Paddling, fireflies, zip lining, archery among summer activities at area forest preserves
Hiking and biking aren't the only activities available at local forest preserves for summer fun. All offer a variety of programs, facilities and activities for a change of pace.
Fees may be required. Here are some suggestions:
Lake County
Explore lakes and rivers
There are 11 paddling locations in the Lake County Forest Preserves system from inland lakes to launches on the Des Plaines and Fox rivers. Common types of paddlecraft include canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
The Des Plaines River runs 34 miles through 12 forest preserves with six canoe launches. Other recommended top spots include: Hastings Lake near Lake Villa for viewing wildlife; Lake Carina near Gurnee, a popular fishing spot with a wheelchair-accessible pier; and Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods near Wadsworth for sunset and full moon paddling programs.
Cool off with your dog
Five uniquely different outdoor dog parks are available for dogs to exercise, swim and socialize off-leash. Duck Farm in Lake Villa and Independence Grove near Libertyville have bodies of water in which dogs can swim. An annual or daily permit and a dog are required for entry.
Independence Grove has a marina with bike, boat and paddling craft rentals; concerts on Tuesdays; trivia nights; and a beer garden offering craft brews on a 129-acre lake. Visit lcfpd.org for details.
Cook County
See the forest from the trees
Zip lining and more is available at Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park at Bemis Woods near Western Springs.
The park includes a two- to three-hourlong Treetop Adventure Course with five zip lines running 2,837 feet; a “double Tarzan swing” that allows two participants to simultaneously swing from 30 feet and safely land in a cargo net; a series of rope ladders and bridges; spider's webs and trapezes; 40 obstacles situated 40-plus feet up in the forest canopy; an hourlong treetop course with two zip lines; an ax throwing range; and treetop nets for the little ones.
Camping
Five campgrounds offer a different experience and feature accessible campsite options and amenities.
Camp Reinberg in the oak woods of Deer Grove in Palatine has tent sites, heated year-round cabins, a dining hall and outdoor gathering areas. Weekend programs for campers are available through Labor Day weekend.
Each campground has a limited number of adventure backpacks with binoculars, field guides, a compass, activity sheets and other aids to explore nature for free checkout.
Visit fpdcc.com/things-to-do/camping/.
Kane County
Nature at night
The Nightime Nature Series takes visitors into the field at night to learn the background, ecological role and ways to help common creatures.
Learn the science behind a firefly's glow, how they blink their messages to other fireflies, the science of bioluminescence and more during “Firefly Flash” and “The Wonder and Beauty of Fireflies” July 27 and 29, respectively. The programs are at Campton Forest Preserve in St. Charles and Hampshire Forest Preserve.
Moths are the most important nocturnal pollinators. Learn about their unusual beauty, life cycles and habitats during “Moth Mania” on Aug. 2 at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles.
Perseid meteor shower viewing
Hone your stargazing skills and seek out the constellation Perseus and the meteors associated with it during the annual phenomenon. A naturalist will share the legend of Perseus and other star lore associated with nearby constellations.
Advance registration is required for all nature programs. Call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Visit kaneforest.com/the-treeline-newsletter for more options.
DuPage County
On target
An archery range at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville has three separate areas, each with posted regulations, bow racks, quivers and limestone shooting lanes.
The beginner range has eight lanes up to 25 yards and the interactive range has nine lanes up to 60 yards. Both are open daily through Nov. 30. The advanced range has 11 lanes up to 90 meters and is open year-round.
Permits are required and archers should bring their own target covers. Those who don't own equipment or are new to the sport can attend an archery program including an open house on Aug. 5.
A bird's-eye view
The 190-foot-tall scenic overlook at Green Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville provides view from above of DuPage County and the Chicago skyline. The overlook also is a good place to picnic and look for migrating birds. The overlook is open Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 29 but may be closed at times without advance notice.
Wayfinding
Learn how to use a compass by following a series of directions leading around Mount Hoy at the Blackwell Forest Preserve or use your phone and an app to find hidden caches throughout the forest preserves.
Visit the things to do and places to go tabs at dupageforest.org/ for details.