Nature

nature

Emily Oaks Nature Center offers a tremendous variety of outdoor programming for all ages. Evening campfires, canoeing, adult outdoor adventure trips, and local geocache treasure hunts are among the many programs offered.

Art Show & Sale: American Jewish Artist's Club – Nature's Treasures

info-icon2 Lee Hansen at LAHansen@SkokieParks.org

Outdoor Adventure Parties are offered for ages 3 and above at the Emily Oaks Nature Center. For more information on birthdays at Emily Oaks, click here.

Growing Sprouts 2025–26

growing-sprouts-sm

Non-refundable first payment: $60

Monday/Wednesday/Friday
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

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

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. 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. 

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

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.

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. 

For more information e-mail School-age Program Coordinator, Cassie Schaeffer.
For a full brochure of scout activities, click here.

Fox River Canoe Trip

After brief instruction, paddle the Fox River, one of the most scenic sections of river in Illinois, and enjoy the spectacular sandstone bluffs and rural countryside along the way. Equipment and transportation provided. Bring a packed lunch to eat along the river.
Fox River Canoe Trip
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/3
7:00 am- 6:00 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$72.00 / $90.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Emily Oaks Hiking Club

Meet other hikers while experiencing the best local hiking trails. You’ll be led on an hour-long hike at a different natural area each week within a 30-minute drive. Hikes are moderately paced to ensure the full enjoyment of the surrounding natural world. This is a great opportunity to socialize, exercise and enjoy the wonders of summer outdoors. Transportation is by passenger van; participants can meet the group at the trailhead, if desired.
Hiking Club: Baha'i Temple & Gillson Park
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/28
9:30 am-12:30 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$14.00 / $18.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Hiking Club: West Ridge Nature Preserve
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/19
9:30 am-12:30 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$14.00 / $18.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Hiking Club: Skokie River Nature Preserve
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/23
9:30 am-12:30 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$14.00 / $18.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Nature Nightcap

Gather 'round a campfire as we share natural history stories and summer-themed cocktails. Participants must 21 or older. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved inside.
Nature Nightcap
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/23
7:30 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
21 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$18.00 / $23.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Camp Songs & S'mores Campfire

Join us for an evening singing fun and familiar songs around the campfire! Follow along on song sheets as we sing camp favorites, and then roast marshmallows over the fire and make s’mores.
Camp Songs & S'mores Campfire
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/28
7:30 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
2 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$7.00 / $7.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Bumblebee Adventure

Let’s learn about bumblebees through engaging family activities! Not all bees are the same, and bumblebees are very special creatures. Learn how bumblebees live, what they eat, and how to help them in your own garden.
Bumblebee Adventure
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/20
1:00 pm- 2:00 pm
AGES
2 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$6.00 / $8.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Nature Journaling

Learn the essentials of keeping an illustrated nature journal to deepen your observations of and connection to nature wherever you may find it. No drawing or journaling experience is necessary to begin this expansive practice of curiosity and exploration.
Nature Journaling
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/30
10:30 am-12:00 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$20.00 / $25.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Emily Oaks Book Club

Gather around a campfire and discuss nature-themed books. July: “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” by Becky Chambers is about a tea monk on a lush green planet that undergoes rewilding, whose life is upended by the arrival of a robot there to honor the old promise of checking in with the humans and answering the question of what do people need? August: “Siftings" by landscape architect Jens Jensen shares his memories of "wandering in many lands" and his life in the heart of Middle America.
Emily Oaks Book Club: A Psalm for the Wild-Built
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/23
7:00 pm- 8:00 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$6.00 / $8.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Emily Oaks Book Club: Siftings
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/27
7:00 pm- 8:00 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$6.00 / $8.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Fox River Canoe Trip

After brief instruction, paddle the Fox River, one of the most scenic sections of river in Illinois, and enjoy the spectacular sandstone bluffs and rural countryside along the way. Equipment, transportation, and lunch provided.
Fox River Canoe Trip
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/18
7:00 am- 6:00 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$70.00 / $88.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Can You Canoe?

After a basic instructional course on canoeing safety and skills, paddle your own canoe around the pond and participate in a fun game. Canoes hold up to two adults and two children. Fee is per person; please register for one section only.
Can You Canoe?
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/1
10:00 am-12:00 pm
AGES
6 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$12.00 / $15.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Can You Canoe?
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/1
1:30 pm- 3:30 pm
AGES
6 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$12.00 / $15.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Emily Oaks Hiking Club

Meet other hikers while experiencing the best local hiking trails. You’ll be led on an hour-long hike at a different natural area each week within a 30-minute drive. Hikes are moderately paced to ensure the full enjoyment of the surrounding natural world. This is a great opportunity to socialize, exercise and enjoy the wonders of spring outdoors. Transportation is by passenger van; participants can meet the group at the trailhead, if desired.
Hiking Club: Harms Woods--West
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/17
9:30 am-12:00 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$14.00 / $18.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Family Campout at Emily Oaks

Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows and sing songs around a campfire, participate in fun nighttime activities, and enjoy breakfast outdoors. Tents, cooking supplies and food provided. Fee is per person, and adults must register. Rain dates: 5/17-5/18.
Family Campout at Emily Oaks
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/16-5/17
6:30 pm-10:00 am
AGES
6 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$27.00 / $33.00
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
Register

Spring Sing & S'mores Campfire

Join us for an evening of singing, clapping and strumming around the campfire! Follow along on song sheets as we sing lively nature tunes and then make s’mores, a traditional campfire treat. Fee is per person.
Spring Sing & S'mores Campfire
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/23
7:30 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
3 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$7.00 / $7.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Growing Sprouts Play Day

A celebration just for current Growing Sprout families to spend some time together before we say farewell for the summer. We will have live music with a professional children's musician and row boating for sprouts. A fun send-off for the Growing Sprouts class of 2025! Fee is per family, register your Growing Sprout. Limit 4 per family group.
Growing Sprouts Play Day
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/22
5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
AGES
3 - 5
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$10.00 / $10.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

After School Nature Club

Explore the natural world, learn new skills, be creative, and have fun with friends after school this spring! Participants will “journey” to a different national park each week and get to know the special features of each. The club meetings take place outdoors. Transportation from the respective school to the nature center will be provided.
After School Nature Club - East Prairie
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/3-5/15
3:15 pm- 5:00 pm
AGES
6 - 10
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$102.00 / $127.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Veggie Garden in a Box

Garden with your little ones in a little space. Learn the basics of starting a container veggie garden and go home with seedlings that will grow in a window box or patio. Fee is per family. Register one family member.
Veggie Garden in a Box
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/18
1:00 pm- 2:30 pm
AGES
6 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$30.00 / $38.00
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
Register

Wildflower Walking Tour

Stroll through the Nature Center with your morning coffee mug while a naturalist gives an informal introduction to the various spring wildflowers seen along the trails.
Wildflower Walking Tour
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/24
9:00 am-10:30 am
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$7.00 / $9.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Botany Basics

Review botanical terms, plant parts, plant families, and introductory plant identification. We will also cover resources helpful in learning plants, then head outdoors to test our new skills along the nature center trails.
Botany Basics
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/24
1:00 pm- 2:30 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$20.00 / $25.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Nature Journaling

Learn the essentials of keeping an illustrated nature journal to deepen your observations of and connection to nature wherever you may find it. No drawing or journaling experience is necessary to begin this expansive practice of curiosity and exploration.
Nature Journaling
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/20
6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$20.00 / $25.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Emily Oaks Book Club

Gather at the nature center to discuss natural history writings. Class may be held indoors or outdoors depending on weather. April - "Bird Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Avian Lives" by Mark E. Hauber shows readers exactly how birds spend an hour of their time, highlighting twenty-four different bird species from around the globe. May - "Oak Origins: From Acorns to Species and the Tree of Life" by Andrew L. Hipp takes us through a sweeping evolutionary history, stretching back to a population of trees that lived more than 50 million years ago.
Emily Oaks Book Club--May
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/15
7:00 pm- 8:00 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$8.00 / $10.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register


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