Join us for this monthly nature-themed program for 3- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers to enjoy together! Although the temperature has dropped, we can still find lots of outdoor activities. We'll learn about snowflakes and snow and spend time outdoors making our own wintery adventures. Be prepared
December's full moon has many names, including the storytelling moon. Bundle up for a night of wonder hearing moon lore and legend while hiking a moonlit trail. Then share your own stories while roasting moon pies over a campfire. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. This program takes
Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection. This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied
Come learn about the winter survival tactics of the mammals, reptiles and amphibians that call Thorn Creek home. We will explore different types of hibernation. After the hike, participants will create a pinecone creature to take home. This program is sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.
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
Let's go faux camping. Bring your little explorer to Four Rivers for a camping experience with a story, hands-on activities, s'mores, crafts and free play. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 3-5. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please register yourself along with your child. We encourage
Trees hold mysteries even when not hiding behind their foliage. Celebrate the beginning of stick season, where trees have lost their leaves and appear to be huge sticks in the ground. Discover the beauty of individual species' barks, the distinct shapes they form without us even knowing
Birdwatch with hot, freshly brewed, bird-friendly coffee from the comfort of the Isle a la Cache Museum library. Chat about the birds that show up at the feeders through the picture windows and enjoy the company of others over winter morning muffins. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 16
Who goes there? Winter may seem like a quieter time for birds, but it is a special time for owls in our woods! Join us to learn about the owls of Will County and what makes this time of year special to listen for them. After an
Let the cool air and a mindful walk lead you to calmness. This women-only hike will be a way to get outside for a quick fitness walk after the holiday season. This naturalist-led hike may have a few stops along the way to enjoy the tranquility of
Need to relax? Want to reconnect with nature in a new way? Join an interpretive naturalist for this simple Japanese method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. We will meet and learn a few tips then walk to the trail for guided mindful activities. Fee:
Need to relax? Want to reconnect with nature in a new way? Join an interpretive naturalist for this simple Japanese method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. We will meet and learn a few tips then walk to the trail for guided mindful activities. Fee:
Reconnect with Nature! Family Crafts Guided Hikes Talon Tales Food Truck Fun-filled Family Activities Live Bird Presentations Admission is free and no registration is required! (815) 722-9470
Birdwatch with hot, fresh-brewed, bird-friendly coffee from the comfort of the Isle a la Cache library. \Chat about the birds that show up at the feeders through the picture windows and enjoy the company of others over morning muffins. Registration required by Friday, Jan. 31: 815-722-9301.
Calling all families with preschoolers! Join us for a hands-on program designed for your little one. This program is geared toward children ages 2 to 5 and is complete with tons of facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts. Check out “Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin
Grab your sisters, girlfriends or best gal pals and celebrate Galentine’s Day with some botanical inspired mocktails! During this program, guests will make different mocktails, learn about their connections to the preserves and explore the museum after hours. Light snacks will be provided. $5 per person -
Cozy up around a fire in the Trader’s Cabin to listen to stories from Illinois Country: French folktales, Potawatomi stories and more! Stretch your legs for a short walking break. Can we find any critters featured in the tales? After the storyteller is finished, enjoy the warmth
Get your paws and whiskers ready for March Mammal Madness at Four Rivers! This day is a celebration of our furry friends in the fields and forests. The festivities include two 45-minute live animal presentations by Big Run Wolf Ranch featuring a wolf. Throughout the event, enjoy
Join our recreation coordinator for our 2025 Wellness Series featuring workshops on themes of wellness and connection to nature. Workshops will be offered on the first Tuesday of the month through April at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Come for one or come for all.
Mother Earth isn't the only woman in the woods. Explore the positive impacts determined women have had on nature throughout history and learn who is making an impact in the field now. Discover how our daughters and granddaughters can become the most emboldened and wild generations yet.
Start the day off right with yoga and a hike! This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Registration required by Saturday, March 8: 815-722-9470. With the cold weather, yoga will take place in the
Enjoy an invigorating morning by taking time for yourself and discovering the wonders of the natural world. This program includes a 30- to 35-minute all-levels seated yoga session and 25- to 30-minute natural world exploration. Both sessions will take place in the Grand Hall. Fee: Free! Age:
Wondering what tallow is? Come out to Isle a la Cache to learn what it is, how it was made and what it was used for during the 18th century. During Living History Encounters, you may find cooks, seamstresses, voyageurs, soldiers or craftsmen sharing their talents. Fee:
March is all about mammals! What are mammals and what makes them special? Let's find out what makes them truly magnificent! Join us for this nature-themed program series for 3- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 3-5. Children must be accompanied by a registered
Welcome all homeschool families! Join other middle and high school-aged homeschoolers to experience a naturalist-led field trip at McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove. Talk about hands-on! This award-winning program brings students into a forest preserve to participate in an active restoration project. Students learn how non-native
