Located in the visitor center at the James "Pate" Philip State Park, the Bartlett Nature Center includes displays and collections relating to the environment, encompassing everything from the soils to the stars. The Bartlett Nature Center strives to encourage the preservation of natural areas and animals through awareness, education, conservation and interpretation. There are 4 1/2 miles of hiking trails on 501 acres. You can hike, snow ski, snowshoe, bicycle. Take a hike on the trails and then take a break at the picnic shelter with 20 tables and indoor restrooms. The park is open sunrise-sunset. Programs, classes, and assemblies are available onsite and offsite.

Cosley Zoo is located on 5 acres and is dedicated to education, conservation, and recreation. Visit our native Illinois wildlife and domestic farm animals or sign up for an educational program. Be sure and stop in the "Wild Side" gift shop before you go. Concessions and picnic area is available seasonally.

Nurture your natural wonder at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center. We have educational opportunities designed to enrich the whole family with a wheelchair/stroller accessible trail, family-friendly hiking trails, fishing, hands-on exhibits and more. Join us for our Annual Garlic Mustard Festival in April, Buckthorn Blowout in October, artful Fridays, and more. Roam our 67 acres with a friend 365 days/year, or join us for a program. Borrow a free IDNR education trunk for your school and plan a field trip. Complete your Eagle Scout project, come out for nature day camp, or volunteer to restore native habitat. Rain or shine, we look forward to your visit!

Kline Creek Farm recreates life on an 1890s DuPage County Farm. Come see horses working in the field or help collect eggs from the chicken coop. We give tours of the farmhouse at the top of each hour from 10:00am -4:00pm. Tour the barns, see the animals or just spend a day exploring the farm.

The Lake View Nature Center showcases the broad spectrum of plant and animal life in our area. See fascinating insects and spiders and meet our resident turtles, fish, and snake. Learn about nature through hands-on exhibits, games, and classes.

Begin your visit in the Lyman Woods Interpretive Center. You can check out a timber pack and learn about green architecture, the history of the area, and interpretive programs for children and adults. Hike on more than two miles of trails through oak woods, prairie, and wetlands. Interpretive signs dot the trail system to inform you of the wonders of Lyman Woods. The woods blossom in springtime with an amazing array of wildflowers from bloodroot to toothwort and wild hyacinth. Bird watch, explore a kame, and enjoy this peaceful "vest pocket" wilderness in Downers Grove.

The Village of Itasca’s Spring Brook Nature Center is located behind the Itasca Library and Water Park at Catalpa and Irving Park Road. Park at the Water Park and follow the path south across the bridge to the red barn. Handicapped and program drop-off are available off the corner of Grove Street and Forest Avenue. Over two miles of trails provide hiking opportunities through a marsh, prairie, woodland and arboretum. Come visit our raptor aviary and Visitor Center with an aquarium and interactive displays. We have programs for individuals, families, school groups, scout groups, and other clubs. Programs are interactive and designed to teach an awareness and appreciation for the environment. Below is a partial list of the educational programs we offer: RAPTOR PROGRAMS: Raptors-In-The-Skies, Falconry, Raptor Adaptations, Illinois Raptors, Raptor Internship Program. SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Signs of Spring, Signs of Fall, Hikes for Tykes, Snowshoe Walks, I Seed A Plant, Mouse Walk, Go With the Flow FAMILY AND YOUTH PROGRAMS: Bird Houses, Bird Feeders, Forester Badge, Native American Life, Scientist Badge, Summer Day Camps

Nestled in the woods along the Fox River, the Shoemaker Nature Center offers nature programs and activities for all ages. The center contains lively exhibits, a wildlife observation room, and a discovery corner for children.

A 1700 acre outdoor museum of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. Hike 14 miles of trails, drive 9 miles of roads, discover 900 acres of natural areas including oak and maple woodlands, and explore a 100 acre tallgrass prairie. Gardens and plant collections display more than 3400 different types of trees, shrubs, and other plants.

Visit our Children’s Garden, a 4 acre wonderland that engages children and families in learning about nature through outdoor play. Please note the Children’s Garden is outdoors and will close during severe weather

The Children’s Garden is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
9:30 - 5 pm March through October
9:30 - 4 pm November through February

The Visitor Center open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
8 am to 6 pm March through October
8 am to 5 pm November through February

Admission fees are discounted on Wednesday