NATURE

Bookworm Wednesdays

Ages 2-5, with an Adult

Come to the Red Oak Nature Center and listen to an exciting nature-themed story. Each meeting will feature a different book and simple craft and may even include a short hike or a special animal visitor. Each registered child will receive a plush reading buddy to take home at the end of each session. Adults must attend, but do not need to register.

Grow with Me

Ages 2-5, with an Adult Spring brings new life in the forest giving us so much to discover. Each meeting will have us exploring outside to see what new and wonderful changes our environment has to show us in addition to a simple craft and/or story. Dress for being outside and possibly getting messy.

Garden Glow-Up!

All Ages

What better way to show the earth some love, then help beautify our 3 B’s Garden. Participants will learn what it takes to for a plant to grow from seed to flower, before heading into our garden to clear away the old and plant new. All paid registrants will receive a plant to take home.

Cave Hike

All Ages, with an Adult

Join us for a guided hike to the only cave in the Chicagoland region! Along the way, our staff will stop to point out areas of interest and signs of the season. Learn what makes our cave so unique before taking home a piece of geologic history for yourself. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Dress for the weather - hikes go rain or shine.

Garlic Mustard Challenge

All ages, with an Adult

Garlic mustard is an invader in our forest, we need your help to remove it! Work as a family group or individual to complete the list of challenges-the longest root, tallest plant, most pulled and more. Trophies will be awarded.

Campfire & S’mores!

All Ages, with an Adult

Relax around the campfire and hear some legends or go on a short night hike to explore the woods before sitting down to roast your own marshmallows! All children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

World Turtle Day

Ages 10+

Help us “Shell-abrate” World Turtle Day by learning about these rockin’ reptiles that call Illinois home! After a short presentation on what makes turtles unique, participants will get up close with our own animal ambassadors before finishing up with a turtle-y awesome craft.