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Throughout Chicago, our park system is filled with nature. The city's parks contain more than 1,900 acres of critical habitat for local and migratory wildlife, accounting for more than 20% of our total parkland. These unique places, and the programs & events offered within them, provide vast opportunities to improve one's physical and mental health.
There are many ways to get your nature fix in the city. Join us for a program, such as camping, gardening, and fishing; attend a nature event in the parks with your family and friends; or enjoy a peaceful afternoon or a mindful walk in a natural area. Volunteer in a natural area by participating in a community stewardship workday or check out one of the many community science projects happening throughout the parks year-round.
With so much to offer the nature enthusiast, it's no wonder that Chicago is dubbed the "City in a Garden." Learn more about nature activities and spaces below.
Outdoor & Environmental Education Programs are supported by Peoples Gas Community Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation.
Featured Programs & Events
Nature Oasis
Nature Oasis brings nature exploration and education to parks throughout Chicago. Field trips, paddling programs, Community Bonfires, and Toddlers, Tunes, and Turtles offer opportunities for the whole family. Whether in a neighborhood park, in a canoe, or in any of the 2,000 acres of natural areas in Chicago, the Nature Oasis program works to meet people where they are to increase our connection and understanding of our environment.
Eco-Recreation
Ecological Recreation, or “Eco-Rec”, activities are people-powered recreation in a place that is in line with the ecology of that space. Eco-Rec activities can be active, such as biking, paddling, rock climbing, and trail running; or can be more passive, such as hiking, birding, archery, and fishing
Eco-Recreation Programs & Events to be posted soon.
Fishing
Chicago’s Fish’ N Kids program takes people of all ages and abilities fishing, helping people connect or reconnect with nature through the act of catching a fish. Family Fishing programs offer a unique opportunity to learn together, and take place in lagoons around the city throughout the spring, summer and fall. Each program provides equipment, bait, and experienced fishing instructors. With fishing locations spread throughout the city, fishing is a fun and affordable activity for all to enjoy.
Camping
Camping programs provide Chicagoans with camping experiences in the city and foundational skills to adventure in nature. Our week-long youth programs allow participants to experience camping adventures with their peers, while Family Camping is a fun, facilitated campout in a park that gives families an opportunity to learn together.
Gardening
Chicago is a leading city for community gardens and local food production, and Chicago Park District’s Gardening programs have a long history of supporting education and access to gardens for learning. Learn more about starting or joining an existing community garden here. Harvest Garden and Community Roots gardening programs teach youth and adults to plant, tend, harvest, and prepare simple recipes, encouraging participants to become caretakers of their gardens, themselves, and their communities.
Events
Birding is for Everyone - McCormick Sanctuary at Burnham
Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Gage
Chicago Astronomer at Horner
Early Bird Walks at NPV
Early Bird Walks at NPV
Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Gage
Birding is for Everyone at Northerly Island
Early Bird Walks at NPV
Early Bird Walks at NPV
Birding is for Everyone at Northerly Island
Deaf & HOH Teen Adventure Camp at Big Marsh
STEAM & Trades Academy: CPR Training at Hamilton
Climbing Club at Steelworkers
Learn to Lead Climb at Steelworkers
Youth Learn to Climb at Steelworkers
Learn to Climb at Steelworkers
RiverLab: Family Paddle at River
RiverLab: Family Paddle at River
RiverLab: Summer Float Paddle at River
RiverLab: Summer Float Paddle at River
Summer Soundwalks in the Park at Ping Tom
Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Wrightwood
Chicago Astronomer at Harrison
Goin' Fishing with Riot Fest at Douglass
RiverLab: Father's Day Paddle at River
RiverLab: Father's Day Paddle at River
Summer Soundwalks in the Park at Julia de Burgos
RiverLab: Father's Day Paddle at River
RiverLab: Father's Day Paddle at River
Astronomy in the Parks at Smith
Chicago Astronomer at Smith
Fungi Exploration at NPV
Fungi Exploration at NPV
Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Franklin
RiverLab: River Exploration Paddle at River
RiverLab: River Exploration Paddle at River
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Welles
RiverLab: Thursday Evening Paddle Club at River
RiverLab: Thursday Evening Paddle Club at River
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Kelvyn
Youth Learn to Climb at Steelworkers
Learn to Climb at Steelworkers
RiverLab: Early Morning Birding Paddle at River
RiverLab: Early Morning Birding Paddle at River
Family Fishing at Humboldt
Family Fishing at Montrose Harbor
Climbing Club at Steelworkers
Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner
Learn to Lead Climb at Steelworkers
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Donovan
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Donovan
RiverLab: River Exploration Paddle at River
RiverLab: River Exploration Paddle at River
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Margate
RiverLab: Thursday Evening Paddle Club at River
RiverLab: Thursday Evening Paddle Club at River
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at La Villita
Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner
Hide and Seek: Nature’s Hidden Gems at Lawler
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Harrison
RiverLab: Canoe on the Lagoon at Marquette
RiverLab: Canoe on the Lagoon at Marquette
RiverLab: Early Morning Birding Paddle at Marquette
Family Fishing at Canal Origins
Native Plant Walk and Pollinator Exploration at Byrnes
RiverLab: Bird Walk at Marquette
Summer Soundwalks in the Park at Columbus Refectory
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Summer Soundwalks in the Park at Columbus Refectory
This event takes place at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner
Hide and Seek: Nature’s Hidden Gems at Mann
Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles at Kilbourn
RiverLab: Canoe on the Lagoon at Garfield
RiverLab: Canoe on the Lagoon at Garfield
Family Fishing at Marquette
Family Fishing at Marquette
Family Fishing at Northerly Island
RiverLab: Fish Frenzy Paddle at Garfield
Summer Soundwalks in the Park at Jackson
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Summer Soundwalks in the Park at Jackson
This event takes place at Wooded Island in Jackson Park.
