title
PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 6/11/2024 - 7/22/2024
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Tuesday, 6/11; 4pm - 6pm
Walk & Talk Hike: LGBTQ2S+ Environmentalists, LaBagh Woods, Chicago
Celebrate Pride Month with a nature walk highlighting local and national LGBTQ2S+ conservationists. Registration required. This event will be held at Grove 1. Please call (773)758-8899.
Thursday, 6/13 through Friday 6/14; 9:30am - 12pm
Gone Fishin’ Day Camp, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Spend a day investigating fish, their habitat, making fish crafts, and learning how to cast.
We will go fishing at a local lake the next day. June 14th is part of the State of Illinois Free Fishing Day and parents without a fishing license can fish with their children. Registration required. Ages 7-12. The cost is $20 per child. Parents must sign a release form for the participant. Registration, fee, and forms must be completed in-person at the nature center. Supplies and assistance will be provided. For more information, please call (847)381-6598.
Thursday, 6/13; 10:30am
Teen Exploration Day: River Kayaking 101, Schuth’s Grove, North Riverside
Learn how to kayak on moving water. The class will include a 3-mile trip down the Des Plaines River. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Instructions, equipment, kayaks, and a shuttle will be provided. Please call (312) 533-5751.
Thursday, 6/13; 4pm - 6pm
Rise of the Cicada, Caldwell Wellness Center, Chicago
Learn about the once-in-a-lifetime double-brood cicada emergence and participate in cicada-themed activities. Registration required. Please call (773)758-8899.
Thursday, 6/13; 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Nature Open Mic Night, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Perform songs, poetry or enjoy the live performances while overlooking the slough at sunset. Registration required. All ages. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Friday, 6/14; 10am - 2pm
Juneteenth Paddling, Little Calumet Boat Launch, Riverdale
Experience the African American Heritage Water Trail. Registration required. Please call (312) 415-2970.
Saturday, 6/15; 9 am - 12 pm
Busse Lake Outdoors Day and Fishing Derby, Busse Woods Grove 25, Elk Grove Village
The whole family is invited for a day of outdoor fun! Free fishing derby, tree climb, nature play, animal encounters, and more! Enjoy local food and win prizes. Grove 25. Registration Required, call Cook County Board of Commissioners 15th district at 847-519-7674 or email district15@cookcountyil.gov.
Saturday, 6/15; 10am - 2pm
Juneteenth Celebration, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Celebrate freedom, family, and country! This event will have activities, presentations, performances, and exhibits highlighting Black history, arts, and culture. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 6/15; 10am - 3pm
MagiCicada Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Celebrate the biggest party in 17 years and make some noise with Brood XIII! Enjoy scheduled walks, presentations, exhibits and crafts. Registration required. Please call (630)257-20245.
Saturday, 6/15; 1pm
Rainbow Families, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Celebrate Pride Month and learn about different types of family arrangements in the animal kingdom.
Sunday, 6/16; 10am - 2pm
Juneteenth Paddling, Little Calumet Boat Launch, Riverdale
Experience the African American Heritage Water Trail. Registration required. Please call (312) 415-2970.
Sunday, 6/16; 11am - 2pm
The Un-buried Treasure Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Pick up a treasure map then decode the clues along the trails to find the unburied treasure.
Sunday, 6/16; 1pm
Cicada Sensory Walk, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Experience periodic cicadas through sound, sight, and touch on a guided walk. Registration required. Please call (630)257-20245.
Tuesday, 6/18 through Friday, 6/21; 9:30am - 12pm
Nature Explorer Camp, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Discover plants and animals through exploration, games, and crafts. Registration required. Ages 7-11. The cost is $30 per child. Registration and fee must be completed in-person at the nature center. For more information, please call (847)381-6598.
Tuesday, 6/18 through Friday, 6/21; 12pm - 3pm
Summer Nature Camp, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Learn the significance of the summer season in Native American culture while participating in various activities. All ages. This event is presented with Trickster Cultural Center. For more information, please call (773)758-8899.
Tuesday, 6/18; 5pm - 7pm
Bird Banding, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for an evening of tagging and releasing to learn about our birds. Registration required. Please call (630)257-20245.
Wednesday, 6/19; 6pm - 7:30pm
Juneteenth Freedom Ride, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Enjoy the 16-miles roundtrip bike ride. You must bring your own bike and helmet. This event is presented with Major Taylor Trail Keepers and Black Girls Bike. For more information, please call (312)415-2970.
Thursday, 6/20; 8am - 10am
Morning Solstice Paddle, Busse Lake Boating Center-South Pool, Elk Grove Village
Celebrate the summer solstice by paddling Busse South Pool. Registration required. Ages 5 and up. Please call (773)758-8899.
Thursday, 6/20; 10:30am - 12pm
American Indian Summer Solstice, Schiller Woods-West, Schiller Park
Join us and learn about the importance of the solstice to the Native American community. You will enjoy traditional Native dancing while learning about the cultural significance of Serpent Mounds. This event is presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 6/20; 7pm
Nature Book Club: “Entangled Life” by M. Sheldrake, Forest Park Public Library, Forest Park
Join us for a lively discussion about the book “Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake. This book and event will teach you about fungi and forests. Ages 18 and up. This event is presented with the Forest Park Public Library. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 6/20; 7:30pm
Campfire Stories, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Enjoy the lingering daylight on the longest day of the year with stories, songs, and s’mores around the campfire. Registration required. The cost is $5 per person. Registration and payment are due by 6/18. Please call (847)824-8360.
Thursday, 6/20; 7:30pm
Solstice and Cicada Walk, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
The time has finally come to celebrate the emergence of the 17-year cicadas! Join us on the summer solstice as we walk and talk about these weird and fantastic insects while a librarian from the LaGrange Park Library recites a folktale. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Saturday, 6/22; 10:30am
Summer Pride Walk, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Celebrate Pride month with a casual nature hike to enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of early summer. Registration required. This is a family program. Please call (708)366-6530.
Saturday, 6/22; 11am - 1pm
Self-Love in Nature Series: Peace and Drum Circle, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
For more information, please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 6/22 through Sunday, 6/23; 5:30pm
Camping 101: Overnight, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
This event is part workshop and part campout! You can learn camping skills and then spend the night. Registration required. The cost is $50 per family of 6 or less. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 6/23; 1pm - 4pm
Cub Scout Adventure Series, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
A nature-related scout adventure will be offered and achieved. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Monday, 6/24 through Friday 6/28; 8:30am - 12:30pm
Outdoor Education Camp, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Discover nature and enjoy experiences through exploration and recreation. Registration required. This outdoor camp has two age groups. Group 1 will be for ages 6-8 and group 2 will be for ages 9-11. The cost is $25 per child. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Thursday, 6/27 through Friday 6/28; 9:30am - 12pm
Gone Fishin’ Day Camp, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Spend a day investigating fish, their habitat, making fish crafts, and learning how to cast.
We will go fishing at a local lake the next day. Registration required. Ages 7-12. The cost is $20 per child. Parents must sign a release form for the participant. Registration, fee, and forms must be completed in-person at the nature center. Supplies and assistance will be provided. For more information, please call (847)381-6598.
Thursday 6/27; 4pm - 6pm
Archery, Cherry Hill Woods, Palos Park
Join us and learn archery skills. Equipment will be provided. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 6/29; 8am - 9am
Birding is Accessible, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a short, slow-paced birdwatching experience on our ADA accessible trail with a stop at a marsh overlook. The total distance is a half-mile. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 6/29; 10am - 12pm
International Mud Day Celebration, Caldwell Wellness Center, Chicago
Dress to get messy! Join others around the globe for a morning of splashing, squishing, mud creations, and more. Registration required. All ages. This event is presented with the Niles-Maine Public Library. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 6/29; 10am - 12:30pm
Hike the Freedom Trail Tour, Beaubien Woods, Chicago
Part bus ride and part moderate walk. Experts will share a historically accurate story of “Freedom Seekers” who traveled the Underground Railroad through the south Chicagoland region. Registration required. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 6/29; 10am - 12:30pm
Queer Family Day, Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago
Celebrate love and inclusion with nature play, games, art and more! This event is presented with Out in Nature, Feminist Bird Club, and Southside Nature Play. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 6/29; 2pm
Ophidiophobia, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Are you afraid of snakes? You can overcome your phobia by gaining a healthy understanding of these misunderstood reptiles. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Saturday, 6/29; 12pm - 2:30pm
Nature Obstacle Course, Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West, LaGrange Park
Families can attempt an obstacle course created from natural materials. This event will include nature play, exploration, and art activities.
Thursday, 7/4; 1:30pm
Animal Encounter, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Get up and close and learn about one of our ambassador animals.
Saturday, 7/6; 8am - 9:15am
Women’s Wellness, Swallow Cliff Pavilion, Palos Park
Join The Do-Good Movement! This event will have a yoga class followed by a women’s wellness discussion based around the 31 Days to Wellness. Registration required. Please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 7/6; 9am
Photography Walk, Maple Lake-East, Willow Springs
Grab your camera and explore Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve with us. This event will begin at the Mountain Bike Staging Area. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 7/6; 1pm
Insects Behind the Icons: Parasitoids and Xenomorphs, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Parasitoids inspired one of horror’s greatest icons, the xenomorph, from the “Alien” franchise. You can learn about the ecology of these insects and how it led to the iconic monster. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Sunday, 7/7; 10:30am
Pond Dip Discovery, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Join us as we make discoveries when we dip our nets in the pond! Registration required. Ages 5-12 with an adult. Equipment will be provided. Please call (708)366-6530.
Wednesday, 7/10; 6pm - 8pm
Camping and Cooking 101, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
This 2-hour workshop covers camping and outdoor cooking basics. Registration required. All ages. Camping and cooking gear will be provided. For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday, 7/10; 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Jewels of the Night: Fireflies, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
You can learn how to identify fireflies during the event presentation and walk. Registration required. Please call (630)257-2045.
Thursday, 7/11; 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Nature Open Mic Night, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Perform songs, poetry or enjoy the live performances while overlooking the slough at sunset. Registration required. All ages. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Friday, 7/12; 9:30am - 12pm
Bird Painting Step-By-Step, Trailside Museum, River Forest
Sketch and paint a barn swallow. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. The cost is $5 per person. All skill levels are welcomed. Supplies and materials will be provided. Please call (708)366-6530.
Saturday, 7/13; 8am - 10am
Bilingual Community Plant Walk, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Join Friends of the Forest Preserves for an early morning adventure to look for mid-summer blooms. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 7/13; 10am - 3pm
Kids’ Fest, Wampum Lake, Thornton
Embrace the great outdoors and the wonders of nature. This event has many community partners offering fishing, canoeing, archery and more. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 7/14; 8:30pm
Flickering Fireflies, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Discover why fireflies glow in the dark! You can learn about fireflies and then go on a 1-mile adventure to catch and release these incredible creatures. Registration required. Please call (708) 839-6897.
Tuesday, 7/16 through Thursday 7/18; 9:30am - 2:30pm
Field Science Workshop: Earth Science & Geology of NE Illinois, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
The workshop is open to all interested adult learners. You will develop familiarity with Silurian and glacial geology, fossils of northeastern Illinois, and using topographic maps to interpret the geologic history of your surroundings through indoor instruction and intensive field learning. Teachers can learn how to excite your class with geology and earn CPDUs with NGSS guidance from Illinois Science Teachers Association. Registration required. For more information, please call (630)257-2045 or visit the website.
Thursday 7/18; 10am - 12pm
Without Limits: Recreation for All, Tower Road Boat Launch, Northfield
Embrace adventure through rock climbing, cycling, and kayaking opportunities specially tailored for people of all ages with a primary physical disability. This event is presented with Adaptive Adventure. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday 7/18; 11am - 2pm
Insect Fest, Cummings Square, River Forest
Join us for this all-things-insect event! You can go on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo, explore bugs through yoga and movement, and create your own insect!
Thursday 7/18; 6pm - 8:30pm
Learn to Fly Fish: On the Water, Horsetail Lake, Palos Park
You can learn about casting and other aspects of fly fishing. Then jump into fishing with instruction and tips. Registration required. Ages 10 and up with an adult. This event is presented with Ike Rhodes of Illinois Fly Fishing and the Village of Palos Park. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 7/18; 7:30pm
Sunset Night Walk, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Some of our local wildlife begins their day just as the sun begins to set. You can learn about these animals and more on a guided walk. Registration required. The cost is $5 per person. Registration and payment are due by 7/16. Please call (847)824-8360.
Saturday, 7/20; 10am - 12pm
Dogs Days of Summer, Beck Lake, Des Plaines
Calling all dog lovers! This dog-themed event will include adoption opportunities, canoe paddles, sniff walks, paw print Olympic medals, pictures, creative reuse toys, training tips, treats, and more. Dogs must be pet and person-friendly and remain on leash. This event is presented with many organizations including Border Tails Rescue, Heartland Animal Shelter, and Niles-Maine Library. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 7/20; 11am - 3pm
Campus Block Party, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Create your own adventure with family and friends through music, nature play, games, artmaking, walks and more! For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 7/20; 11am - 1pm
Self-Love in Nature Series, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
For more information, please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 7/20; 4pm - 8:30pm
The Sounds Natural Creative Retreat Series, Camp Shabbona, South Holland
Sounds Natural invites families to enjoy art activities, food, music, and workshops with the option to stay overnight in your own tent. Registration required. There are a limited number of available camping sites. Please call (708) 868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 7/21; 1pm
Cicadas, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Discover the secretive underground lives of our noisiest insects.
end