Create an adventure this summer in the forest preserves
With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to begin planning an adventure in the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
The Forest Preserves' nearly 70,000 acres offer numerous opportunities to escape life's hustle and bustle. Residents can feel free to explore 300 miles of trails, learn about archery, visit a Nature Center, or pitch a tent at one of five campgrounds.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County have all of the programs, tools and equipment for a summer full of adventure:
Camping
While spending the night under the stars at one of the Forest Preserves' campgrounds - in Willow Springs, South Holland, Palatine and Northbrook - campers can enjoy free weekend activities between Memorial Day and Labor Day, including Friday and Saturday evening programs and night campfires and Saturday afternoon activities and hikes. The Forest Preserves also offers free Camping 101 programs to learn the basics. Visit http://fpdcc.com/camping.
Swimming, aquatics
Kids can play and swim, and families can relax all summer long at one of three aquatic centers - in Lyons, Calumet City and NW Chicago. The Forest Preserves' aquatic center management team, Swim Chicago Southland, offers a swim school, aquatic fitness programs and water rehabilitation, as well as the expected 100,000 gallons of water fun. Visit http://fpdcc.com/recreation/aquatic-centers.
Ziplining and Treetop Adventures
For residents looking to create an exciting adventure, the Bemis Woods Go Ape Treetop Adventure and Zip Line Course in Western Springs offers a unique two- to three-hour trek through the forest canopy. The course includes 40 obstacles situated more than 40 feet high and five zip lines for a total of 2,837 feet of exhilaration. Visit http://fpdcc.com/recreation/zip-line
Film
The Forest Preserves' summertime film series - Films in the Forest - features films with a nature connection presented along with family-friendly activities based on the movie. This season's movie lineup includes "Batman," "The Angry Birds Movie," "Finding Dory" and "Zootopia." Attendees can pack a dinner picnic and enjoy an evening of entertainment at scenic preserves throughout the summer. Visit http://fpdcc.com/events
Music
For music lovers, the Forest Preserves' summertime Forest Jams series offers the opportunity to join a group jam session, learn about making instruments from natural and recycled materials, and enjoy concerts by local musicians. For information, visit fpdcc.com/events
Nature Centers
Each of the Forest Preserves' six Nature Centers - in Barrington Hills, Palos Hills, River Forest, South Holland, Lemont and Northbrook - offers a unique experience, while highlighting local geology, native plants and animals, and provides a number of educational, family-friendly special events and programs throughout the season.
Boating
Residents can plan a day on the water while paddling in the preserves, with eight boating lakes throughout the Forest Preserves, and numerous boat launch locations along the Des Plaines River, Little Calumet River and North Branch of the Chicago River. Boat rentals are also available at Busse Reservoir, Maple Lake, Tampier Lake and Skokie Lagoons.
Fishing
Anglers can drop a line at one of the Forest Preserves' 40 managed sport fishing lakes. Some of the species found within FPCC waters include largemouth bass, walleye, muskie, northern pike, bluegill and crappie.
Golf
Residents looking for a relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon can consider hitting the links at one of the Forest Preserves' 10 golf courses and four driving ranges. The Forest Preserves of Cook County's golf facilities can be found throughout Chicago and suburbs, from northwest Des Plaines to the south in Calumet City.
To learn more about the Forest Preserves of Cook County, visit fpdcc.com. A complete listing of all events and programs is posted to the Forest Preserves' events website at fpdcc.com/events, with seasonal brochures that can be downloaded.