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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 11/18/2025 - 12/15/2025
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Friday, through Monday, 11/14-1/4/2026; 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 Chicago Botanic Garden’s website.
Tuesday, 11/18; 9am─3pm
Mental Health First Aid Training, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can learn about mental health and the training techniques to help those in a mental health crisis. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program is presented with the Kenneth Young Center and is for adults who work with youth. Please call (847)381-6592.
Thursday, 11/20; 6pm
National Native American Heritage Month History Walk, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights
Enjoy a stroll on a 3.4-mile paved loop and learn the origin of the Sauk Woods name. For more information, please call (224) 763-4317 or visit the website.
Thursday, 11/20; 6pm─7:30pm
Thankful for the Dark Sky, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons can show gratitude to Mother Nature during a 2-mile hike. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Fridays, 11/21 through Sundays & some weekdays, 1/4/2026; 3pm─9pm
Holiday Magic, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
The Zoo is lighting up the night this holiday season, celebrating more than 40 years of Holiday Magic with a brand-new light display. Patrons can experience the magic that has made this event a beloved holiday tradition. The spectacular interactive display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 3.5 million lights. Patrons can stroll through themed areas featuring giant holiday displays, a maze, tunnels, and animal-themed lights. Registration required. The cost may vary based on timeslot, age, and day of the week. For more information, please visit Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s website.
Friday, 11/21; 7pm─9pm
Pride Night: Queer Trivia, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Enjoy comradery in nature around the campfire and test your knowledge of animal gender fluidity and courtship. Registration required. Please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 11/22; 10am─2pm
Seed Swap and Plant Exchange, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Plant lovers unite! Enjoy a native plant presentation followed by seed and plant sharing. Participants must bring a mug because warm beverages will be provided. For more information, please call (224) 763-4317 or visit the website.
Sunday, 11/23; 1pm
Native American Heritage Month: INHABITANTS Documentary Viewing, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
The documentary “INHABITANTS” follows five Native American tribes across deserts, coastlines, forests and prairies as they restore their traditional land management practices. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Sunday, 11/23; 1:30pm
Nocturnal Hunters: Owls, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can learn about the different attributes that make owls unique and fascinating. For more information, please call (847)824-8360.
Wednesday, 11/26; 11am─2pm
Teen Exploration Day: Crafternoon, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Participants can use nature to inspire art using a variety of arts and crafts. Registration required. Ages 13-19. Please call (312)533-5751.
Friday, 11/28; 1:30pm
Annual Turkey Trot Hike, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can walk off that extra helping of turkey and stuffing on this post-holiday hike along scenic trails. Registration required. Please call (708)366-6530.
Sunday, 11/30; 1:30pm
Tree Bark Adventure, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
How do you identify a tree without its leaves? Patrons can learn by inspecting tree bark. Ages 8 and up. For more information, please call (847)824-8360.
Tuesday, 12/2; 9:30am─12pm
Restoration Workday, Evans Field, River Grove
Participants can help restore natural habitat and hone your plant identification skills. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Ages 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Supplies and refreshments will be provided. Please call (312)533-5751.
Thursday, 12/4; 5:30pm
Serenity Hike Under the Full Moon, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Enjoy a 2-mile hike under the glow of the rising Cold Moon within the tranquil expanse of the world's largest Urban Night Sky Place. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. This program is subject to the trail conditions. Please call (708)839-6897.
Saturday, 12/6; 8:30am─10:30am
Sacred Wanderings, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Participants can connect with nature and surround yourself with energy of the natural world. The program is presented by Unity Temple of Oak Park. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 12/6; 1pm
DIY Holiday Birdseed Wreath, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Participants can help feed our feathered friends this holiday season with a cute, simple bird-seed wreath. Registration required. Ages 10 and up. Supplies and materials will be provided. Please call (708)366-6530.
Sunday, 11/23; 1pm
Cross-Country Ski Seminar, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Participants can learn the basics of cross-country ski equipment and how to prepare for your first cross-country skiing experience. Registration required. This program is dependent based on snow depth. Please call (630)257-2045.
Thursday, 11/20; 4pm─8pm
Winter Bonfire, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Celebrate the start of the winter season with a giant bonfire under the night sky. Enjoy games, star gazing, s’mores and other snacks. This program is dependent on weather conditions. For more information about the event and parking, please visit the website.
Thursday, 11/20; 6pm─7:30pm
Fire Basics, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Spark your outdoor spirit! Participants can learn the basics of fire-building and campfire styles while enjoying s’mores and cocoa. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Saturday, 12/6; 4pm─8pm
Winter Bonfire, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook
Celebrate the start of the winter season with a giant bonfire under the night sky. Enjoy games, star gazing, s’mores and other snacks. This program is dependent on weather conditions. For more information about the event and parking, please visit the website.
Sunday, 12/7; 1pm─3pm
Seeds of the Future, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for storytelling and a panel discussion followed by a seed swap. Registration required. This program is presented by the Mbwakawen Harambee Collective. Please call (708)868-0606.
Tuesday, 12/9; 10am
Life in Winter Hike, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Enjoy a guided walk on a 2.5-mile trail. Participants can learn how life in the forest slows down but continues throughout the winter. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Wednesday, 12/10; 5pm─7pm
Cozy Crafting, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Participants can learn to crochet, knit, cross-stitch and more. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Participants can bring their own project or start a new project in this program. Supplies and materials will be provided. Please call (708)868-0606.
Thursday, 12/11; 10am
Senior Nature Club, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Discover the natural world with a themed activity. Registration required. Ages 55 and up. Please call (847)381-6592.
Thursday, 12/11; 10am & 2 pm
Wellness in the Woods: A Holidays Not-So-Hustle, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Embrace the holidays and your well-being! Join us for a guided walk, then warm up with hot tea. Registration required. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Thursday, 12/11 through Sunday, 12/14; 4pm─8pm
Winter Open Climb, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Patrons can scale Camp Sullivan’s indoor climbing wall. Registration required. Participants must weigh over 40 pounds and sign a waiver. Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Accessible equipment will be available. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 12/13; 8am
Winter Wellness Ride, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights
Bundle up and experience cool winter rides and the health benefits nature provides. The bike ride is a 3.4-mile distance with a slow riding pace. Ages 13 and up. For more information, please call (224) 763-4317 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/13; 10am─12pm
Volunteer Workdays, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can help us make River Trail even better during our volunteer workday. Registration required. Ages 10 and up. Ages 10-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Please call (847)824-8360.
Saturday, 12/13; 10am─3pm
Crabtree Makerspace, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
The holiday season is near, so stop by Crabtree to create gifts for yourself or others. Registration required. Ages 15 and up. Please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 12/13; 10:30am─1:30pm
S’mores Party, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Park
Patrons can make tasty treats around a campfire. You can enjoy crafts, a story trail, animal artifacts, sledding, snowshoeing and more. The activities are dependent on weather conditions. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 12/13; 11am─12pm
Wellness in the Woods: Yoga, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Join us for a 45-minute yoga class. Participants must dress in active wear and bring a yoga mat. For more information, please call (224) 763-4317 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/13; 12pm─2pm
Campfire Cooking, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Participants can learn how to set up a safe and clean campground kitchen, start a campfire and prepare breakfast. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606.
Saturday, 12/13; 1pm─3pm
Winter Keepsakes and Cards, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Patrons can create personal mementos with local artists. Registration required. This program is for all ages, but participants aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This program is presented by Hive Center for the Book Arts. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Sunday, 12/14; 5:30am
Dawn Owl Prowl, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can listen for owls as part of the annual 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, 12/14; 1pm
How to Do Nothing for Overwinter Pollinators, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Participants can learn some best practices for preserving the overwintering habitats of our native bee species. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Sunday, 12/14; 1pm
Cross-Country Ski Seminar, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Participants can learn the basics of cross-country ski equipment and how to prepare for your first cross-country skiing experience. Registration required. This program is dependent based on snow depth. Please call (630)257-2045.
Sunday, 12/14; 1pm─3pm
Natural Garland Workshop, Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West, LaGrange Park
Drop in and create your own natural garland around a campfire. Supplies will be provided. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Sunday, 12/14; 1:30pm
Tracking, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can look for animal tracks and examine some of the evidence animals leave behind. For more information, please call (847)824-8360.
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