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Forest Preserves of Cook County Events and Activities 6/17 - 7/22/2014
Thursday, 6/19; 6:30 pm pre activities; movie at dusk
Films in the Forest, Cummings Square, 536 N. Harlem, River Forest
"Over the Hedge" Rated PG
A scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating...and learns a lesson about family himself.
Friday, 6/20; check in at 7:15pm, program begins at 7:30 pm
Nightlife: Raptors, River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook
Join us on a summer's night for a unique, nature-themed event, led by one of our naturalists. Visit with our resident birds of prey and learn about the unique characteristics that help them survive. Limited entries; registration required; please call 847-824-8360; $2 per person.
Saturdays and Sundays, 6/21 - 10/12, 1:30 and 2:30 pm
Garden Chef Series, Chicago Botanic Garden
Accomplished chefs from Chicago and the suburbs visit the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden's demonstration kitchen to offer their take on cooking with fresh, local produce.
Saturday, 6/21; 10 am - 3 pm
"Juneteenth" Celebration, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
Join us as we celebrate freedom, family, and Country with our historical Underground Railroad program. Enjoy history displays, an interactive interpretive hike, traditional music, wild edibles, crafts and much more.
Every Sunday in June & July; 10 am
Yoga in Nature, Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington
Experience an open approach to yoga by practicing outdoors with a Master Yoga Instructor. Classes pare yoga down to its original link with nature. Registration and release form required.
Mondays, 6/23, 7/28; 10 am - 2 pm
Monarch Mondays, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
Take an in-depth look at the Monarch butterfly. Learn about its life cycle, migration and how to conserve its habitat. Registration required.
Tuesdays, 6/24 - August 26, 10 - 11 am
Tuesday Morning Music, Chicago Botanic Garden
Start your day on the right note with a performance of relaxing instrumental music.
Tuesday, 6/24; Pre-activities start at 5:30 pm. Concert runs from 6:30 to 8 pm.
Forest Jams, Green Lake Aquatic Center, 1100 River Oaks Drive, Calumet City
Head out to our summer concert series and participate in group jam sessions, learn about making instruments from natural and recycled materials and enjoy concerts by local musicians.
Thursday, 6/26; 6:30 pm pre activities; movie at dusk
Films in the Forest, Caldwell Woods, 6350 W. Devon Ave, Chicago
"The Princess Bride" Rated PG
A classic fairy tale with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather).
Forest Fun Van and University of Illinois Mobile Lab Series
Saturday, 6/28; 1 - 4 pm
Bunker Hill, Grove 4, 6639 W. Harts Rd, Niles
Saturday, 7/5; 1 - 4 pm
Schiller Woods West, Grove 6, 9228 Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park
Discover the wonders of the Forest Preserves! Take a hike, discover fun facts, explore, build and create! The Forest Fun Van and University of Illinois Mobile Lab bring outdoor fun and nature learning to picnic groves all over the county. Look for us on Saturdays at these locations:
Saturday, 7/5; 8 - 11 pm
Night Sky Programs, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 S. 104th Avenue, Willow Springs
Peak at the universe through telescopes, guided by the Chicago Astronomical Society.
Tuesday, 7/8; 6:30 pm pre activities; movie at dusk
Films in the Forest, Eggers Woods, 11201 S. Avenue B, Chicago
"WALL-E" Rated G
In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
Saturday, 7/12; 10 am - 4 pm
Kids' Fest, Wampum Lake, I-90/94 & Thornton-Lansing Rd, Thornton-Lansing
Enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, archery and other fun activities at this free outdoor extravaganza for kids of all ages. Presented in partnership with Fishin' Buddies and the Youth Conservation Conference. Register online at fbkidsfest2014.eventbrite.com.
Saturday, 7/12; 1 pm
Walk with Dragons and Damsels, Trailside Museum, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest
Dragonflies and damselflies are dipping and dashing in Trailside's pond. Learn to identify them by color and behaviors. Bring binoculars; a limited amount of binoculars are available to lend.
Tuesday, 7/15; 6:30 pm pre activities; movie at dusk
Films in the Forest, Whealan Pool, 6200 W. Devon Ave, Chicago
"Epic" Rated PG
A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group of characters in order to save their world-and ours.
Sunday, 7/20; 9 am - 5 pm
CAMBr Meltdown, Pulaski Woods, 9800 Wolf Rd, Willow Springs
The CAMBr Meltdown is Chicagoland's premiere mountain biking event, with racing for all ages and abilities. Free for spectators.
Saturday and Sunday, 7/26 - 7/27; 11am - 4 pm
Herb Garden Weekend, Chicago Botanic Garden
Season your weekend with displays, demonstrations, tours, and kids' activities about growing and using a variety of kitchen garden herbs. Venders will be on-site selling herbal products.
New this summer!
Saturdays and Sundays, June, July & August
It's even easier to visit Brookfield Zoo this summer! In partnership with Pace and Cook County, special bus service will be available between the zoo and various CTA "El" stations on Saturdays and Sundays this summer. The new Brookfield Zoo Express, routes 770, 771 and 772, will run Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visit pacebus.com for schedule information.
Summer hours at five of our six nature centers this summer, 6/1 through 8/31! Nature center buildings will be open Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 am - 4:30 pm. (closed Mondays) Nature center grounds will be open 8 am - 5 pm, daily. We've also added special EVENING hours on Thursdays! Buildings and grounds will be open until 8 pm. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center hours will remain the same: building 9 am - 4 pm, grounds 8 am - 4 pm.
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