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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.

Programs

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Two children and a park worker play with sticks in a park.

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Four children wearing gardening gloves tend to plants in a raised garden bed.

Featured Programs

Events

46 Events

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

Climbing Skills Practice at Steelworkers

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Sherwood

RiverLab: Thursday Evening Paddle Club at River

RiverLab: Thursday Evening Paddle Club at River

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Portage

Art of Being: Move with Waterway at Ping Tom

Family Fishing at Canal Origins

Family Fishing at Gompers

Soundwalks: Guided Listening in Parks at Unity

Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Garfield

Family Nature Play at Northerly Island

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Mandrake

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Ping Tom

Family Nature Play at Northerly Island

Toddlers Tunes and Turtles at Mozart

Family Fishing at Palmisano

Family Fishing at Calumet

Bat Walks at Big Marsh

Toddler Hiking Club: A Nature Walk at W Ridge NP

Climbing Skills Practice at Steelworkers

Family Nature Play at Northerly Island

REMNANTS at Horner

Aug
22

REMNANTS at Horner

Location Notes

This event will take place on the east side of the park along the river and nature trail. 

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Blind/VI Overnight Camping at Northerly Island

Art of Being: Move with Waterway at River Esplanade

Family Fishing at McKinley

Monarch Palooza at NPV

Soundwalks: Guided Listening in Parks at Columbus Refectory

Toddler Hiking Club: A Nature Walk at West Pullman

REMNANTS at Horner

Aug
23

REMNANTS at Horner

Location Notes

This event will take place on the east side of the park along the river and nature trail. 

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Family Fishing at Sherman

Family Nature Play at Northerly Island

Climbing Skills Practice at Steelworkers

Toddler Hiking Club: A Nature Walk at Garfield Conserv

Family Nature Play at Northerly Island

Toddler Hiking Club: A Nature Walk at Jackie Robinson

Youth Learn to Climb at Steelworkers

Family Fishing at Northerly Island

Learn to Climb at Steelworkers

Family Fishing at Canal Origins