Hidden Oaks Nature Center (Bolingbrook)
Hidden Oaks Nature Center Bolingbrook is a wonderful (and free) way to explore and learn in a kid-friendly environment. Inside this award-winning building are interactive nature displays and animals to observe. You will also want to check out the outdoor area with trails where you can see flowers, wildlife, and sculptures, a trout pond and metal sculptures. Don’t miss the rooftop picnic area with a great new of the entire grounds!
Hidden Oaks Nature Center Features
- Award-winning, environmentally friendly building
- Interactive nature displays, including a “match-the-smell” game that shoots out different scents at the push of a button and a giant tree showcasing animal habitats
- Honey for sale, from their own beehives (seasonal)
- Animals, including snakes, frogs, and tortoises
- Discovery Room with more animal tanks, hands-on activities, and a few toys and games
- Rooftop picnic area with live plants on the deck and a gorgeous view of the entire Hidden Oaks Conservation Area
- Beautifully landscaped grounds with bird feeders, trails, sculptures, nature-inspired playground, and trout pond
Tips when visiting Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook
- Pack a lunch to eat on the rooftop (food is not available for purchase)
- Bring bug spray if you plan on playing in the outdoor area during the summer
- Obtain a fishing permit and bring fishing poles and bait to catch trout in the pond
- Stop by the nearby Portillo’s for a snack and/or chocolate cake shakes
June 2019
Nature Fest
We're celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Hidden Oaks Nature Center being open with the very first Nature Fest! The whole family can connect with nature for free with games and activities that span across the entire conservation area. You can do everything from fishing, to a craft, to learning about bees, to archery and more!
Find out more »March 2020
Maple Syrup Daze
All ages welcome! Our naturalists will teach you all about maple tree tapping. Here's what you'll get to do: • Learn about the history of maple tapping and how it was discovered • Go on a short hike to learn how to identify maple trees (even without leaves!) • Watch a maple tree tapping demonstration and learn about the equipment used • At the fire pit, learn how the sap is cooked • Eat pancakes and taste the difference between…
Find out more »July 2020
Free Fishing Day
Our Unplug Illinois campaign is part of the statewide movement from Illinois Park and Recreation Association designed to get people to “unplug” and enjoy active play opportunities at parks across Illinois. To celebrate this year, we're offering a free fishing day at Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm. You can fish for free without a permit! Unplugging has been shown to help improve quality of life, help you feel more recharged every day, help you sleep better, and improve your Interpersonal…
Find out more »June 2021
July 2021
August 2021
Fishing Derby
Don’t miss the excitement of reeling in a prize fish during a fishing derby. Bait and tackle will be sold as usual in the Tackle Box Bait Shop. Prize categories and prizes will vary by derby. Derby entry fee is $15 per person.
Find out more »October 2021
Hot Cider Hike
All ages welcome.
Find out more »Escape the Laboratory
There has been a zombie outbreak at Hidden Oaks and it’s up to you to find the antidote hidden away at the Hidden Oaks Laboratory. Your team will have 30 minutes to complete your mission, you will be required to find hidden clues and solve challenging puzzles throughout the laboratory. Children under 12 may need help with parent supervision.
Find out more »November 2021
Pumpkin Shoot
Your family worked hard on that pumpkin to create a Jack-o'-lantern masterpiece. After Halloween is over, destroy it together! Bring your pumpkin to Hidden Oaks, we will teach you to shoot a bow and arrow, then you get to shoot your pumpkin! Just $1 per arrow on-site (cash only) or $5 in advance for 10 arrows. All the money goes to help feed the animal residents at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.
Find out more »Geocaching
Let's go for a treasure hunt! Learn about the sport of geocaching, then join our naturalist on a treasure hunt using GPS units to find our cache hidden with fun trinkets! Please bring something to exchange for the cache and a GPS unit if you have one!
Find out more »April 2022
Hidden Oaks Sneak Peak for Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day by getting a sneak peek of the forest preserve’s newest nature center – Hidden Oaks. The nature center was acquired from the Bolingbrook Park District earlier this year and will become a destination for nature education and recreational engagement in the northern part of the county. Join us to tour the campus area, including the trails outside the building. Peek inside the nature center to view current exhibits and live animals and get a glimpse of some…
Find out more »May 2022
Teatime with Turtles
Celebrate World Turtle Day a little early with morning tea, turtles and creativity! Enjoy a tea bar with light snacks while learning what makes turtles special. Meet a few of our turtle friends and watch them chow down on a meal. Afterward tap into your artist side and create a turtle craft to take home.
Find out more »July 2022
Unplug With Monarchs
Celebrate the Unplug Illinois initiative with monarchs all weekend long. Ditch the screens and head out to Hidden Oaks Nature Center to get creative with crafts and active with migration. Discover why monarchs are important and what you can do to help keep their numbers strong. We may even have some real monarchs hungry for your attention. All activities will be self-guided and available anytime during business hours, so drop in and experience some monarch magic for yourself.
Find out more »Firefly Glow Hike and Campfire
Bring the family out to become immersed in the wondrous glow of the firefly! Surround yourself in nature and experience the magic that these beautiful creatures possess. Discover the science behind these staples of summer as we craft with some magical glow of our own! Once the stage is set, we will take a short hike and seek out this incredible insect for a closer look. End the night by the light of a campfire and roast a tasty marshmallow.
Find out more »August 2022
Hummingbird Rooftop Hangout
This ongoing event will be held from Wednesday, Aug. 17, to Sunday, Aug. 21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit Hidden Oaks Nature Center’s green roof and get a vantage point you’ve never experienced before. We will have hummingbird feeders on the roof and on the ground for viewing. Take a seat to relax as they zip by or grab a pair of binoculars to follow their movements and…
Find out more »October 2022
Trick or Treat in the Woods
Experience the woods like never before! Come dressed in costume and hike along a glowing night trail. Bring a bag and keep an eye out for hidden treats, but beware of those tricks! Enjoy a crackling fire while roasting hot dogs and marshmallows for s’mores. Two sessions will be offered: Session 1: 6-7 p.m. Session 2: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Event requirements Registration required by Friday, Oct. 14: 815-722-4121. This program fills quickly, so don’t delay! The program is not a parking…
Find out more »November 2022
Forest Animal Thanksgiving
REGISTRATION REQUIRED Join a naturalist for a hands-on program tailored to your wild child! Geared toward children ages 3-5 and their guardians, this program will celebrate Thanksgiving for the animals. We will start with a story for inspiration, then head outdoors to create a celebration of our own.
Find out more »Early Bird Gets the Worm Family Hike
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12. Wake up early and learn about birds from a naturalist. Birds are migrating for the winter, so let’s set out on a hike to see how many species we can find together. Bring your binoculars and your favorite field guides. Parents can also download the Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab to their smartphones.
Find out more »Owl Prowl for Families
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18. Bring the family for a hike as evening turns into night in the forest. Bundle up and strap on your favorite hiking boots as we set out in search of our elusive owl friends. Discover just how many species reside in Will County and how to differentiate them. Learn how big they can get, what they look like and where you can find them. Afterward, warm up by a fire and enjoy roasting…
Find out more »December 2022
Feeding Time at Hidden Oaks
REGISTER BY THE THURSDAY BEFORE. Does a box turtle eat the same thing as a snapping turtle? What does a snake eat? Join naturalists as we feed the nature center’s animals and learn who eats what and why. We’ll talk about carnivores, herbivores, grazers and opportunistic eaters. In addition to fruits, vegetables and leafy greens, this program will also include feeding live insects and frozen, thawed mice.
Find out more »Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt – SOLD OUT
Bring your flashlight and bag to search for candy canes that have been scattered throughout the forest at Winston Woods Park. The hunt will take place outside regardless of weather, so please dress approriately.
Find out more »Holiday Nature Crafts
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Deck the halls with nature-inspired trim. Enjoy holiday tunes, hot chocolate and quality family time while creating personalized woodland decorations. Adults and kids alike will have their own nature crafting options from which to choose. There will be something for everyone to make and take home, and people of all crafting abilities are welcome. Materials will be provided.
Find out more »Find Hidden Tracks
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Winter is the perfect time to find out what animals live in your area. As the snow falls, animals leave behind tracks for us to find and identify. Come along on a hike and learn how to track animals. Bring along any animal track field guides you have for extra help.
Find out more »Caroling Campfire
REGISTER BY THE DAY BEFORE. Bring the family for a night full of fun at this winter campfire. We will sing holiday songs, tell stories and play games. The night will end with delicious s’mores prepared over an open fire.
Find out more »January 2023
Cocoa or Joe Hike
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Bundle up, grab your favorite mug and embrace the cold and quiet winter morning with a guided hike around Hidden Oaks Nature Center. After the hike, come over to the fire and let us treat you to a cup of hot cocoa or joe.
Find out more »Squirrel
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Go a little nutty as we celebrate National Squirrel Day! We’ll start indoors to recognize this day by learning all about these fluffy-tailed friends and the role they play in nature and the environment. Afterward, we’ll take a hike to look for them and try our hand at some tricky squirrel nest construction. You “walnut” believe how hard it is!
Find out more »Wild Child
REGISTER BY THE DAY BEFORE Answer the call of your wild child by getting outside with this monthly nature-themed program geared toward children ages 3 to 5. Join a naturalist for hands-on activities such as games, stories, crafts, hikes and more! On the last Friday of each month, we will have something new for you and your child to explore while getting a little dirt on those hands and knees. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities as well as…
Find out more »February 2023
Wild Child
REGISTER BY THE DAY BEFORE Answer the call of your wild child by getting outside with this monthly nature-themed program geared toward children ages 3 to 5. Join a naturalist for hands-on activities such as games, stories, crafts, hikes and more! On the last Friday of each month, we will have something new for you and your child to explore while getting a little dirt on those hands and knees. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities as well as…
Find out more »LEGO Gone Wild
REGISTER BY THE DAY BEFORE Cure cabin fever by exploring the outdoors with a naturalist to seek tracks, scat, nests and more. Discover how winter can be a great time in nature and how animals can leave us signs of their presence. Once we harness some inspiration, we’ll get building with LEGO. The strong STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) aspect will be our little secret.
Find out more »March 2023
Slither Out of Winter
REGISTER BY THE DAY BEFORE Spring is a booming time of year! Dust off the snow and join a naturalist to learn all about our slithering friends – snakes! Find a basking spot in the nature center and get comfortable as you enjoy this animal program. Snakes get a bad rap, so here’s a chance to get up close and personal with our slithery, scaly friends. We may have the pleasure of being joined by a few special guests!
Find out more »LEGO Gone Wild
REGISTER BY THE DAY BEFORE Cure cabin fever by exploring the outdoors with a naturalist to seek tracks, scat, nests and more. Discover how winter can be a great time in nature and how animals can leave us signs of their presence. Once we harness some inspiration, we’ll get building with LEGO. The strong STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) aspect will be our little secret.
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