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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 5/5/2026 - 6/8/2026
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Thursday, 5/7; 10am & 2 pm
Spring Tree ID Walk, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Patrons can enjoy a guided walk and learn how to identify trees in spring. For more information, please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Friday, 5/8; 9am─11am
Conservation at Home: Native Plant Gardening 101, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Participants can learn how to grow and maintain their native plant garden. Native plants and seeds will be available. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Friday, 5/8; 7pm
America’s 250th History Hike, Swallow Cliff Pavilion, Palos Park
Join us on a hike that explores the stories that shaped our land, people and nation. This event is presented with the Department of Recreation and Parks for the Village of Palos Park. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 5/9; 8am─12pm
World Migratory Bird Day: Walk and Big Sit, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can spot birds on a guided walk or sit from a fixed location. This program is for all birding levels. Binoculars are available for use during the program and must be returned. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 5/9; 8am─11am
World Migratory Bird Day: The Big Sit, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can identify and count wild birds in a relaxing way while learning how to use eBird or iNaturalist to record sightings. Binoculars are available for use during the program and must be returned. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 5/9; 8am─4pm
World Migratory Bird Day: Migration Madness, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Enjoy a day of fun activities focused on our avian friends. For more information, please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 5/9; 9am
World Migratory Bird Day: Birding Basics, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can learn the basics of bird watching. Ages 8 and up. For more information, please call (847)824-8360.
Saturday, 5/9; 9am─11:30am
All About Birds, Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West, La Grange Park
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with bird walks and other bird-related activities. Binoculars are available for use during the program and must be returned. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 5/9; 9am─2pm
World Migratory Bird Day: Community Science and Bird Conservation, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for bird walks, bird banding, special exhibits, presentations and activities to celebrate migratory birds. For more information, please call (630)257-2045 or visit the website.
Saturday, 5/9, 10am-2pm
Heart & Mind Family Wellness Day, Richton Park Community Center, Richton Park
The Forest Preserves is joining Birth to 5 Illinois to celebrate and support families who live in southern Cook County with information and fun activities. This is part of a new Live Healthy Discover Nature on the road series.
Saturday, 5/9; 10am─12pm
Kite Fest, Carl R. Hansen Woods, Hoffman Estates
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by enjoying fun activities related to kites. This program will have timed flying demonstrations, crafts and much more. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 5/9; 1:30pm
World Migratory Bird Day: Raptor Encounter, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Get up close with live birds of prey. For more information, please call (847)824-8360.
Sunday, 5/10; 8am
Mother’s Day Fun Run and Walk, Dan Ryan Woods-Central, Chicago
Join us for a joyful Mother’s Day Fun Run and Walk! Celebrate with family-friendly activities, treats and laughter. For more information, please call (708)771-9632 or visit the website.
Sunday, 5/10; 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 scents of spring. Registration required. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Sunday, 5/10; 1pm
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can discover the blooming wildflowers on a nature walk. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Wednesday, 5/13; 2pm─6pm
Open Pond Paddle, Thatcher Glen Pond, River Forest
Join us for an open paddle day. Ages 5 and up. Ages 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Kayaks are available on a first come and first served basis. Instructions and equipment will be provided. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Thursday, 5/14; 10am
Sound Therapy for Seniors, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Participants can enjoy a peaceful walk with soothing sounds along the trail. Registration required. Ages 55 and up. This program is led by certified instructor Gail Morales. Please call (708)839-6897.
Thursday, 5/14; 3pm─6pm
I Spy with My Five Senses, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Enjoy a scavenger hunt that uses all five senses. Ages 2-8 and must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call (708)771-9632 or visit the website.
Thursday, 5/14; 3pm─6pm
Nature Block Party, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Join us for a day of celebration, exploration, and outdoor fun. For more information, please call (708)771-9632 or visit the website.
Thursday, 5/14; 5:30pm
Camping 101, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Join us for a workshop to learn basic camping skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather, and more. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 5/15; 7:30pm
Night Walk, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for an evening walk to learn about nocturnal animals. The cost is $5 per person. Please call (847)824-8360.
Saturday, 5/16; 9am─12pm
Trash Bash, LaBagh Woods, Chicago
Patrons can make spring cleaning more sustainable by bringing in recyclable materials. This event is presented with the National Recreation and Park Association, Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability and more. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 5/16; 11am
Asian American Pacific Islander Month Celebration, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons can enjoy the rhythms and movements of Pan-Asian music and dance. Registration required. This program is performed by and presented with the Mandela Arts Group. Please call (708)839-6897or visit the website.
Saturday, 5/16; 2pm
Asian American Pacific Islander Month Performance, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Patrons can enjoy the vibrant rhythms and graceful movements of Pan-Asian music and dance. This program is performed by and presented with the Mandela Arts Group. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 5/17; 1pm─3pm
Bird Banding, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Drop-in and observe the scientific process of bird banding. For more information, please call (630)257-2045 or visit the website.
Sunday, 5/17; 1:30pm
Asian American Heritage Month Performance, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can enjoy Pan-Asian music and dance, while being inspired by stories of kinship with the forest. This program is performed by and presented with the Mandela Arts Group. For more information, please call (847)824-8360 or visit the website.
Wednesday, 5/20; 10am─1pm
Nature Play Day, Bemis Woods-South, Western Springs
Bring your little ones for open nature play. Participants can enjoy the play space while helping your children connect with nature. The program will be held at Grove 7. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Friday, 5/22; 4:30pm─6pm
Minecraft Geology, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Participants can learn about the rocks showcased in the Minecraft video games. For more information, please call (708)771-9632 or visit the website.
Saturday, 5/23; 10am
Flipping Logs, Looking for Frogs and Bugs, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can discover worms and bugs that live under logs in the woods. Registration required. Please call (708)366-6530.
Saturday, 5/23; 1pm
Spring Bees, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for a short walk as we observe the unique bees that pollinate spring wildflowers. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045 or visit the website.
Saturday, 5/23 through Sunday, 5/24; 3pm─12pm
Family Campout, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us for an introduction to camping for families. Registration required. Equipment and meals will be provided. The cost is $75 per family of 6 or less people. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 5/23, 10am-6 pm
Free! Opening Day at the Forest Preserves Aquatic Centers!
Our three Aquatic Centers open for the season! Check the website for times and dats.
Cermak, Family Aquatic Center, 7600 W Ogden Ave., Lyons
Green Lake Family Aquatic Center, 1100 River Oaks Drive, Calumet City
Whealan Family Pool & Aquatic Center, 6200 W Devon Ave., Chicago
Thursday, 5/28; 7pm
Adult Night Hike, Wolf Road Woods, Willow Springs
Participants can learn about nocturnal animals and the night sky before taking part in a 1.5-mile guided hike. Ages 21 and up. Bring your own bottle, but it cannot be in glass. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Thursday, 5/28; 7pm─8pm
Cheers to Nature, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Participants can enjoy a relaxing evening with a lecture about current topics in the environmental field. Ages 21 and up. Bring your own bottle, but it cannot be in glass. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Friday, 5/29 through Sunday, 5/31; 11am
Outdoor Asian Campout, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Enjoy the weekend by building confidence and finding comfort in community. Registration required. There are limited spots available. This program is presented with Outdoor Asian Chicago. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 5/30; 9am─12pm
Trash Bash, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can make spring cleaning more sustainable by bringing in recyclable materials. This event is presented with the National Recreation and Park Association, Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability and more. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 5/30; 10am─2pm
Nature is Accessible, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Celebrate nature with inclusive and accessible experiences for all individuals. For more information, please call (708)839-6897.
Sunday, 5/31; 11am─3pm
Explore the Forest, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Celebrate everything the Forest Preserves has to offer and learn about nature with animal encounters, tree climbing, touch-a-truck and more! Food concessions are available for purchase. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Sunday, 5/31; 12pm─2pm
Pride in the Preserves: Flag Raising and Celebration, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join us for a celebratory flag-raising, honoring the start of a month dedicated to inclusion, visibility, and community. The raised flags connect to a special exhibit highlighting the contributions of LGBTQIA conservation leaders whose work has shaped and inspired the conservation movement. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
Thursday, 6/4; 10am─12pm
Senior Forest Therapy Walk and Sound Bath, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Participants can experience forest bathing. Registration required. Ages 55 and up. This program is presented with Gayle Byck from InTune with Nature. Please call (847)381-6592.
Friday, 6/5; 10am─12pm
Senior Nature Collaging, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join local artist Phyllis Frick in making collages of plants, animals and landscapes. Registration required. Ages 55 and up. All materials and supplies will be provided. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturday, 6/6; 11am─2pm
Family Pride Day, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Families are invited to celebrate love and inclusion. For more information, please call (708)771-9632 or visit the website.
Saturday, 6/6; 11am─2pm
Community Book Swap, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Palos Park
Patrons can bring in their gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Books can be any genre and reading level. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 6/6; 5:30pm
Evening Stroll, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Participants can enjoy the extended daylight of summer on a 1-mile guided walk during the evening. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 6/7; 9am
Smart Cycling Workshop, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Participants can learn skills to become confident and competent bicyclists. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. The course is certified through the League of American Bicyclists and pre-course work with minimal fees are required. Please visit the website.
Sunday, 6/7; 1pm─2:30pm
Build a Pollinator Hotel, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can learn about local pollinators and build an insect hotel. Registration required. Please call (847)824-8360.
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