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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 5/6/2025- 6/9/2025
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Thursday, 5/8; 5:30pm
Asian American and Pacific Islander Walk, Sundown Meadow, Countryside
This 2-mile walk will highlight Asian American and Pacific Islander conservation and environmental leaders from around the world. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Saturday, 5/10; 8am - 11:30am
World Migratory Bird Day: Migration Madness-Bird Walk and Little Sit, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for activities dedicated to our feathered neighbors! For more information, please call (708) 868-0606.
Saturday, 5/10; 8am - 12pm
World Migratory Bird Day: Bird Walk and Big Sit, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Drop-in and celebrate migrating birds on a guided bird walk or bird-watch from a fixed location. All birding levels are welcomed, and binoculars are available to borrow. For more information, please call (847) 381-6598.
Saturday, 5/10; 9am - 2pm
World Migratory Bird Day, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Bring your family and learn about migratory birds! This event will have bird hikes, banding demonstrations and special exhibits. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 5/10; 10am - 12pm
Kite Fest, Carl R. Hansen Woods, Schaumburg
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with all-things kites. This event will have timed flying demonstrations, crafts and much more! For registration and inquiries, please visit the website.
Saturday, 5/10; 10am - 12pm
Migratory Bird Day: Birding Basics, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us and learn the basics of bird watching. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Saturday, 5/10; 10am - 12pm
Nature Paint By Step, Evans Field, River Grove
Join us for a guided nature painting. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program is for all artistic skill levels and supplies will be provided. Please call (312) 533-5751.
Saturday, 5/10; 1:30pm
World Migratory Bird Day: Migration Madness-Meet our Birds, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for activities dedicated to our feathered neighbors! For more information, please call (708) 868-0606.
Saturday, 5/10; 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Migratory Bird Day: Raptor Encounter, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Get up close with live birds of prey.
Saturday, 5/10; 2:30pm
World Migratory Bird Day: Migration Madness-Bird Craft, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for activities dedicated to our feathered neighbors! For more information, please call (708) 868-0606.
Sunday, 5/11; 8am
Mother’s Day Fun Run & Walk, Dan Ryan Woods-Central, Chicago
Join us for a joyful Mother’s Day Fun Run! Let’s celebrate mothers with family-friendly activities, movement and laughter. For more information, please call 224-763-4317.
Sunday, 5/11; 10:30am
Mother’s Day Spring Nature Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join us for a casual walk and take in the sights, sounds and scent of spring. Registration required. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 5/11; 11am - 1pm
Moms in Nature, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Celebrate Mother’s Day in nature by creating special arts and crafts gifts for mom. For more information, please call (708) 839-6897.
Sunday, 5/11; 5pm - 7pm
World Mental Health Celebration, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Park
Join us for a guided walk, climb the stairs, make music and explore mental health resources. This event is presented with Advocate Aurora Health. For more information, please call (312) 533-5751.
Thursday, 5/15; 5:30pm
Camping 101, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Join us for a workshop to learn basic camping skills. You can learn how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more! For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 5/16; 6pm - 8pm
Starry Night, Deer Grove-East, Palatine
Drop-in for star gazing, crafts and refreshments. This event will be held at Grove 3. This is a family friendly program and is presented with North Suburban Astronomers. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 5/16; 7:30pm
Night Hike, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for an evening walk and learn about nocturnal animals at River Trail. Registration required. The cost is $5 per person. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Friday, 5/16; 8pm
Community Science: Frog Monitoring, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Participants can contribute to science by collecting data on local frog species with a naturalist. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Participants must be able to walk 1.5 miles on uneven ground in the dark. Please call (847) 381-6598.
Saturday, 5/17; 11am - 3pm
Nature Block Party, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Join us for a day of celebration and exploration as we honor the incredible diversity of life at Eggers Grove. For more information, please call 224-763-4317 or visit the website.
Sunday, 5/18; 8am
Des Plaines Canoe and Kayak Marathon, Dam No. 2 Woods, Mount Prospect
The second oldest continual canoe race in the United States begins in Libertyville and ends at Dam No. 2 Woods. Registration required. This event will have live music and refreshments. For more information, please visit the website.
Tuesday, 5/20; 11am - 5pm
Adaptive Kayaking, Camp Bullfrog, Willow Springs
The Forest Preserves welcomes people of all abilities. Join us and learn how to climb, paddle and move along unpaved trails using our new GRIT Freedom Chairs. Caregivers, service providers and supporters can participate and get trained in the use of accessibility equipment as well. Registration required. This program was partially funded and presented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday, 5/21; 10am - 2pm
Nature is Accessible, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons of all abilities are invited to celebrate nature through accessible activities. For more information, please call (708) 839-6897.
Thursday, 5/22; 1pm - 7pm
Adaptive Kayaking, Thatcher Pond, River Forest
The Forest Preserves welcomes people of all abilities. Join us and learn how to climb, paddle and move along unpaved trails using our new GRIT Freedom Chairs. Caregivers, service providers and supporters can participate and get trained in the use of accessibility equipment as well. Registration required. This program was partially funded and presented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 5/22; 5pm - 7pm
Spring Nature Writing Retreat, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
An introduction to utilizing the natural world for writing inspiration. Registration required. Ages 16 and up. Writers of any experience and skill level are welcome to participate. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Friday, 5/23; 11am - 6pm
Adaptive Climbing, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
The Forest Preserves welcomes people of all abilities. Join us and learn how to climb, paddle and move along unpaved trails using our new GRIT Freedom Chairs. Caregivers, service providers and supporters can participate and get trained in the use of accessibility equipment as well. Registration required. This program was partially funded and presented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 5/24; 1pm
Teen Exploration Day: Time In Nature, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Participants can disconnect from tech and spend time in nature’s peace and solitude. Ages 13-17. Materials will be provided to sketch and write poetry. For more information, please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 5/24 through Sunday, 5/25; 5pm
Family Campout, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
Introduction to camping for families. Registration required. This program will include meals, all camping gear and outdoor fun. The cost is $75 per family of 6 people or less. For more information, please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 5/24; 10am - 6pm
Aquatic Center Free Day, Whealan Pool Aquatic Center, Chicago; Cermak Family Aquatic Center, Lyons; Green Lake Family Aquatic Center, Calumet City
Swimming season starts today with free admission. See website for hours for the rest of the season, admission fees and more information.
Sunday, 5/25; 1:30pm
Animal Encounter, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join our staff for an up-close look at one of our animals.
Monday, 5/26; 1:30pm
Animal Encounter, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join our staff for an up-close look at one of our animals.
Sunday, 6/1; 11am - 3pm
Explore the Forest, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Celebrate everything the Forest Preserves has to offer through animal encounters, arts and crafts, recreation and more! For more information, please call (847) 381-6598.
Sunday, 6/1; 1pm
Conservation at Home, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Participants can learn how to attract pollinators and birds by including native plants in their garden. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Monday, 6/2; 9:30am - 11:30am
Let’s Play! Forest Exploration Day, Erickson Woods, Winnetka
Bring the family and engage in creative, imaginative and child-directed, outdoor free-play! For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Tuesday, 6/3; 10am - 2pm
Live Healthy Discover Nature, Daley Plaza, Chicago
The Forest Preserves comes to Daley Plaza and along with numerous partners will have information and fun to learn how everybody can create their own adventure in the preserves. Momenta Dance Company, a dance company inclusive of artists with disabilities will provide the noontime performance. For more information, please visit the website.
Tuesday, 6/3 through Thursday, 6/5; 12pm - 3pm
Summer Nature Camp, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Join us and learn the significance of summer in Native American culture while participating in various activities. Registration required. This event is presented by Trickster Cultural Center. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Friday, 6/6; 10am
Afterlife in the Forest Walk, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Join us for a 2.5-mile guided walk and learn about decomposition, fungi as well as the importance of decay in the forest. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 6/6; 10am - 12pm
Senior Nature Collaging, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Participants can make collages of plants, animals, and landscapes with local artist Phyllis Frick. Registration required. Ages 55 and up. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Friday, 6/6; 7pm
Pride Night, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Join us and celebrate Pride with an evening nature walk and s’mores around the campfire. Registration required. LGBTQ2S+ people and allies are welcome to participate. Please call (847) 381-6598.
Saturday, 6/7; 9am - 11:30am
IKES Fish for Fun, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
A fishing extravaganza with give-a-ways and prizes. Registration required. Ages 15 and under with an adult. This event is presented with City of Elgin and Izaak Walton League-Elgin. For more information, please call (773) 758-8899.
Saturday, 6/7; 9:30am
Little Calumet River Clean-up, Kickapoo Woods, Riverdale
Participant can learn about canoeing and kayaking while helping to clean the Little Calumet River. Registration required. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 6/7; 10am - 12pm
Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour, Beaubien Woods Boat Launch, Chicago
Participants can learn about the tales of Freedom Seekers through the Calumet Region. This program is presented by The Midwest Underground Railroad Network. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 6/7; 10am - 1pm
Community Book Swap, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Park
Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books. Books can be any genre and reading level. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 6/7; 1pm
Sounds of the Slough, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for a 1-mile hike and learn about common animals heard and seen around the water. For more information, please call (708) 839-6897.
Sunday, 6/8; 10am - 12pm
Herp Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
What is a “herp”? Join us for a guided walk and learn about and look for our herpetofauna, also known as reptiles and amphibians within a region. Registration required. Please call (708) 868-0606.
Sunday, 6/8; 1pm
Nests: Bird Baskets of Life, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Participants can learn how to find and safely watch birds while they nest. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 6/8; 1pm - 3pm
Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam at Thatcher Pavilion, Thatcher Pavilion, River Forest
Join the jam! Participants can make a simple musical instrument or bring your own guitar, fiddle, etc. All patrons are welcome to play their instrument or listen to the music. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
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