Trailside Museum of Natural History

Trailside Museum of Natural History

70,000 acres of wild and wonderful in Cook County, IL.

River Forest, IL Chicago Website
Outdoors & Nature Classes & Learning Family & Kids Arts & Culture

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GPS Scavenger Hunt

GPS Scavenger Hunt

Sun, Nov 8, 2026 • 11:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Learn about and participate in a technology inspired scavenger hunt. All ages.

Map and Compass

Map and Compass

Sun, Nov 8, 2026 • 1:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Barrington, IL

Learn how to use a map and compass for navigation, then practice on a 1.5-mile walk.

Fossil Quarry Tour

Sun, Nov 8, 2026 • 1:00 PM—3:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Lemont, IL

Learn about fossils of the Chicago region from geologist, Dave Dolak, followed by a 1.5-mile walk to visit Sagawau’s fossil quarry.

What’s On The Menu?

Sun, Nov 8, 2026 • 3:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Northbrook, IL

Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.

Monday Morning Mood Booster

Mon, Nov 9, 2026 • 9:30 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Northbrook, IL

Fight the Monday blues and join us for a walk in the woods. Ages 18 & up.

Yoga and Storytime

Yoga and Storytime

Mon, Nov 9, 2026 • 11:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Willow Springs, IL

Join the Bridgeview Library for a short nature story followed by kid’s yoga activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.

Small Serendipity

Small Serendipity

Tue, Nov 10, 2026 • 10:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3-6 w/ adult.

Little Sprouts Sound Lab

Little Sprouts Sound Lab

Tue, Nov 10, 2026 • 10:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Barrington, IL

Explore nature through sensory activities, outdoor listening and sound‑making. Ages 2-6 w/ adult. Siblings welcome.

Wildlife Connections

Wildlife Connections

Tue, Nov 10, 2026 • 10:30 AM—12:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.

Qigong and Urban Stargazing

Tue, Nov 10, 2026 • 6:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Willow Springs, IL

Start with grounding Qigong, followed by celestial viewing at an Urban Night Sky Place.

Children’s Storytime

Wed, Nov 11, 2026 • 9:30 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity.

Yoga in the Preserves

Yoga in the Preserves

Wed, Nov 11, 2026 • 9:30 AM—10:45 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Weekly yoga class for all ages and skill levels. Led by Kim Weber of Be Lightfooted.

Wee Wonders: Snakes

Wed, Nov 11, 2026 • 10:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · South Holland, IL

Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

Plants in the Military

Plants in the Military

Wed, Nov 11, 2026 • 10:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Barrington, IL

Celebrate Veterans Day by learning how plants were used in the military.

Everyone in Nature

Wed, Nov 11, 2026 • 1:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Willow Springs, IL

Join us for an inclusive sensory-based experience where individuals of all abilities and homeschool learners can explore and connect with nature through…

Baby Buds

Thu, Nov 12, 2026 • 9:30 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Barrington, IL

Join us for nature-themed interactive songs and stories. Ages 0-23 months w/ adult. Tickets first come, first served.

S.E.N.I.O.R.S.

Thu, Nov 12, 2026 • 10:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Willow Springs, IL

Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Seniors can deepen their connection to the outdoors with fresh, engaging nature programs offered each…

Candlemaking

Candlemaking

Thu, Nov 12, 2026 • 3:00 PM—4:30 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Create dipped candles over a fire and learn about beeswax. Supplies provided.

Fall Open Climb

Fall Open Climb

Thu, Nov 12, 2026 • 4:00 PM—8:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Scale the indoor climbing wall! Participants must be over 40lbs. Adult supervision and waivers required. Accessible climbing equipment available.

Be a Better Birder: Tips for Learning to Identify Bird Sounds

Be a Better Birder: Tips for Learning to Identify Bird Sounds

Thu, Nov 12, 2026 • 6:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Learn the skills to begin to learn to identify local bird songs.

Fridays in the Field

Fridays in the Field

Fri, Nov 13, 2026 • 10:00 AM—12:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Drop-in to discover something new in nature with University of Illinois-Extension volunteers.

Bird Walk

Bird Walk

Sat, Nov 14, 2026 • 8:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · Chicago, IL

Join a naturalist as we look for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events.

Fitness Hike

Fitness Hike

Sat, Nov 14, 2026 • 10:00 AM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. 3 […]

America 250: Americana Folk Art

Sat, Nov 14, 2026 • 10:00 AM—12:00 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest, IL

Learn how to carve a linoleum block and learn about Americana folk art. Materials provided. Ages 12 & up.