Family Nature Programs

These family programs are designed for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Organized groups must schedule a separate tour for their group.

WOODLAND BIRTHDAYS

Treat your child to a special Woodland Birthday at Tekakwitha Woods, offered on Saturdays, through October. We provide a beautiful setting, a naturalist-led hike, nature party favors for each child, firewood and skewers. You provide the food (hot dogs, marshmallows, juice, cupcakes, etc.) and eating utensils. Give your child a lasting gift – a touch of nature! Registration required. Call (847) 741-8350 to register.

• Saturdays, through October
  10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 3 – 5:30 p.m.
  Fee: $75 for up to 15 guests; $5 per additional guest

INSECT SAFARI

Six-legged critters come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms. Their numbers are staggering and the diversity of lifestyles boggles the mind. Armed with nets, jars and field guides, we’ll explore field and stream to find these little beasts. Call (847) 741-8350 to register.

• Sunday, July 20, 2 - 3 p.m.
  Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, St. Charles

BAT WATCH!

Have you ever heard a bat talk? Bats are indeed chatty creatures, but our ears can’t hear them. Unless, of course, we use a super special “Bat Detector.” This device picks up the bats’ “clicks” used in echolocation. During our summer Bat Watch programs we’ll use the bat detector to locate bats and follow their movements. We’ll also play some bat games and learn about bat ecology. Call (847) 741-8350 to register.

• Saturday, August 2, 7:45 - 9 p.m.
  Binnie Forest Preserve, Dundee
  Fee: $5/person; $20/family of four or more
• Wednesday, August 6, 7:45 - 9 p.m.
  LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles
  Fee: $5/person; $20/family of four or more
• Tuesday, August 19, 8:15 - 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
  Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve, Sugar Grove
  Fee: $5/person; $20/family of four or more

MARVELS OF THE PRAIRIE

Have you ever wondered about all the grasses and flowers that tower over your head at this time of year?  During this program we will venture into the prairie which will be sure to dazzle us. With hand lenses and bug boxes, we’ll investigate the unique features of the plants and critters that call the prairie their home.  We’ll also use our ears – and our noses – to learn about the flora and fauna of the great prairie ecosystem. Be ready to use all your senses on this exploration! Call (847) 741-8350 to register.

• Wednesday, August 13, 10 - 11 a.m.
  LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles
  Meet at the shelter, on the north side of Dean Street, past the barn

SPIDER HUNTS

The architects of nature’s finest structures are busy at work in the summer. Orb weaving spiders weave intricate designs, grass spiders create fantastic funnel webs, and house spiders make complex cobwebs. Come along on our spider hunts to see these and many other eight-legged creatures. During our daytime hunt, we’ll explore the spidery world in daylight. Our night time hunt will give us a peek at native nocturnal arachnids. Day or night, we’re sure to find awesome spiders of all sizes and colors! Call (847) 741-8350 to register.

• Spiders by Day
  Monday, August 11, 10 - 11 a.m.
  Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, St. Charles
• Spiders by Night
  Wednesday, August 13, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls, Gilberts
  

CREEK WALKS

Dip your toes in the water and enjoy a naturalist-guided exploration of the watery world of creeks. We’ll see aquatic life up close and personal. Wear shorts and bring an extra pair of shoes for wading. Adults must accompany children in the water. Minimum age: 5 years. Call (847) 741-8350 to register.

• Tuesday, August 12, 10 - 11 a.m.
  LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles
  Fee: $5/person; $20/family of four or more
• Thursday, August 14, 10 - 11 a.m.
  Tyler Creek Forest Preserve, Elgin
  Fee: $5/person; $20/family of four or more