Nature in the Parks

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Seedlings and plants growing in a shade tunnel.

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.

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NASCAR Chicago Street Race logo

 

Harvest Garden & Community Roots programs supported in part by NASCAR Chicago.

Featured Programs

Events

25 Events

Family Fishing at Calumet

Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Rosenblum

Wednesday Nature Play at NPV

RiverLab: Nature Journaling at River

RiverLab: Nature Journaling at River

RiverLab: River Cleanup Paddle at River

RiverLab: River Cleanup Paddle at River

RiverLab: Morning Birding Paddle at River

RiverLab: Morning Birding Paddle at River

Family Fishing at McKinley

RiverLab: Family Paddle at River

RiverLab: Family Paddle at River

Summer Science Saturdays at NPV

RiverLab: All Ages Fishing at River

RiverLab: All Ages Fishing at River

Family Fishing at Sherman

Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Owens

RiverLab: Morning Birding Paddle at River

RiverLab: Morning Birding Paddle at River

Wednesday Nature Play at NPV

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at La Villita

RiverLab: Thursday Evening Paddle Club at River

RiverLab: Thursday Evening Paddle Club at River

Chicago Astronomer at Harrison

Family Fishing at Northerly Island

Summer Science Saturdays at NPV

Family Fishing at Montrose Harbor

Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Pottawattomie

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Fuller