n Flannel Fest n

Flannel Fest

All Ages Oct. 21 | Noon to 2 p.m.

The Wilds, Red Oak Nature Center 1400 N. River Rd., North Aurora, Illinois

$14 per person

Enjoy the last taste of fall at our flannel-filled family, friendly picnic party at The Wilds! Ticket price includes a meal ticket. Additional snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. All will enjoy live music, nature activities, and lawn games, and receive a commemorative mug! All attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic. Indoor seating may be limited to blankets, and lawn chairs are encouraged.

Scan the QR code to purchase tickets!

Nature

Animal Feeding Time

Ages 8+

Engage with some of our animal ambassadors as an assistant animal caretaker! Participants will learn fun facts about the species we care for and personal background information about what makes each one unique. Fee is for a group of up to four people and must include at least one adult. Adult attending should be the registrant.

Holiday Party with the Animals

All ages w/adult

Come show the animal ambassadors at Red Oak Nature Center the holiday spirit by decorating, interacting, and having fun right next to them! Self-guided craft stations will be available for you to create decorations for our Wildlife Room, including a few special, enrichment-style treats to be gifted to these incredible animals for all their hard work. Adults do not need to register, but must accompany their participant.

Thankful with Me

Ages 5+

Explore nature as we find so many things to be thankful for! Each meeting will have us focusing on a different part of nature and how plants and animals are preparing for the cold winter ahead and what we can do to help. Crafts, stories, and hikes are part of this adventure. Adults must attend, but do not need to register.

Trivia Night at the Wilds

Ages 18+

Join us at the Wilds with a team of friends for an evening of trivia, laughter, snack and BYOB (yes, really) Those who are age 21 and older are welcome to bring their own alcohol. Appetizers, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. This is an 18+ event. Registration fee covers a team of 6 adults.

» For registration details, check the chart at the end of this section.

Cave Hike

All ages w/adult

Join us on a 1-mile, round-trip hike to the only cave in the Chicagoland region! Along the way, we will stop to point out areas of interest and signs of the season. Learn what makes our cave so unique and take a piece of geologic history home with you. Dress for the weather because these hikes occur rain or shine! All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Adults must register.

Great Pumpkin Hunt

All ages w/adult

The Great Pumpkin is ready to get WILD at our new WILDS location. Grab your list of clues and go on a self-guided investigation through our grounds to find the Great Pumpkin’s treats but look for his tricks. Photograph yourself with the ‘Great Pumpkin’ and receive a small prize! Registration is required to receive the prize. Adults do not need to register.

Bookworm Wednesdays

Ages 2-5

Come to the nature center and listen to an exciting nature-themed story! Each session will focus on a new animal with a story, simple craft, and a short hike or a special animal visitor. Each registered child will receive a plush reading buddy to take home at the end. Adults must attend, but do not need to register.