Celebrate The Season With Festive Forest Preserve Programs In Bolingbrook

BOLINGBROOK, IL — The Forest Preserve District offers a wide variety of programs year-round, and that’s no different as the winter holidays approach. Several of this year's events will be held in Bolingbrook, at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

Here is a look at what is on tap this coming holiday season:

• Let’s Talk Turkey: 10-11 a.m. on Nov. 15, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook. It’s the holiday season, and what better time to learn more about the bird that takes center stage on so many dinner tables? The preserve said this lighthearted program will arm you with turkey “talking points” for the family feast as you explore fun facts, natural history, and what makes a wild turkey different from a farm-raised one. The program starts indoors and ends with a short hike in search of wild turkey habitat. Ages 8 or older; free. Register by Nov. 14.
• Winter Wonderland at the Oaks: 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 6, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer at this family-friendly winter celebration. Follow a lantern-lit trail, sip hot cocoa or cider, roast s’mores by the fire, and make festive nature crafts to take home, according to the preserve. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and join in caroling and other cheerful activities. All ages; free. No registration required.
• Holiday Nature Crafts: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Turn natural materials into beautiful holiday decor during this drop-in craft day. The upstairs Quercus room becomes a holiday workshop filled with tunes, inspiration and supplies for all ages, the preserve said. Create your own woodland decorations or follow provided examples for a festive family outing. All ages; free. No registration required.