Reconnect With Nature Through Forest Preserve District Programs

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has planned a variety of free, fun learning activities for kids and their families at two area forest preserve locations, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville and Riverview Farmstead in Naperville.

Isle a la Cache Museum, located on the 100-acre Isle a la Cache Preserve on an island in the Des Plaines River, provides interpretation of the 18th-century fur trade history of the area, through interactive exhibits, a display area and native landscaping.

Riverview Farmstead includes a mid-1800s limestone house, an early frame residence that had been converted to a barn, and a large timber frame barn, as well as a one-mile asphalt trail, canoe launch and landing, picnic shelter with electricity and other amenities.

Here are a few of the family activities planned by the forest preserve district this week:

Tuesday, June 19, at 10 a.m., children ages 3 to 5 and their parents can enjoy “Storytime on the River” at Isle a la Cache Museum at 501 East 135^th St. (Romeo Road) in Romeoville.

A hands-on activity will accompany the story, “Owl Moon,” by Jane Yolen. Weather  permitting, portions of the program will take place outdoors on natural surfaces across uneven terrain.

Registration is required by calling 815-886-1467.

Wednesday, June 20, at 1 p.m., all ages can participate in “Wabdan Wednesday” at Isle a la Cache Museum. During the program, a costumed interpreter will re-enact life in a Potawatomi village in 1750. “Wabdan” is the Potawatomi word meaning, "to discover.”

Wabdan Wednesdays will be presented every other week throughout the summer at Isle a la Cache, with each program featuring a different activity or demonstration. Participants may drop in anytime between 1 and 3 p.m.

Depending on the topic and weather conditions, programs may take place indoors or outdoors on natural surface trails over uneven terrain.

Thursday, June 21, 10 a.m., children ages 3 to 8 and their parents are invited to “Storytime at the Farm” at Riverview Farmstead along Book Road between 111^th and 119^th streets in Naperville.

Forest preserve staff will share a story and hands-on activities, from playing 19^th-century farm games to exploring the preserve and making crafts.

Participants should dress for outside activities on natural surfaces across uneven terrain.

Registration is required by calling 815-886-1467.

For more information on other Forest Preserve District of Will County programs and sites, click here.