Dads and their families can have loads of fun during Father’s Day weekend while enjoying the beauty of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Check out these free events and activities, where you are surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful.
For a complete summertime listing of events and activities, please visit http://fpdcc.com/events. There’s no better place to feel free than the Forest Preserves of Cook County!
ALL EVENTS ARE ON FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2017
REGISTRATION MAY BE REQUIRED
6 AM Willow Springs
Double Bird Blitz in the Palos & Sag Valley Preserves
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road
Join birders of all levels as they scout the hilly woods and prairies for songbirds, raptors and waterfall. Bring friends, too, as we aim to count every bird in the Palos and Sag Valley Preserves. Birding starts early and goes until countdown lunch at 11 am. Register HERE to receive an email about exact start times and meeting locations.
7:30 AM Chicago Heights
Birding Trip to Plum Creek
Plum Creek Meadow
Burnham Ave. and 223rd St.
Meet at the lot at the east side of Burnham Road, about one mile south of Sauk Trail. This is leader Josh Engel’s favorite summer birding spot! Hosted by Evanston North Shore Bird Club. RSVP: [email protected].
10 AM South Holland
Annual “Juneteenth” Celebration
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 S. Paxton Ave.
Celebrate freedom, family and country with our historical Underground Railroad program and history displays, including interactive, interpretive hikes, traditional music, a wild edibles display, period recipe samples, crafts and more. More info at [email protected]
1 PM Lemont
Conservation @Home: Native Bee Nests
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St.
How social are native bees? Native bee species are often solitary nesters in wood or soil. Learn ways to attract these pollinators to your back yard! For adults and interested teens. Registration required by calling 630-257-2045 or [email protected]
SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2017
REGISTRATION MAY BE REQUIRED
7:30 AM River Forest
Nesting Birds Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History
738 Thatcher Ave.
John Elliott of Chicago Audubon Society encourages families with children 8 years and older to look and listen for summer resident birds and learn about territory, courtship and nesting. Binoculars available. Register at 708-366-6530
10 AM Lemont
Tour the Sagawau Canyon
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St.
Experienced hikers will love this trek over rough terrain and through a stream to highlight the geology of Northeastern Illinois. Register at 630-257-2045.
1 PM Barrington Hills
Who’s Your Daddy? Father’s Role in the Forest
Crabtree Nature Center
3 Stover Road
Enjoy an informative program about the roles that fathers play in the animal kingdom and how they vary greatly from species to species. Start with a presentation inside followed by a short hike to look for “dads at work” in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Event contact [email protected].
1 PM River Forest
Father’s Day Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History
738 Thatcher Ave.
Dads and their families can enjoy a guided walk by the pond and through the woods, while learning about wildlife fathers. Register at 708-366-6530.
1:30 PM Northbrook
Animal Encounter
River Trail Nature Center
3120 Milwaukee Avenue
Learn about local animals and their amazing adaptations to life in the Forest Preserves and surrounding area. Event contact 847-824-8360.
3 PM Northbrook
What’s On the Menu?
River Trail Nature Center
3120 Milwaukee Avenue
Dads, moms and kids of all ages will learn about the unique habit of our display animals at feeding time. Event contact 847-824-8360.
5 PM Barrington
Bird Hike to Galloping Hill
Penny Road Pond
- Penny Rd. & Old Sutton Rd. Barrington
Plan on a “somewhat strenuous hike” and bring waterproof boots and binoculars for this nature encounter led by Wendy Paulson of Citizens for Conservation. Registration via email to [email protected].
For interviews, Contact: Ryan Arnold, [email protected], (312) 600-7380
About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the forests of Cook County for an hour, a day, or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful, there’s no better place to feel free.
