Big Marsh & Byrnes Park to Host Free Mudhen 5K Trailrun, Winter Walk & Science Activities
CHICAGO— After a brutal winter, Chicago’s Southeast side parks are the perfect place to reconnect with the outdoors this March. Highlights include the Mudhen 5K Trailrun, and the first-ever Spring into Science session at Big Marsh Park. A Winter Walk and Bonfire will also take place at Byrnes Park for folks of all ages to observe birds and other wildlife.
The following activities are free and will allow families to live actively, explore natural environments, and celebrate community wellbeing:
Winter Walk & Bonfire at Byrnes Park, 2200 E. 103rd St.
March 7, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
All ages are welcome.
Join staff to walk through the beautiful winter landscape of a Southeast Side Natural Area, looking for signs of winter birds and other wildlife. The walk will end with an outdoor fire. Expect to walk 2 to 3 miles on mostly paved paths but we may adapt the route and pace based on weather conditions and group needs. Come dressed in layers, ready to be outside for 2 hours.
Mudhen 5K Trailrun at Big Marsh Park, 11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
All ages are welcome.
Run like a mudhen at Big Marsh Park! The 3rd annual Big Marsh trail run is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Expect to be off pavement for portions of the course and expect to have fun! Finishers earn custom medals made out of recycled wood. Registration options include free anda limited-edition t-shirt for $15. All ages and experience levels are welcome!
Spring into Science at Big Marsh Park, 11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Open to Patrons Ages 8 to 12
Spring into Science is a two-day science immersion where children ages 8 to 12 will participate in fun experiments based on biology, physics, and chemistry! This is the first iteration of this event. Each day, we will explore these subjects through interactive activities, such as making root beer, building bottle rockets, and dissecting owl pellets.
About Big Marsh Park
Big Marsh Park is an approximately 300-acre park in the South Deering Community Area on the Southeast Side of the city. Once an active industrial property, the Park District site opened to the public in 2016. Learn more about Big Marsh Park’s history and significance here.
About Byrnes Park
At over 140 acres, Marian R. Byrnes Park contains one of the largest wild spaces in Chicago. The site, situated in the Jeffery Manor neighborhood, contains marsh, wet prairie, prairie, savanna, and woodland habitats. It is a great place to observe wildlife including frogs, snakes, birds, and deer. After undergoing extensive ecological restoration, the park now provides community members with a safe space to relax and connect with nature. A paved multipurpose trail runs the length of the park, giving visitors access to multiple habitats and unique views. Learn more about Byrnes Park here.