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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 7/7/2026 - 9/14/2026
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Thursday, 7/9; 4:30pm─6:30pm
Awaken Your Senses, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Join this senses-based wellness workshop for all ages and skill levels. This program is led by certified yoga and wellness instructor Kim Eisendrath. For more information, please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Thursday, 7/9; 5:30pm
Camping 101, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs
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.
Saturday, 7/11; 8pm
Summer Stargazing, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Participants can learn how to read a sky map and identify summer constellations followed by a short walk. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 7/12; 10am
Pond Dip, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Discover what tiny critters are living in the pond in this hands-on science program. Ages 5 and up. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Tuesday, 7/14 through Thursday, 7/16; 9:30am─2:30pm
Field Biology, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Participants who attend this workshop will develop their knowledge and understanding of local natural communities, and gain experience in field survey techniques within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Registration required. Educators can earn professional development hours in this Next Generation Science Standard based workshop. Please call (630) 257-2045 or visit the website.
Thursday, 7/16; 11am─2pm
Insect Fest, Cummings Square, River Forest
Join us for this all-things-insect event! Patrons can have fun on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo and more. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Friday, 7/17; 12pm─2pm
Crafternoon: Mosaics and Collages, Rubio Woods, Midlothian
Patrons can discover the artistry of mosaics and collages by using nature to create a personal project. For more information, please call (708)771-9632.
Saturday, 7/18; 9am─2pm
Kayak the Des Plaines, Irving park Road Canoe Landing, Schiller Park
Join us for a 9-miles kayak from the Irving Park Road Canoe Landing to Schuth’s Grove. Equipment and shuttle will be provided. This program is recommended for kayakers. Please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 7/18; 10am─12pm
Dog Days of Summer, Beck Lake, Des Plaines
Join us for adoption opportunities, canoe paddles, training tips, treats and more. Dogs must be on a leash and be friendly to people and other pets. For more information, please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 7/18; 12pm─3pm
Summer Nature Camp, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Patrons can learn the significance of summer in Native American culture while participating in various activities. Registration required. This program is presented by Trickster Cultural Center. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Sunday, 7/19; 1pm
Nature Hike, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join a naturalist for a short hike as we take in the sounds and sights at Sagawau. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Sunday, 7/19; 1:30pm
Stranger Things, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can explore the unusual and mysterious natural world around us. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
Wednesday, 7/22; 7pm─8:30pm
Naturalist Night Out: Fireflies, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Join a naturalist for a themed stroll under the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Thursday, 7/23; 5:30pm
Camping 101, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
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, 7/24; 10am─12pm
Fishing for Community, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Drop in and learn fishing basics, build connections with others, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Instructions and equipment will be provided. This program is a bilingual program that is offered in English and Spanish. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
Friday, 7/24; 5pm─7pm
Community Fishing Clinic, Sundown Meadow, Countryside
Patrons can enjoy a free fishing clinic for anglers. Ages 6 and up. Ages 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment will be provided. This program is presented with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 7/25; 11am
Wild About Play, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Unleash your wild side! Drop in. and create enrichment items for our ambassador animals. Groups are welcome. For more information, please call (708)839-6897.
Saturday, 7/25; 11am─3pm
Campus Block Party, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Celebrate summer at the campground with family and friends! Participants can enjoy artmaking, playing games, food and more. For more information, please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Saturday, 7/25; 1pm
Cell Phone Photography for Teens, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Teens can explore our trails through a camera lens to learn tips on taking nature photos with your cell phone. Registration required. Ages 13-17. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Sunday, 7/26; 10:30am
High Summer Nature Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Join us for a guided walk to experience the beauty of summer in the gardens and woods surrounding Trailside Museum. Registration required. Please call (708)366-6530.
Sundays, 7/26 & 8/30; 2:30 pm
Share the Trails: Cycling Pit Stop, LaBagh Woods, Chicago
Get your helmet fit, tires inflated, bike checked and learn about trail safety. Presented by Ride Illinois. Grove 4. Free.
Friday, 7/31 through Sunday, 8/2; 12pm
Hip-Hop Camp-Out, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us for a camping experience that blends hip-hop culture, nature, wellness and community. Registration required. This program is presented with the Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 8/1; 10am─12pm
Teen Restoration Workday, Evans Field, River Grove
Join us and improve native wildlife habitat by removing invasive species. Ages 13-17. Ages 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Tools and equipment will be provided. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 8/1; 10am─1pm
Back to School Adventure Day, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Ring in the school year with a day of fun, learning, and community connection! Back-to-School Community Adventure Day features free school supplies, exciting outdoor activities like archery and kids fire extinguishing. This program is presented with ICNA Chicago, Niles-Maine Library, Hive Center for the Book Arts and more. For more information, please visit the website.
Saturday, 8/8; 10am─12pm
Painting by the Slough, Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch, Willow Springs
Participants can enjoy the beauty of freshwater ecosystems through watercolor painting. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. All skill levels are welcome. Supplies will be provided and will include paper, watercolor palettes, and paintbrushes. Participants can bring an example of their past work, or their own supplies. Please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 8/8; 2pm
Weaving a Community, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can learn weaving techniques and its history as well as the natural history of invasive plants. Supplies will be provided. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
Sunday, 8/9; 12pm─2pm
Natural Dyes Workshop, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Patrons can learn how to turn natural materials into fabric dyes. Registration required. Ages 10 and up. Participants can color a bandana or bring their own 100 percent cotton item. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 8/9; 1pm
Let’s Go Find Some Bugs, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Play bug bingo as we hunt for the best bugs of the summer. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Thursday, 8/13; 8pm
Bat Chat, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can learn about these fascinating creatures while watching for them over the river. Registration required. Please call (847) 824-8360.
Saturday, 8/15; 9am─2pm
Hummingbird Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Let’s celebrate hummingbirds! Patrons can watch hummingbird banding demonstrations, learn about their migration, behaviors and physiology, make crafts with kids, and more. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045 or visit the website.
Saturday, 8/15; 10am─12pm
Nature Wellness Walk, Catherine Chevalier Woods, Chicago
Join us for relaxing mindfulness and meditative practice during this leisure walk. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program will be held at Grove 1, and it is presented by the University of Illinois-Extension. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 8/15; 5pm─7pm
Cultural Presentation and Dance Exhibition, Schiller Woods-East, Chicago
A showcase of Native dance forms and cultural presentations. This event is presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Sunday, 8/16; 11am
Summertime Stories, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
The Naperville Chinese Storytellers share stories in Chinese followed by nature-based art and activities. Ages 10 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call (708)839-6897.
Monday, 8/17 through Thursday, 8/20; 8:30am─12:30pm
Outdoor Education Camp, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Children can learn teambuilding skills in survival challenges, activities and games. Registration required. Ages 6-11 The camp will be separated based on age groups. Children aged 6-8 will be part of group 1 and children aged 9-11 will be part of group 2. The cost for this program is $25 per child. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Wednesday, 8/19; 7pm─8:30pm
Naturalist Night Out: Senses, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Join a naturalist for a themed stroll under the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Thursday, 8/20; 6:30pm─8:30pm
Twilight Canoe, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can explore the wonders of Crabtree Lake at twilight. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program is presented with the Chicago River Canoe and Kayak. Please call (847)381-6592.
Friday, 8/21; 9:30am─11am
Wildflowers in the Prairie, Carl R. Hansen Woods, Hoffman Estates
Patrons can learn about the natural history and wildflowers of Shoe Factory Road Prairie on this 2-mile walk. Bring sun protection and water! Registration required. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Friday, 8/21; 5:30pm─8pm
Nature Skate Day, Dan Ryan Woods-East, Chicago
Bring your best skating skills routines or just roll along to the music. This event will be held at Groves 13 and 14. For more information, please call (708)771-9632.
Friday, 8/21; 6:30pm─8:30pm
Twilight Canoe, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can explore the wonders of Crabtree Lake at twilight. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program is presented with the Chicago River Canoe and Kayak. Please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 8/22; 1pm
The Jewels of Mexico, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join us for an indoor presentation that explores the legend of hummingbirds and their cultural significance in Mexico. Then relax and enjoy a walk to hummingbird garden. Registration required. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Thursday, 8/27; 10am
Digital Detox in the Garden, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Participants can learn how plants can help us disconnect from our devices. Registration required. This program is led by Wandering Paths Founder and flower farmer Navraaz Kaur Basati. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Thursday, 8/27; 6pm─8pm
Twilight Creations: Open Art Space, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Musicians, poets and visual artists find inspiration during the twilight hours indoors or outdoors. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
Thursday, 8/27 through Friday, 8/28; 9:30pm─12:30am
Partial Eclipse of the Moon, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Patrons can experience a breathtaking partial total lunar eclipse as it slowly transforms the night sky. Patrons must bring a chair. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Friday, 8/28; 7pm─9pm
Night of Nature Play, Eggers Grove, Chicago
Participants can experience nature at night through open play, star gazing, and s’mores. For more information, please call (708)771-9632.
Saturday, 8/29; 1pm
Listening to Nature, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can enjoy a focused listening excursion. The soundwalk will lead us to an exploration of the soundscape via the trails of the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. This program is led by Sound artist Norman W. Long. Please call (630) 257-2045.
Saturday, 8/29; 7:30pm
Bat and Nighthawk Walk, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us for a walk around our 1-mile dogwood trail and look for and listen to bats and nighthawks. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606 or visit the website.
Sunday, 8/30; 11am─3pm
Art in Nature Festival, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Bring out your inner artist and create your own masterpiece using different mediums. Participants can watch plein air artists painting on the trails as well as music and dance performances. Local businesses and organizations will be offering art activities and giveaways. Art and food will be available for purchase. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Sunday, 9/1; 10am─11am
Garden Days, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
Do you want to make a difference and get your hands a little dirty? We're looking for volunteers to help us grow and care for the Trickster Cultural Center Gardens! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious to learn, your time and energy will help us create a beautiful, sustainable space for the community. This program is presented by Trickster Cultural Center. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 9/3; 6pm─8pm
Twilight Creations: Open Art Space, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Musicians, poets, and visual artists can find inspiration during the twilight hours indoors or outdoors. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
Thursday, 9/3; 7pm
“The Grown-Ups”, Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, Chicago
Patrons can enjoy a performance during the sunset under the open sky. “The Grown Ups” is a funny, deeply human play inviting audiences to gather close and “lose” themselves in the woods. This play is presented by The Tramps, an independent Chicago artist collective, which is funded in part by the Independent Productions Initiative through Redtwist Theatre. For more information, please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/5; 10am─3pm
National Hummingbird Day, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can explore the conservation and historical importance of these birds throughout the Americas. For more information about presentations and activities, please call (847)381-6592 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/10; 8pm─9:30pm
Moth Picnic, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for a nighttime moth attraction hike and see which moths appear on our white sheet under black light. Registration required. Please call (708)839-6897.
Saturday, 9/12; 10am─12pm
Landscape Needle Felting, Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch, Willow Springs
Participants can explore the beauty of our natural landscape using natural fibers. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Supplies will be provided. Please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 9/12; 1pm─4pm
Paddle at Beaubien Woods, Beaubien Woods Boat Launch, Chicago
Patrons can paddle along the Little Calumet River while enjoying a fun day on the water and in nature. The canoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call (708)771-9632.
Sunday, 9/13; 12:30pm─2:30pm
Herbal Tea Party, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Patrons can learn about native plants from the garden then sample different infused teas made from them. For more information, please call (847) 824-8360.
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