Goldenrod Picnic
All ages
We invite your family to join us for a picnic amongst the fall flowers! Bring a dinner, a picnic blanket, and all your favorite people. While you eat, we will learn about wildflowers from an engaging naturalist. Then, we will take a sunset hike through the meadow. Optional crafts and stories will be available for young attendees. Trail will be approximately one mile over crushed gravel and natural path. A fully paved, wheelchair-accessible loop will be available as well.
Registration is requested but not required.
Mini Pumpkin Succulent Decor
Ages 16 and up
Create your own beautiful fall decor with three mini pumpkins topped with moss and succulents.
Registration deadline: Sunday, September 28
Butterfly Survey
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Help contribute to research by joining the naturalist on butterfly surveys. Identify and count butterflies while observing other seasonal wildlife as we stroll. No experience is necessary. Trail is approximately one mile in length on uneven terrain. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 2
GLOW-tastic! Fun Run / Walk
All ages
A special glow-in-the-dark fun run and walk! We will kick off the event with our 100-meter dash at 7:45 p.m., followed by an approximately 0.5-mile paved trail for you to explore. The trail will be lit up with all kinds of fun colors and glowing features. A not-so-spooky start to the Halloween season! This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration is requested so that we can have an accurate number of glow-in-the-dark accessories for participants.
Great Parks, Great Community: Business and Civic Leader Breakfast
Start your day with connection and insight at the Business and Civic Leader Breakfast. This event brings together community leaders, business owners and local stakeholders to recognize the benefits of parks and green spaces on community vitality.
Enjoy light breakfast fare and hear from the Park District’s Executive Director, Kristen Marks, who will speak about the economic impact of parks and green spaces, from boosting property values and supporting small businesses to enhancing quality of life. Staff will then share updates on the latest community survey data, projects and placemaking events.
We will also take time to acknowledge key partners and individuals whose contributions have had a meaningful impact on our parks and community. Their leadership and support help make our mission possible. We hope you’ll join us for this engaging and informative event!
RSVP by Friday, October 3
Art & Imagination: October
Ages 6 – 8
This drop-off program is designed to give your child the opportunity to get creative! They will design a variety of projects based on a monthly theme. Outdoor activities will be included when weather permits. Sign up for one or multiple sessions.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 30
Early Adventures
Ages 0 – 5 years with adult companion
Hit the trail with us! These exploratory hikes foster curiosity and confidence in young children. Your leader will point out seasonal changes and other natural points of interest in the parks. Hike is on a natural path. This is a Tools to Trek program. Backpacks and front carriers are appropriate if your child is not walking.
Registration deadline: Sunday, October 5
Pumpkin Playtime
Ages 4 – 6 with adult companion
Join us for a variety of pumpkin-themed sensory stations! Fall is a fun time to explore new textures and craft techniques. We will finish the morning with a fun story!
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 30
Halloween Hop & Howl: B
All ages
Put on your Halloween best and enjoy a festive stroll designed especially for preschoolers around Forest Field Park. Themed signs will be placed along the path to get children moving and grooving as they collect treats at various stations. Families are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy the Halloween spirit. Allergy-friendly treats will be provided. Please bring your own bag to collect them! Kona Ice will be available for purchase, weather permitting.
Registration is not required, however, registered participants will receive a cancellation email in the event of inclement weather.
Creative Crafting
Ages 9 – 13
Try new art skills during this fun, nature-themed crafting program. Each session will offer different options for participants to choose from, allowing them to work independently or get creative together!
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 2
Hike with a Naturalist
Ages 18 and up
Join us on a stroll through your park! A naturalist will point out seasonal changes and discuss the wildlife we observe. Hike is on a natural path.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 7
Campfire Yoga
Ages 18 and up
Celebrate the crisp evening weather with Method Yoga Studio’s Megan Lees! Enjoy some downtime next to the warm and cozy fire. This outdoor yoga class will include warm-up, breath work, standing poses, flowing poses and end with relaxation around the campfire.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 7
Ghosts and Goblins Archery
Ages 8 – 15
It’s spooky season and the archery range is full of ghosts and goblins! We will learn the basics of archery and put the skills learned into practice. Participants will compete in friendly fall-themed competitions. All equipment is provided and all skills are welcome! This program is geared towards beginners.
Registration deadline: Monday, October 6
Welcoming the New Photographer
Ages 14 and up
Join local artist and educator Heather Ballard for a morning exploring the fall foliage at Grant Park. Learn the basics of exposure, camera settings and composition. Bring your fully charged camera and memory card. This class is open to photographers with all types of cameras — from DSLRs to smartphones!
Registration deadline: Sunday, October 5
Family Clay Flower Pot Workshop
Recommended for ages 4 and up with parent/guardian participation
Each registration includes 2 lbs of clay, enough to build one larger container or two to three smaller ones, making it perfect for siblings. After shaping our flower pots and adding drainage holes, we’ll finish them off with a splash of color using a variety of fun glazes. In addition, when you pick up your projects, we will add succulents to brighten the upcoming winter days! This is not a drop-off program.
Registration deadline: Sunday, October 5