Family Fishing Exploration Day

Discover the wonders beneath the waters of the preserves. Learn to fish, examine specimens and create art with your family.

Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States

Juneteenth Reflection Hike

Self-guided Juneteenth reflection hike exploring freedom, resilience and belonging through thoughtful prompts.

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473, United States

Juneteenth Walk

Join us for a walk focusing on the contributions made by African-American naturalists.

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Juneteenth Paddle

Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Juneteenth Paddle

Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Juneteenth Freedom Ride

Join this 16-mile cycling celebration with Major Taylor Trail Keepers and local bike clubs. BYO-bike and helmet.

Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, IL

Busse Lake Outdoors Day & Fishing Derby

Free fishing derby, nature play, animal encounters and more! Enjoy local food and win prizes. Join Commissioner Kevin Morrison for Outdoors Day and the annual Fishing Derby at Busse Woods at Grove 25, a family‑friendly event featuring hands‑on nature activities, a free ......More

Free fishing derby, nature play, animal encounters and more! Enjoy local food and win prizes. Join Commissioner Kevin Morrison for Outdoors Day and the annual Fishing Derby at Busse Woods at Grove 25, a family‑friendly event featuring hands‑on nature activities, a free fishing derby with prizes and outdoor fun for all ages.

Busse Lake Boating Center, IL

Intro to Kayaking Class

Learn basic skills for beginner kayakers. Equipment provided.

Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch, IL

To Catch a Crayfish

We’ll set out traps and explore the amazing arthropods we discover. Ages 7 & up.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States

American Indian Summer Solstice

Celebrate the solstice with dancing, drumming, storytelling and a sun-themed art activity. Presented by American Indian Center of Chicago. Grove 13.

Schiller Woods-East

Juneteenth Jubilee

Celebrate freedom, family and country with activities, refreshments and performances highlighting Black history. Juneteenth Jubilee transforms the Sand Ridge Nature Center Campus into a vibrant gathering space filled with live performances, interactive experiences, educ......More

Celebrate freedom, family and country with activities, refreshments and performances highlighting Black history. Juneteenth Jubilee transforms the Sand Ridge Nature Center Campus into a vibrant gathering space filled with live performances, interactive experiences, educational activities, community organizations and local vendors. Highlights include storytelling led by Mama Edie, a performance by Lana Lewis of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” cultural dance presentations, interactive art activities, genealogy resources and opportunities to learn about local Black history. Throughout the event, attendees can visit: Afro-American Genealogical & Historical Society of Chicago, which encourages guests to bring non-sensitive materials such as wedding programs, funeral programs or family papers to learn more about researching family historyA Child’s Vision, sharing an exhibit which captures in-the-moment activism from 2020Midwest Underground Railroad Network sharing information about local Underground Railroad history and freedom journeysLight of Loving Kindness, performing and leading a drum circleSolidarity Studios, bringing different communities together through musicBeto de Freitas and Greg’s Ceramics which will showcase their different styles of artwork celebrating culture and community.

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473, United States

Hawk Talk

Learn about one of our resident raptors.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

What’s On The Menu?

Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Restoration Workday

Help us restore our natural communities of woodland and prairie. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-14 w/ adult.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States

The Un-buried Treasure Hunt 

Pick up a treasure map then decode the clues along the trails to find the un-buried treasure.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

America’s Original Wildlife

As part of America 250, learn how iconic species helped shape America’s landscapes, ecosystems and culture. Ages 13 & up.

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

The Buzz on Bees

Visit our beehives and meet the beekeepers to learn about bees, pollination and honey.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

What’s On The Menu?

Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Jr. Naturalist Camp

Running from 9:30 am to 1 pm each day, this day camp is perfect for kids who love nature and want to become junior naturalists! Enjoy four exciting mornings of hands-on learning as you discover wildlife, plants and the wonders of the natural world in an interactive sett......More

Running from 9:30 am to 1 pm each day, this day camp is perfect for kids who love nature and want to become junior naturalists! Enjoy four exciting mornings of hands-on learning as you discover wildlife, plants and the wonders of the natural world in an interactive setting. Snacks are provided. Cost is $50 per child. Ages 7 to 9. Registration for all camps opens April 4 and must be completed in person with payment by cash or check.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States

Teen Biodiversity Day

Spend the day in the field with naturalists to discover the diversity of life in the Forest Preserves. Ages 13 & up.

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Small Serendipity

Nature stories, crafts and activities. Children ages 3-6 w/adult.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Furry But Not Friendly

Join us for an indoor presentation on some of the mustelids (weasels) within Cook County. Ages 12 & up.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Wildlife Connections

Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Walk & Talk

Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. 2.5 miles.

Red Gate Woods

Night of Nature Play

Experience nature at night through open play, star gazing and s’mores.

Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, IL

Summer Artisan Series: Firefly Paint & Hike

Get crafty on select evenings. New topics each month.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Food Security Gardens with Native Plants

Explore native plants that are traditionally used as food. Led by Wandering Paths Founder and flower farmer Navraaz Kaur Basati.

Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, 6350 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60646, United States

Stories in the Forest

Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States