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
Lee Hansen at LAHansen@SkokieParks.org
Please note that while classes may display below as available, registration does not open until the following dates:
• Winter: December 15 for residents, December 22 for non-residents
• Spring: March 15 for residents, March 22 for non-residents
• Summer: May 15 for residents, May 22 for non-residents
• Fall: August 15 for residents, August 22 for non-residents
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
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.