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.

Outdoor & Environmental Education Programs are supported by Peoples Gas Community Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation. 

Featured Programs

Events

41 Events

Community Bonfire at Bauler

Community Bonfire at Dvorak

Owl Prowl at NPV

Community Bonfire at Riis

Wednesday Wind Down with Music at Garfield Conservatory

Wednesday Wind Down with Music at Garfield Conservatory

Community Bonfire at Russell Square

Annual Coat Drive at Simons

Guided Wellness Walk at Garfield Conservatory

Guided Wellness Walk at Garfield Conservatory

Ask a Master Gardener at Garfield Conservatory

Ask a Master Gardener at Garfield Conservatory

Community Bonfire at Gross

Animal Tales at Big Marsh

Community Bonfire at Strohacker

Holiday Flower Show at Lincoln Conservatory

Wednesday Wind Down with Cooking Demo at Garfield Conserv

Wednesday Wind Down with Cooking Demo at Garfield Conserv

Winter Walk and Bonfire at Big Marsh

Community Bonfire at Maggie Daley

Community Bonfire at Maggie Daley

Community Bonfire at Midway Plaisance

Community Bonfire at Midway Plaisance

Fun with Microscopes at Big Marsh

Owls of Chicago at NPV

Community Bonfire at Cornell

Community Bonfire at Wentworth

Community Bonfire at Wentworth

Winter Solstice Festival at NPV

Community Bonfire at Warren

Community Bonfire at Warren

Owl Prowl at NPV

Community Bonfire at McKinley

Community Bonfire at McKinley

Community Bonfire at Mt. Greenwood

Community Bonfire at Mt. Greenwood

Winter Walk and Bonfire at Big Marsh

Owl Prowl at NPV

Winter Walk and Bonfire at Hegewisch Marsh

Stewardship Days at Big Marsh

Snowy Owl Irruption! at NPV

Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island

Animal Tales at Big Marsh

Winter Walk and Bonfire at Big Marsh

Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh

Animal Tales at Big Marsh

Stewardship Days at Big Marsh

Winter Walk and Bonfire at Byrnes

Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Teen Opportunity Fair at Park No. 596

Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Teen Opportunity Fair at Park No. 596

Stewardship Days at Big Marsh

Animal Tales at Big Marsh