Nature in the Parks

Image
Seedlings and plants growing in a shade tunnel.

Quick Links:  Programs | Events | Facilities & Spaces

Throughout Chicago, our park system is filled with nature. The city's parks contain more than 1,900 acres of critical habitat for local and migratory wildlife, accounting for more than 20% of our total parkland. These unique places, and the programs & events offered within them, provide vast opportunities to improve one's physical and mental health.

There are many ways to get your nature fix in the city. Join us for a program, such as camping, gardening, and fishing; attend a nature event in the parks with your family and friends; or enjoy a peaceful afternoon or a mindful walk in a natural area. Volunteer in a natural area by participating in a community stewardship workday or check out one of the many community science projects happening throughout the parks year-round.

With so much to offer the nature enthusiast, it's no wonder that Chicago is dubbed the "City in a Garden."  Learn more about nature activities and spaces below.

Outdoor & Environmental Education Programs are supported by Peoples Gas Community Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation. 

Featured Programs

Events

58 Events

Spring Flower Show at Lincoln Conservatory

Spring Flower Show Th-Su at Garfield Conservatory

Spring Flower Show W at Garfield Conservatory

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Birding: Waterfowl Watching at Northerly Island

Earth Day Resource Fair at Dvorak

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Earth Day Park Clean Up at Various Locations

Spring Reset at Steelworkers

Birding is for Everyone at Northerly Island

Plant-A-Thon Spring Festival at NPV

Plant-A-Thon Spring Festival at NPV

Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival at Jackson Park

Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival at Jackson Park

Employment Resource Fair at Hamilton

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Birding is for Everyone - McCormick Sanctuary at Burnham

Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Gage

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Birding is for Everyone at Northerly Island

Annual Plant Sale at Kilbourn

Annual Plant Sale at Kilbourn

Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Gage

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Birding is for Everyone - McCormick Sanctuary at Burnham

Birding is for Everyone - McCormick Sanctuary at Burnham

Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Gage

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Gage

Birding is for Everyone at Northerly Island

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Early Bird Walks at NPV

Birding is for Everyone at Northerly Island

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Family Fishing at Humboldt

Family Fishing at Montrose Harbor

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Family Fishing at Canal Origins

Family Fishing at Gompers

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Family Fishing at Marquette

Family Fishing at Marquette

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Family Fishing at McKinley

Family Fishing off Stephens Bridge at Jackson Park

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Family Fishing at Montrose Harbor

Family Fishing at Palmisano

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Family Fishing at Gompers

Family Fishing at Douglass

Family Fishing at Marquette

Community Roots: Drop-In Toddler Garden Hour at Skinner

Family Fishing off Stephens Bridge at Jackson Park

Family Fishing at Montrose Harbor

Family Fishing at Gompers

Family Fishing at Marquette

Family Fishing at Humboldt

Family Fishing off Stephens Bridge at Jackson Park

Day of Giving at Hamilton