It may be tempting to hunker down like a woodchuck for the winter, but theres too much to explore in the woods! Add on a few warm layers and join a naturalist as we walk through Hammel Woods in search of thriving life. Registration required by Saturday,
This women-only hike will be a way to get outside for a brisk nature walk after the holiday season. Let the cool air and a mindful walk lead you to calmness. This naturalist-led hike may have a few stops along the way to enjoy the tranquility of
Enjoy the last weekend of 2025 outside! Bundle up and head outdoors with the whole family. This naturalist-led hike is your chance to conquer cabin fever and take in the fresh air. Create warm memories on the chilly trail before heading to the campfire for smores. Registration
Bring your little ones to the Joliet Area Historical Museum for the most exciting, family-friendly countdown in town! Designed for children ages 3 to 12, the Ultimate Kids' New Year's Eve EVE Party features a high-energy DJ, dancing, festive crafts, and a thrilling balloon drop to ring
This ongoing event will be held from Friday, Jan. 2, to Saturday, March 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.View a rare and delightful playfulness in the prints of renowned American illustrator Charley Harper. Known as a modernist wildlife artist, Harpers unique minimalist
Start the New Year off right with a First Friday Hike! Get your heart pumping and enjoy the beauty of the forest on a brisk winter day. Join a naturalist on a guided hike to check Hammel Woods off your list. Be inspired to take advantage of
Every full moon tells a story of tides, time and seasonal changes. Join us across Will County for a night where science and wonder meet beneath the glow of the moon. The January full moon is known as the wolf moon. Join an interpretive naturalist for a
Join a cozy, indoor community filled with activities, games and refreshments. Inspired by the Danish practice of Hygge. Admission is free.
Celebrate the New Year with French traditions of Illinois Country! Cozy up with stories, play games, dance and enjoy a warm drink and king’s cake around a toasty fire while listening to fiddle music. Make a vintage craft to take home as a keepsake of this family-friendly
Join a cozy, indoor community filled with activities, games and refreshments. Inspired by the Danish practice of Hygge. Admission is free.
Join us to hear from local historian Joe Tokarz about Word War II submarines and their connection to the Illinois River. In the 1940's, 28 submarines were made in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and floated down the Illinois River to the ocean. These submarines went on to support the
Ski by the light of the full moon. Ski rentals limited. Reservations required via SignUpGenius, available the Sunday before. Skiers with their own equipment must wear a free trail pass. Weather Dependent (Snow): Program runs only when trails are skiable (requires frozen ground and 5 inches of
Hike by the light of the full moon. Weather Dependent (No Snow): Program runs only when trails are non-skiable due to insufficient snow or ground conditions; call/email organizer to confirm.
Join a naturalist to experience the stillness and peace of a winter sunrise. Ages 18 & up.
As the rivers freeze over, bald eagles head to the open waters around Four Rivers. Join us as we celebrate these exceptional birds of prey with guided hikes, live bird presentations, Talon Talks, family activities and more! Ongoing activities will include family crafts, an Eagle Eye Scavenger
Join us for an early morning hike to witness the beauty of a new day.
In winter, some of Illinois native birds migrate south, others stay and some birds arrive. Learn about the birds that spend the winter months in our area and how to attract them to your yard. Take a guided hike in the forest to search for some of
Unwind and get creative at Craft + Chill: Journaling & Collage, a laid-back evening designed for reflection and connection. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this cozy event offers a variety of materials—from magazines and washi tape to stickers and markers—to help your imagination
Greet the Magic Multiverse with open arms in our first set of 2026: Lorwyn Eclipsed! This hotly anticipated return to the twinned plane of Lorwyn-Shadowmoor takes everything you love about our first visit—typal themes, dazzling traditional artwork, and a strangely beautiful setting—and combines it with the brilliance
Come test your decks in a slightly more casual mini tournament. $5 to participate. Some prize support.
The Chicago Maritime Museum, Bridgeport Art Center, and entire neighborhood open up to the public for free for Third Friday. Explore the museum and the rest of the building with docents positioned around our galleries to answer questions.
Embrace winter morning birding from the comfort of Isle a la Cache's library. Chat and birdwatch at the feeders through the large picture windows while enjoying a cup of warm, bird-friendly coffee and early morning treats. Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility. Ages 16
While many species become dormant over the winter, lichens and mosses are thriving! Come enjoy a winter morning learning about these unique and hardy species. This program will begin outside, hiking and searching for species in the wild. Then well head indoors for warm beverages and a
Ages 18 and older. Did you know winter is a good time to learn how to identify migrating ducks? Well, suit up for this half-day program where we will travel to three different locations to see how many ducks we can find! After our duck-viewing adventure, we
Pack a lunch and join us for a free movie!