Volo Bog Hiking Trip – 7/18/26

Fox Community Center (Lower Level) - 624 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park IL 60304

We’re spending our springtime days with adventure on the brain! Join us for a trip to Volo Bog State Natural Area for a day of hiking and picnicking. Transportation provided. Meet at Fox Center.    Hikers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.   Photo by Openlands

Voyager: Interstellar Time Capsules – 7/18/26

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Send messages to aliens and design your own Voyager Golden Record!   The Voyager probes were launched in September 1977 and included greetings, music, images, and sound that hopefully will be picked up by aliens like a message in a bottle. If you were to send a letter to our neighbors in the stars, what …

Rocket to the Moon! – 7/18/26

Austin Gardens Park Permit - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Celebrate the anniversary of the Apollo mission by building your own rocket! July 20th is the 56th anniversary of the moon landing, and we're celebrating by launching our own rockets! Join us as we design and decorate our own Apollo 11's and use water pressure to make them hit the skies.

Build-a-Zoo – 7/25/26

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Become the zoo director, and design your dream zoo! Learn about animal habitats, enrichment, and conservation as you use your creativity to build habitats with recycled materials.

Introduction to Nature Journaling – 7/25/26

Austin Gardens Park Permit - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Learn to mindfully experience nature with journaling  no artistic ability required! We’ll guide you through how to connect and look closely to the world around us. This program is perfect for anyone who wants to relax, de-stress, and appreciate the beauty around them.

Soak up the Sun – 8/1/26

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Did you know that reptiles don't sweat? But then, how do they keep themselves cool on these hot summer days? Join us as we explore the world of ectotherms, do some summer science, and even meet a real snake friend! 

Little Shop of Carnivorous Plants – 8/8/26

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

"Feed me, Seymour!" We're stepping into the freaky flower shop to learn the how's and why's of flytraps, sundews, pitcher plants, and other meat-eating plants.

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