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 2022–23!

growing-sprouts-sm

Monday/Wednesday/Friday
September 7, 2022 to May 26, 2023 (93 classes)

Tuesday/Thursday
September 6, 2022 to May 25, 2023 (67 classes)
 

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. Please note: The T-TH class has repeated content from the M-W-F class. 

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

 

 

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.

Twilight Paddle on the Channel

Explore the North Shore Channel by canoe along McCormick Boulevard as nighttime falls on a spring evening. Basic instruction provided, so beginners are welcome. Meet at the Dammrich Rowing Center. Please note: Life jackets will be supplied and must be worn for your safety. Call Emily Oaks Nature Center at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500 with questions.
Twilight Paddle on the Channel
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/15
6:30 pm- 9:00 pm
AGES
18 - 100
LOCATION
Dammrich Rowing Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$25.00 / $31.00
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
5/26
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
6/2
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
6/2
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

Let's Go Build a Fire!

Learn how to build an A-frame fire! Each participant will learn how to safely build and light their own fire, then use that fire to roast a marshmallow or two.
Let's Go Build a Fire!
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/3
4:00 pm- 5:30 pm
AGES
8 - 13
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$10.00 / $13.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Let's Go Geocaching!

Use GPS, a map, and clues to find all six hidden caches around the Emily Oaks trails!
Let's Go Geocaching!
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/10
4:00 pm- 5:30 pm
AGES
6 - 13
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$10.00 / $13.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Let's Go Escape!

Work together as a team to tackle challenges, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find your way into the woods and out of the woods and home before dark!
Let's Go Escape!
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/17
4:00 pm- 5:00 pm
AGES
6 - 13
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$10.00 / $13.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Let's Go Canoeing!

Learn how to canoe on the Emily Oaks pond! In this workshop you will learn canoe safety, how to paddle, and get some real experience paddling your own canoe!
Let's Go Canoeing!
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/24
4:00 pm- 6:00 pm
AGES
8 - 13
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$12.00 / $15.00
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
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 will be 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 at the trailhead, if desired.
Ryerson Conservation Area
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/27
9:30 am-12:30 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$14.00 / $18.00
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
Register
Rosewood Park & Beach
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/4
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
Graceland Cemetery - Flowering Trees
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/18
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

Palos and Sag Valley Ramble

Explore the hilly landscape of the Palos and Sag Valley Forest Preserves in southwest Cook County, the Forest Preserve District’s largest and most diversified holding. Shaped by the glaciers, the rolling topography includes an abundance of woodlands, wetlands and ravines. Expect to walk about four miles at a leisurely pace, enjoying spring wildflowers along the way. Bring a sack lunch; transportation is by van.
Palos and Sag Valley Ramble
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/12
8:00 am- 4:00 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$32.00 / $40.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Spring Outing to Morton Arboretum

Explore the beautiful gardens, world-renowned plant collections, and prairie and woodlands at Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Our day includes rambling three to four miles of trails, enjoying fields of daffodils and flowering trees, visiting the Of the Earth outdoor sculptures, and a tram ride through the Arboretum. Admissions, tram tickets, trail snacks, and transportation by van are provided. Lunch in the Ginko Cafe is not included.
Spring Outing to Morton Arboretum
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/28
8:00 am- 5:00 pm
AGES
18 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$50.00 / $63.00
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: 5/18-5/19.
Family Campout at Emily Oaks
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/17-5/18
6:30 pm-10:00 am
AGES
6 - 100
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$27.00 / $33.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Campout for Kids

We’ll pitch tents, explore Emily Oaks at night, roast marshmallows over a campfire, and play games in the morning. Tents and food will be provided; bring your own sleeping bag and personal gear. The Visitor Center is available as an indoor location in the event of inclement weather.
Campout for Kids
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/4-5/5
6:30 pm-10:00 am
AGES
8 - 12
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$36.00 / $45.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Nature Nightcap

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a campfire, migration stories, and a couple of bird-inspired 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
5/11
7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
AGES
21 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$18.00 / $23.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
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
5/31
7:30 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
3 - 100
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$7.00 / $7.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Who Goes There? Campfire

Who is out there in the woodland at night? Come celebrate some of the area critters that are active at night, while enjoying a campfire and s’mores. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Who Goes There? Campfire
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/3
7:30 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
2 - 100
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$7.00 / $7.00
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
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 - Middleton
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/1-5/20
3:00 pm- 5:15 pm
AGES
6 - 10
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$99.00 / $124.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
After School Nature Club - East Prairie
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/4-5/23
3:00 pm- 5:15 pm
AGES
6 - 11
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$99.00 / $124.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Spring Family Play Day

Drop in anytime for a day of nature play to celebrate the spring season! Take a walk in the woods while exploring and participating in fun activities along the way. Stay as long or as little as you would like for this engaging, self-directed outdoor play day. Fee is per family; an adult must attend.
Spring Family Play Day
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/5
1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
AGES
0 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$10.00 / $10.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Gardening with Wildflowers

Learn the basics of wildflower gardening, including what qualifies for a wildflower and what soil and sunlight conditions different species prefer. Height and bloom descriptions, sources for native plants, and wildflower reference guides will be covered. Receive native seedlings for your own wildflower garden.
Gardening with Wildflowers
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/13
7:00 pm- 9:30 pm
AGES
16 - 100
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$35.00 / $44.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Container Gardening

Make the most of your small space and grow a garden on your deck, patio or balcony, with no yard required! Learn how to cultivate your own fresh ingredients for homemade salsa or your favorite herbs right outside your kitchen window. Starter plants included.
Container Gardening
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/16
7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$35.00 / $44.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
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
5/19
9:30 am-11:00 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
5/25
9:30 am-12:00 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$25.00 / $31.00
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
Register

Watercolors and Wine

Make a nature-inspired watercolor painting while sipping wine. Each participant will create a watercolor piece guided by local artist Casey James while enjoying a glass of wine. Materials and beverage provided. Participants must be 21 years or older.
Watercolors and Wine
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/23
7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
21 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$40.00 / $50.00
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
Register

Emily Oaks Book Club
Emily Oaks Book Club--May
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/22
7:00 pm- 8:00 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$6.00 / $8.00
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
Register

Nature Fun & Frolic

Introduce your toddler to different plants, animals and elements, while singing songs, reading books, and exploring nature in many different ways. Classes are primarily outdoors, weather permitting. An adult must accompany each child.
Nature Fun & Frolic
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/2-8/6
10:30 am-11:30 am
AGES
2 - 3
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$75.00 / $94.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Des Plaines River Canoe Trip

After brief instruction, paddle the Des Plaines River along the riverbanks and woodlands of the Lake County Forest Preserve greenbelt where wildlife abounds. Equipment and transportation provided. Bring a packed lunch.
Des Plaines River Canoe Trip
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/4
8:00 am- 5:00 pm
AGES
18 - 100
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$60.00 / $75.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Emily Oaks Hiking Club

Meet other hikers while experiencing the best local hiking trails. You’ll be led on a morning 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.
Miami Woods Forest Preserve
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/22
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
Ladd Arboretum
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/20
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
Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/24
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

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
6/29
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
7/21
1:00 pm- 2:00 pm
AGES
2 - 100
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$6.00 / $8.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Sketching and Sketchbook

Try nature journaling while enjoying Sketchbook beers! We will gather around a campfire, taste test some Sketchbook Brewing Company beers, and try our hand at nature sketching. All participants must be 21 or older. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors.
Sketching and Sketchbook
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/17
6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
AGES
21 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$35.00 / $44.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Emily Oaks Book Club

Cozy up to an indoor fire and discuss an engaging book with others. This program will be held indoors. May: “The Scent of Scandal” by Craig Pittman tells the true tale of greed, betrayal, and the world’s most beautiful orchid. June: “Siftings” by Jens Jensen shares his memories of wandering in many lands and his life in the heart of Middle America. July: “What an Owl Knows” by Jennifer Ackerman is an awe-inspiring exploration of owls across the globe and through human history. August: “The Well-Gardened Mind” by Sue Stuart-Smith investigates the many ways in which mind and garden can interact and explores how the process of tending a plot can be a way of sustaining an innermost self.
Emily Oaks Book Club: What an Owl Knows
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/31
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: The Well-Gardened Mind
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/28
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


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