Events

Bring the family for a hike as evening turns into night in the forest. Bundle up and lace up your favorite hiking boots as we set out in search of our elusive owl friends. Discover just how many species reside in Will County and how to differentiate

Calling all those who seek to explore with wide eyes and a sense of wonder. Pause to peer inside a rotting log, try to identify a mushroom, listen to bird songs or even take pictures. This program is for those who hike for discovery over destination. This

Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here? It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences

Get down and dirty at our Thorn Creek workday. Help repair boardwalks, maintain trails or weed and nurture our Prairie Sampler and butterfly garden. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 12 and older; children 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Nov. 20: 708-747-6320.

Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here? It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences

How will you choose to make discoveries in the preserve? By listening, feeling or using another one of your senses? Choose a search card or two inside the nature center before heading out to explore. After your successful search is complete, return to the nature center for

This traveling exhibition presents the work of landscape photographer Miles Lowry. Through remarkable photographs, Lowry captures the grace and grandeur in what remains of the vast forests and savannas that once covered the eastern half of the United States. Since 2001, he has searched out and documented

Fall break is here, and we've got fun on standby! Come by Hickory Creek Barrens Shelter to connect with new friends and share some laughs by the fire while playing games and roasting marshmallows! Fee: Free! Age: Ages 13-18. Registration required by Monday, Nov. 25, by calling

Kick off your holiday season with the Rialto Square Theatre and a special concert. Enjoy an evening focused on making your holiday season merry and bright. Join us starting at 6:00 pm for the Christmas Tree Lighting and performances starting at 7:00 pm featuring The Cathedral of

Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here? It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences

How will you choose to make discoveries in the preserve? By listening, feeling or using another one of your senses? Choose a search card or two inside the nature center before heading out to explore. After your successful search is complete, return to the nature center for

This traveling exhibition presents the work of landscape photographer Miles Lowry. Through remarkable photographs, Lowry captures the grace and grandeur in what remains of the vast forests and savannas that once covered the eastern half of the United States. Since 2001, he has searched out and documented

Join us for the 37th annual holiday parade, a time-honored tradition of making cherished memories! The parade will kick off at LaSalle Street and the 200 block of West Jackson Street, with festive floats and performances winding their way south on LaSalle, culminating at Main Street. After

Stroll under the twinkling lights as you immerse yourself amongst sparkling boutique windows filled with soft sweaters, brightly colored ornaments, fresh greens and new novels, all waiting to be wrapped with a bow. Grab a market mug filled with fresh Belgian hot cocoa to warm your hands

The Rialto Square Theatre holiday tradition continues. Young and old alike will enjoy this family tradition featuring a delicious brunch buffet and family fun complete with a special appearance by St. Nick himself and a keepsake teddy bear. A ticket is required for all in attendance and

Come out and enjoy a full day of holiday fun. This year’s Light Up the Holidays event is sponsored by The University of St. Francis. This year’s event will include a North Pole Market North Pole Park Horse-drawn carriage rides And the always spectacular parade and firework

Join us for the 29th Annual Festival of Trees. The trees, wreaths, centerpieces and other articles will be on display at the Museum on November 1st. The on-line auction site (bidluckyauctions.com) is live now. The Special Raffle is a $500 travel voucher on Southwest Airlines. There are

Lighted Holiday Parade, Friday, November 29th at 5:30PM. House Walk for Charity, Downtown Window Walk, Carriage Rides, Santa and His Reindeer, Festival of Trees!! More favorite holiday traditions!!!  

Want some beautiful hand-crafted jewelry straight from Maasailand, Kenya and other local artisans? Join us for shared food and marketplace where a bevy of vendors, food and music will be on deck. Come and check out some rare finds for gift giving this year!  

The Rialto Square Theatre holiday tradition continues. Young and old alike will enjoy this family tradition featuring a delicious brunch buffet and family fun complete with a special appearance by St. Nick himself and a keepsake teddy bear. A ticket is required for all in attendance and

The new Home for the Holiday Light Show is a family drive-thru experience featuring light displays and a few special guests to greet you.  

The magic of the holiday season is set to shine brighter than ever as the GLOW Holiday Festival (virtual tour) makes its debut at Slammers Stadium in downtown Joliet, Illinois. This enchanting experience promises to transform the beloved baseball venue into a winter wonderland, delighting visitors of