photo: McHenry County Conservation District

Kid-friendly Activities

Any natural area can be a great place for families to explore and enjoy nature, whether it's a national park, a local forest preserve, or a neighborhood prairie garden. Many Chicago Wilderness member organizations offer activities or exhibits designed especially for children. Here are just a few of the places where kids can explore Chicago Wilderness.

The 216-acre Brookfield Zoo is helping people develop a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. The Hamill Family Play Zoo and Children's Zoo are particularly great for kids. They give children a chance to play in nature and get close to the animals. The zoo's education department also offers many fun and educational opportunities for individuals and family groups to learn about the zoo's animals, how nature works, the science behind the zoo's day-to-day and long-term conservation activities, and a host of other topics. For more information, call (708) 485-0263.

The Field Museum promotes greater public understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live. The Museum's expanding programs on the region's biological diversity help integrate natural riches into everyday life and culture. For more information about programs for families and children, call (312) 922-9410.

The mission of the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center is to educate and inspire students through activities at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Environmental education programs such as "Frog in the Bog," the Junior Ranger Biodiversity Camp, and the Mighty Acorns Biodiversity Camp teach participants to appreciate the importance of the natural environment to quality of life. For more information, call (219) 395-9555.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is home to more than 1,000 mammals, reptiles and birds, is the nation's oldest zoo, and receives more than three million visitors annually. Through local and international conservation efforts, programs for students and teachers, and special events, the Zoo continues its commitment to wildlife preservation, education and recreation. For more information, call (312) 742-2000.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers exhibits that feature native Illinois ecosystems and explore how the landscape has changed over time. The museum's outdoor gardens represent various types of native ecosystems, including prairies, woodlands and ponds. Visitors are invited to participate in guided wilderness walks that explore the past, present and future of nature in the Chicago region. For more information, call (773) 755-5100.

This site features four to six thousand year old dunes. Ancient sand and gravel bars can be seen along the trails and at nature center buildings. The center offers programs for families and children throughout the year. Pre-school programs, summer and winter children's camps, bird walks and night hikes are also available. For more information, call (708) 868-0606.

The John G. Shedd Aquarium features one of the world's largest and most diverse collections of aquatic animals. Its mission is to promote the enjoyment, appreciation and effective conservation of aquatic life and environments through education, research and public display. The aquarium offers classes and events for kids of all ages, including classes and family overnight events. For more information, call (312) 939-2435.

• Enjoying Chicago Wilderness with Your Family: An Activity Guide

This beautiful four-color book is packed with illustrations and photographs and lots of kid-tested activities families can do throughout the year. The 24 activities developed by Chicago Wilderness members guide families to discover the concepts of the Biodiversity Recovery Plan in a fun and engaging way. Adaptable for children from preschool through high school, this book will be most enjoyed when parents act as nature guides for their children. To order, call (847) 965-9253.

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