Emily Oaks Nature Center

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Address

4650 Brummel St.
Skokie, IL 60076 Get Directions

Phone

847-674-1500, ext. 2500


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: Audio Guided Meditation Walk

Free Woodland Bingo Scavenger Hunt

Photo Contest Rules and Application

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. 

Holidays 

The visitor center is closed on major holidays. The nature center trails are typically open, unless the pond is ice-covered and a safety risk. Restrooms are always open from the exterior doors near the pond. 
 

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
  • Walking Paths Map

Events

Birthday Parties

Outdoor Adventures & Indoor Celebrations.

Click here for party descriptions and reservation details.


Ages 3 & Up 

Indoor Birthday Party Package
Resident Rate: $235 
Non-resident Rate: $295 

Shelter Birthday Party Package 
Resident Rate: $150 
Non-resident Rate: $190 
Add-on Campfire: R $50/NR $65 

Damage Deposit: $100 

Room Rentals

Room Capacity Resident/Non-res Fee
Program Room 60 $95/$190
Classroom A 35 $45/$90
Kitchen   $40/$80
Damage Deposit   $100

Growing Sprouts 2023–24!

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Monday/Wednesday/Friday
September 6, 2023 to May 24, 2024 (93 classes)
Residents: $2,186 • Non-residents: $2,733

Tuesday/Thursday
September 5, 2023 to May 23, 2023 (67 classes)

Residents: $1,575 • Non-residents: $1,969

 

This early learning program 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. Children must be toilet-trained. Call Emily Oaks at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500 for deposit and billing information.

 

Growing Sprouts Photo Tour
Growing Sprouts Orientation Video
Growing Sprouts Parent Handbook

Register here

M/W/F • 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
M/W/F • 1–3:30 p.m.
Tu/Th • 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

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 more information, email School Program Coordinator, Cassie Schaeffer.
For a brochure of activities, click here. 
To schedule your school group, call Emily Oaks at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500.

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 brochure 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

Winter

 

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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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