• Clean Up the Oaks

    Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    This ongoing program will be held from Wednesday, April 1, to Thursday, April 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. To celebrate Earth Month, do a little bit to help your mother (Earth)! Hidden Oaks will provide a bucket and picker to help

  • Living on the Land Field Trip for Homeschool & Remote Learners

    Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

    Explore in detail the American Indians relationship with the land. Students will learn about the seasonal preparations and activities of the Potawatomi people. This is an opportunity for homeschooled or remote learning students to experience Isle a la Caches field trip programs that are normally only offered

  • A Voyageur’s Life Field Trip for Homeschool & Remote Learners

    Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

    What was life like for a French fur trader in the 1700s? How much knowledge did these early explorers need to survive their journey in search of furs? Students learn about the challenges, risks and rewards of being a French fur trader and demonstrate the skills necessary

  • Ottawa Art League Opening Reception

    NCI ARTworks Gallery 400 5th St., Peru, IL, United States

    The NCI Artworks will host an opening reception for the Ottawa Art League group in the historic Westclox building in Peru. The work of numerous topnotch local artists will be on exhibit and available for purchase at the NCI ARTworks Gallery beginning Friday, April 10, 2026, and

  • Trout Season Celebration

    Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    Its spring trout season at Hidden Lakes! To celebrate, we are opening the gates and concessions building for fishing at 6 a.m. Find your perfect spot along the two stocked lakes. Head to the Tackle Box Bait shop for a free hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Plus,

  • Lake Renwick Photography Bird Hike

    Lake Renwick Preserve 23113 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL, United States

    Join other photographers for a special opportunity to view and photograph the herons, egrets, cormorants and even eagles at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. This is the beginning of nesting season, with hundreds of nesting birds in the preserve. Explore off-trail habitats and share insights into

  • Recycle Your Bicycle

    Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    This ongoing program runs from Saturday, April 11, through Sunday, April 26. Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes(Opens in a new window), an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes globally to individuals

  • Wondrous Weather Weekend

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Enjoy an afternoon discovering the wondrous world of weather through hands-on activities and art. Craft your own clouds, construct a rain stick, measure the wind and more in this self-guided program!  

  • Tune Ups & Treats Bike Social

    Prairie Bluff Preserve 2025 Renwick Rd., Crest Hill, United States

    The weather is warming, and the trails are calling! Come out to Prairie Bluff to get your bike ready for the season and learn about basic maintenance and repair from our partners at REI. Staff from the Orland Park Co-op bike shop and Forest Preserve District of

  • Spring Wine Walk

    Downtown Wilmington N. Water St., Wilmington, IL, United States

    Grab your friends, dress as your favorite '70s sitcom icon, and wine walk your way through Downtown Wilmington. Wine tastings, free bites at stops. Raffles and sales. Big hair, bold prints, and bell-bottoms encouraged! Tickets On Sale at Blue Horse Wine & Martini Bar or The Wine

  • Booze & Bunnies

    Siegel's Cottonwood Farm 17250 Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL, United States

    Prepare yourself for an evening of non-stop entertainment as you engage in thrilling contests, win incredible prizes, and dance the night away on the lively dance floor. The Booze and Bunnies Event boasts a cash bar, mouth-watering food options, and a variety of engaging activities to keep

  • Wondrous Weather Weekend

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Enjoy an afternoon discovering the wondrous world of weather through hands-on activities and art. Craft your own clouds, construct a rain stick, measure the wind and more in this self-guided program!  

  • Cute & Cuddly Indoor Petting Zoo

    Joliet Public Library 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, United States

    Join us in welcoming Little Starr Farm! Their mobile petting zoo will include small animals such as bunnies, chickens and a hedgehog! (Animal feed optional, $.50 per cup.)    

  • Oil Painting Workshop

    Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

    Join Marjorie Myers, a local artist who has learned from Dana Jester, Steve Ross and Kevin Hill as she helps you step by step create a beautiful landscape oil painting. All materials provided. We will be painting on a 16x20 canvas. $65.00 per person.  

  • Big Helpers: Mutualism Magnified

    Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    This ongoing event will be held from Wednesday, April 15, to Sunday, July 19. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Contemporary oil painter Elizabeth Schnura will debut a collection of works highlighting the symbiotic relationships between plants and animals found in your backyard

  • Kokedama Workshop

    Rejuvenate - Plants & Wellness 2212 Plainfield Rd., Crest Hill, IL, United States

    Join us for a relaxing and hands-on Kokedama Workshop at RejuveNate—where plants meet creativity and mindfulness. In this guided class, you'll learn the beautiful Japanese art of kokedama (moss ball planting), where plants are wrapped in soil and moss instead of traditional pots. It's a unique and

  • Garden Journaling & Seed Swap

    Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

    Slow down, get creative, and connect with fellow plant lovers at our Garden Journaling & Seed Swap Night! This cozy, community-focused evening is all about capturing the beauty of your garden while sharing inspiration—and seeds—with others. Bring your favorite journal and a selection of seeds from your

  • Eight Decades of Pullman Cars – The Later Steel Cars

    Zoom Meeting 000, (000) 000-0000, IL, United States

    David Duncan returns for the third year in a row to treat us to another deep dive into the many cars of the Pullman company. Last year’s program explored the early editions of Pullman’s steel cars, but like a fine wine, Pullman’s designs continued to evolve into

  • Dr. Letitia Westgate: Medical Pioneer

    Mendota Museum & Historical Society 909 Washington St., Mendota, IL, United States

    We will be welcoming author Denise Moran who will be giving a talk about her recently published book, Dr. Letitia Westgate: Medical Pioneer. This work explores the life of Dr. Westgate who was the first female physician to build and manage a hospital in the United States.

  • Gouache Landscape Painting

    Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

    Explore the rich, velvety world of gouache in this guided landscape painting workshop! Perfect for beginners and experienced artists, this class will walk you step by stepthrough creating a beautiful landscape while still encouraging your own creative style and personal touches. You’ll learn techniques for layering, color

  • Mystery Program at Four Rivers

    Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

    Are you tempted by the lure of mystery? Come with an open mind and leave with a new favorite ... animal, plant, who knows what. Dont worry, the naturalist knows what! This program will include games, stories and more. Admission is free. Registration required by Thursday, April

  • Artist Reception – Well, What Were You Wearing? An Exhibit About Survival.

    Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

    An exhibition featuring the art and accounts of local survivors of sexual assault for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Come learn more about what it means to be a survivor of sexual violence and how you can help the survivors in your life and community.  

  • John Till Plays The Star Union Tasting Room

    Star Union Spirits 300 5th St., Peru, IL, United States

    Folk-country Troubador, John Till plays the Star Union Spirits Tasting Room. John Till channels the storytelling of Jim Croce, the intimate songs of life, and delivers them with country blues. Beautiful vocals and incredible slide guitar technique. A foot-stomping good time. No cover charge.  

  • Rainy Umbrella Painting

    SOL Art Solutions 81 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, United States

    When the rain falls, creativity shines. Join us for a Rainy Umbrella Acrylic Paint Night filled with moody skies, glowing colors, and artistic vibes. No experience is needed. Cost is $40 per person.