Emily Oaks Nature Center

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Address

4650 Brummel St.
Skokie, IL 60076 Get Directions

Phone

(847) 677-7001


Programs

Skokie's thirteen-acre nature center is a woodland oasis full of native wildflowers and grasses, ancient oak trees, a two-acre pond, wood chip and asphalt trails, and an adjacent playground. Residing and visiting urban wildlife includes herons, coyotes, flying squirrels, painted turtles, and Cooper's hawks. The indoor visitor facility offers programs for all ages, meeting rooms, and the interactive Woodland Wander Inn. 

Free: Gnome Hunt

Free: Audio Guided Meditation Walk

Free Woodland Bingo Scavenger Hunt

GPS Treasure Hunts

Emily Oaks Special Use Rules
 

Gate & Trail Hours

Weekdays: 8 a.m.–sunset
Saturday: 8 a.m.–sunset
Sunday: 10 a.m.–sunset

Visitor Facility Hours

Weekdays: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 
Saturday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
The restrooms are accessible from exterior doors near the pond whenever the nature center gate is open. 

Holiday Hours

December 24: Visitor’s Center closes at noon, trails open 8 a.m.–sunset (gate remains locked if the pond is ice-covered and a safety risk.) 

December 25 & 31, January 1: Visitor’s Center closed, trails open 8 a.m.–sunset (gate remains locked if the pond is ice-covered and a safety risk.) 

info-icon2 Lee Hansen, Emily Oak Nature Center Managerinfo-icon2 Alison Robbins, Tot Program Coordinatorinfo-icon2 Cassie Schaeffer, School-Age Program Coordinatorinfo-icon2 Karen Taira, Family & Adult Program Coordinator

 

Features

  • Activity Shelters
  • Bike Trail Access
  • Classrooms
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Interactive Nature Exhibit
  • Kitchen
  • Meeting & Party Room Rentals
  • Parking
  • Playgrounds
  • Pond
  • Visitor Facility
  • Walking Paths Map

Events

Growing Sprouts 2026–27

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This early learning program for children ages 3.5 to 5 combines traditional preschool activities with outdoor discovery and exploration. A majority of your child’s day will be spent naturally learning through outdoor play. Children will use tools to conduct simple science experiments; learn about plants, animals and habitats; observing the changing seasons; and play freely in nature.

Please note: The T-TH class has repeated content from the M-W-F class. Children must be toilet-trained. Call Emily Oaks at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500 for deposit and billing information. 

Registration Begins
Residents: March 9, 2026
Non-residents: March 16, 2026
Non-refundable first payment: $60

Monday/Wednesday/Friday Class
September 9, 2026 to May 21, 2027
Full Day (9:30A-3:30P) 
Residents: $499/month • Non-residents: $625/month
Half Day (9:30A-12P or 1-3:30P) 
Residents: $246/month • Non-residents: $309/month
Lunch Bunch for Half Day Participants (12–1P): $101/month

Tuesday/Thursday Class
September 8, 2026 to May 20, 2027
Full Day (9:30A-3:30P)
Residents: $348/month • Non-residents: $437/month
Half Day (9:30A-12P or 1-3:30P) 
Residents: $171/month • Non-residents: $215/month
Lunch Bunch for Half Day Participants (12–1P): $73/month

Growing Sprouts 2025–26

Children may still be register this year for any open spots at a pro-rated amount.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday Class
September 3, 2025 to May 22, 2026
Full Day (9:30A-3:30P) 
Residents: $484/month • Non-residents: $607/month
Half Day (9:30A-12P or 1-3:30P) 
Residents: $239/month • Non-residents: $300/month
Lunch Bunch for Half Day Participants (12–1P): $104/month

Tuesday/Thursday Class

September 2, 2025 to May 21, 2026
Full Day (9:30A-3:30P)
Residents: $338/month • Non-residents: $424/month
Half Day (9:30A-12P or 1-3:30P) 
Residents: $166/month • Non-residents: $209/month
Lunch Bunch for Half Day Participants (12–1P): $73/month

Growing Sprouts Photo Tour
Growing Sprouts Video Tour 2025
Growing Sprouts Parent Handbook 2025-26

Register here

 

Emily Oaks offers educational programs for children in preschool–6th grade. Our dynamic staff create engaging outdoor learning adventures that motivate students to actively pursue these outcomes:

  • Understanding key ecological concepts
  • Developing positive feelings for the natural world
  • Promoting lifestyles that are more in harmony with the earth and its life

Group size is limited to 30 participants per activity. Minimum fees apply to groups of 10 students or less. Payment is due at the time of your visit.

To submit a request for a field trip activity, click here: School Activity Inquiry.

For a brochure of activities, click here.

To schedule your school group, call Emily Oaks at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500.

For more information, email School Program Coordinator, Cassie Schaeffer.

Emily Oaks offers outdoor skills and nature exploration to earn scout badges. Reservations are required for all groups, so please make reservations as early as possible. 

To submit a request for a scout activity, click here: Scout Activity Inquiry.

For more information, e-mail School-age Program Coordinator, Cassie Schaeffer.

For a full guide of scout and youth group activities, click here.

Using 360

Click anywhere on the moving image below and move the room with your cursor to view it. When you see an “up arrow” with a circle around it, click on it, in order to move to an adjacent room.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

 

eoncvolunteer

The Emily Oaks Advocate Program offers a variety of positions for anyone interested in a rewarding volunteer experience. Our program provides a wonderful opportunity for the urban dweller to get in touch with the natural world and meet new people with similar interests, while contributing to the programs and operations at Emily Oaks Nature Center.

View this brochure for more information and a volunteer application form.

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