Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Fridays, September 2 – November 25
Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks during this self-guided meet-up program! You must bring your own Nordic poles if you sign up for this option.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Fridays, September 2 – November 25
Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks through this self-guided meet-up program! Sign up to rent Nordic poles if you want to try trekking before you purchase your own set. You will be contacted to sign a borrower’s permit and pick up your set for the fall. A limited number of rental poles are available.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 2 – November 25
Get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while meeting other walking enthusiasts. These are self-guided walks around your community parks! Walking helps maintain a healthy weight, increases energy, lifts your spirits, strengthens memory and protects from heart disease and high blood pressure.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays, September 3 – November 26
Let’s get you moving outdoors this fall! Staff and volunteers will lead groups at different paces. Hike for Your Health is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and get to know some of your parks better. All hikes are on natural trails. Please wear appropriate shoes for trails that may be muddy or slick.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays, June 4 – October 29
Join Up and Running trail leaders as you enjoy running on natural trails. This running group is for experienced runners and includes meadows, trails and hills. Meet at the Normandy Entrance (501 Normandy Ridge Rd.) of Grant Park or the Smith Entrance (2230 E. Centerville Station Rd.) of Bill Yeck Park. Please check online schedule for locations each week. Sign up once for the entire year!
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Moms Walk and Talk
Ages 18 and up
Mondays, September 8 – November 17
We will meet near the shelter for introductions and a coffee then explore one of the trails. A local mom will lead the group and will have various discussion topics. Feel free to bring your younger children in carriers or strollers. Walks will take place on paved and/or natural trails depending on the participants with strollers. Please wear appropriate shoes for trails that may be muddy or slick.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Registration is required, but you can join anytime!
Conservation Crew: Seed Collection Hike
Ages 12 – 18
In addition to collecting late-blooming flower seeds from the Seed Nursery, we will hit the trails and look for other seeds ready to be collected.
Registration deadline: Sunday, September 28
Halloween Hop & Howl: A
All ages
Put on your Halloween best and enjoy a festive stroll designed especially for preschoolers around Forest Field Park. Themed signs will be placed along the path to get children moving and grooving as they collect treats at various stations. Families are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy the Halloween spirit. Allergy-friendly treats will be provided. Please bring your own bag to collect them! Kona Ice will be available for purchase, weather permitting.
Registration is not required, however, registered participants will receive a cancellation email in the event of inclement weather.
Goldenrod Picnic
All ages
We invite your family to join us for a picnic amongst the fall flowers! Bring a dinner, a picnic blanket, and all your favorite people. While you eat, we will learn about wildflowers from an engaging naturalist. Then, we will take a sunset hike through the meadow. Optional crafts and stories will be available for young attendees. Trail will be approximately one mile over crushed gravel and natural path. A fully paved, wheelchair-accessible loop will be available as well.
Registration is requested but not required.
Mini Pumpkin Succulent Decor
Ages 16 and up
Create your own beautiful fall decor with three mini pumpkins topped with moss and succulents.
Registration deadline: Sunday, September 28
Butterfly Survey
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Help contribute to research by joining the naturalist on butterfly surveys. Identify and count butterflies while observing other seasonal wildlife as we stroll. No experience is necessary. Trail is approximately one mile in length on uneven terrain. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 2
GLOW-tastic! Fun Run / Walk
All ages
A special glow-in-the-dark fun run and walk! We will kick off the event with our 100-meter dash at 7:45 p.m., followed by an approximately 0.5-mile paved trail for you to explore. The trail will be lit up with all kinds of fun colors and glowing features. A not-so-spooky start to the Halloween season! This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration is requested so that we can have an accurate number of glow-in-the-dark accessories for participants.
Great Parks, Great Community: Business and Civic Leader Breakfast
Start your day with connection and insight at the Business and Civic Leader Breakfast. This event brings together community leaders, business owners and local stakeholders to recognize the benefits of parks and green spaces on community vitality.
Enjoy light breakfast fare and hear from the Park District’s Executive Director, Kristen Marks, who will speak about the economic impact of parks and green spaces, from boosting property values and supporting small businesses to enhancing quality of life. Staff will then share updates on the latest community survey data, projects and placemaking events.
We will also take time to acknowledge key partners and individuals whose contributions have had a meaningful impact on our parks and community. Their leadership and support help make our mission possible. We hope you’ll join us for this engaging and informative event!
RSVP by Friday, October 3
Art & Imagination: October
Ages 6 – 8
This drop-off program is designed to give your child the opportunity to get creative! They will design a variety of projects based on a monthly theme. Outdoor activities will be included when weather permits. Sign up for one or multiple sessions.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 30
Early Adventures
Ages 0 – 5 years with adult companion
Hit the trail with us! These exploratory hikes foster curiosity and confidence in young children. Your leader will point out seasonal changes and other natural points of interest in the parks. Hike is on a natural path. This is a Tools to Trek program. Backpacks and front carriers are appropriate if your child is not walking.
Registration deadline: Sunday, October 5