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.

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 - 2
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$75.00 / $94.00
AVAILABILITY
Available

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 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$60.00 / $75.00
AVAILABILITY
Available

Emily Oaks Hiking Club

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
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

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 - 99
LOCATION
Emily Oaks Nature Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$6.00 / $8.00
AVAILABILITY
Available

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

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
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


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