day of the week. For more information, please visit the website
Wednesday, 11/18; 10am
Nature Art Meetup, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Participants can create independently with other artists. Participants can bring their own supplies, chairs, and laptops. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
Wednesday, 11/18; 10am─12pm
Photography Walk, Bemis Woods-South, Western Springs
Patrons can enjoy a scenic walk and practice their photography skills. This program is for all levels of experience and camera types. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Wednesday, 11/18; 10am─12pm
America 250: Americana Folk Art, Swallow Cliff Woods-South, Palos Park
Patrons can learn about Americana folk art, then how to carve a linoleum block. Registration required. Ages 12 & up. Supplies and materials will be provided. Please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Wednesday, 11/18; 7pm
Fall Artisan Series: Painting, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Participants can get crafty in this seasonal artisan series, in which this program date will focus on painting. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (847)381-6592.
Thursday, 11/19; 10am─12pm
Rock and Crystal Gardens, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Join us and create small gardens that are great for indoor and outdoor spaces! We will make small planters that incorporate rocks and crystals into the design while exploring the sensory qualities of these gardens. Participants are encouraged to bring collected rocks, crystals, and recycled plant containers. Registration required. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Friday, 11/20; 5pm
River Trail Nightlife: Owl Prowl, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Enjoy a guided walk on our trail to search for local owls. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Friday, 11/20; 5pm─9pm
Stars, Stories, and S’mores, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a night under the stars! Participants can explore the night sky through a telescope and other interactive experiences. This event will include activities such as interactive storytelling, crafts, play, and more. Enjoy the brisk Autumn night with a cozy cup of hot cocoa and a smore. Registration required. Please call (708)771-9632 or visit the website.
Friday, 11/20; 6pm─7:30pm
Thankful for the Dark Sky, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons can enjoy a stroll beneath the dark sky and offer gratitude to Mother Nature for this beautiful 2-mile hike. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Friday, 11/20; 7pm
River Trail Nightlife: Owl Prowl, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can enjoy a guided walk on our trail to search for local owls. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Saturday, 11/21; 12pm
Indoor Edible Gardens, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can learn how to grow your own fresh herbs, salad greens, and more. Registration required. This program is presented with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Please call (847) 824-8360 or visit the website.
Saturday, 11/21; 1pm-3pm
Little Red Rocks, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons can perform or listen to music and poetry during this open-mic night. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 11/21; 1pm
Forest Therapy, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Enjoy a meditative guided walk and connect with nature. Registration required. Ages 18 & up. This program is led by a Master Naturalist. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 11/21-Wednesday, 11/25; Friday, 11/27-Sunday, 11/29; Thursday, 12/3-Sunday, 12/13; 3pm─9pm
Holiday Magic, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
We are lighting up the night this holiday season! We are celebrating more than 40 years of Holiday Magic with sparking lights, festive fun, and holiday memories. Patrons can experience a sparkling winter wonderland as you explore themed areas filled with larger-than-life holiday displays, interactive experiences, glowing tunnels, a maze, and animal-themed light displays Registration required. The cost may vary based on timeslot, age, and day of the week. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 11/22; 9:30am─11:30am
Clear the Trails, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can help clear overgrowth along the trails in preparation for ski season. Registration required. Supplies and equipment will be provided. Please visit the website.
Sunday, 11/22; 10am─12pm
Cicada Pinning Class, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can learn about the process and importance of entomology. Registration required by 11/20. Ages 14 and up. The cost is $5 per person. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 11/22; 7pm─9pm
Beaver Moon Sound Bath, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Participants can enjoy an immersive nature walk and sound bath. Registration required. This program is presented by Navraaz Kaur Basati from Wandering Paths. Please call (847)381-6592.
Tuesday, 11/24; 11am
Photography Walk, Spears Woods, Williow Springs
Patrons can enjoy a guided walk to photograph and view nature. This program is for all levels of experience and camera types. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Friday, 11/27; 4pm
Welcoming Winter Walk, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Participants can observe and discuss the ways nature prepares itself for the changing season on this 2-mile walk. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 11/28; 10am─1pm
Community Conservation Action Day, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us and help restore the woodland ecosystem by removing invasive plants. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment and tools will be provided. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Sunday, 11/29; 1pm
Singing Back the Buffalo Film Viewing, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can learn about the significance of the buffalo and how it weaves together the survival of Indigenous nations, nature, and humankind. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045 or visit the website.
Thursday, 12/3; 1:30pm─3pm
Wellness in the Woods: Nature Arts for Health, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Participants can experience art and wellness in this interactive journaling class. Registration required. This program is presented by University of Illinois Extension. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/5; 11am
Teen Winter Adventure Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Teens can explore snowy trails. Registration required. Ages 13-19. Snowshoes will be provided when snowfall reaches 4 or more inches. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 12/5; 4pm─8pm
Winter Bonfire, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Patrons can celebrate the start of winter with a giant bonfire. Patrons can enjoy s’mores and other snacks, games, and stargazing. Registration required. Star gazing is dependent on the weather. Please visit the website.
Tuesday, 12/8; 10am
Little Sprouts Sound Lab, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Children can explore nature’s soundscape through sensory activities and sound-making. Registration required. Ages 2-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and their siblings are welcome to attend. Please call (847)381-6592.
Wednesday, 12/9; 9:30am
Children’s Storytime, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Participants can listen to nature-themed children’s book, followed by an activity. The stories will be presented both orally and in American Sign Language also known as ASL. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Thursday, 12/10; 10am─12pm
Forest Bathing: Celebrate the Season, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Participants can experience the benefits of nature with forest meditation. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program is presented by Gayle Byck of InTune with Nature. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/12; 8am
Winter Wellness Hike, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights
Bundle up and experience a brisk 3.4-mile hike and enjoy the health benefits nature provides. For more information, please call (708)771-9632 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/12; 9:30am─12:30pm
Sensory Play and S’mores, Swallow Cliff Pavilion, Palos Park
Families can enjoy our indoor space while helping your little ones connect with nature. Participants can enjoy s’more outdoors. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/12; 10am─12pm
Winter Workshop: Fire Building 101, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Join us outdoors and learn how to build, start, and tend to a campfire. Registration required. Equipment and instructions will be provided. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/12; 1pm─3pm
Nature Drawing Workshop, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can learn about the fundamentals of drawing from nature and practice their skills in a relaxed environment. Registration required. This program is for all skill levels. Supplies and materials will be provided. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 12/12; 4pm─7pm
Solstice Celebration, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us and celebrate winter around a bonfire. Participants can enjoy guided walks, s’mores, and nighttime activities at the campground. For more information, please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 12/13; 5:30am
Dawn Owl Prowl, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can search for owls during the Christmas Bird Count. Registration required. Ages 10 and up. This program is led by John Elliot from Chicago Bird Alliance Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 12/13; 7am
Sunrise Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons can step into the quiet stillness of early morning! Join us for an early morning hike to witness the beauty of a new day unfolding. Gates and restroom will open 15 minutes prior to start time. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Sunday, 12/13; 11am─1pm
Guided Wildlife Sketching: Coyote, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can draw with provided materials or bring their own supplies. Registration required. Ages 16 and up. This program is led by University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist volunteers. Please call (847) 824-8360.
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