Upcoming Events

Aren’t baby animals just the cutest? Did you know baby rabbits are called kittens or that to help their chances of survival, newborn deer have no scent? Join virtually to put your knowledge (and luck) to the test as you are quizzed on infant animal facts!

Join an environmental educator on this guided hike and walk the trails at Van Patten Woods while discovering clues that animals leave behind during the winter months.

Children will learn about groundhogs through different hands-on activities and stations.

Join us for the 42nd annual Profiles in Excellence event for inspiring presentations and performances in honor of Black History Month.

Learn about the different species of woodpeckers that call Lake County home and their interesting biology and behaviors during this indoor presentation.

Lake County, Illinois was one of the strongest areas of anti-slavery sentiment in the state of Illinois. Hear the stories of local citizens' efforts to advocate for the enslaved and aid those escaping on the Underground Railroad.

An influential figure in the political history of the U.S., Adlai E. Stevenson II was Governor of Illinois, read twice for President as the Democratic National Candidate, and served as Ambassador to the United Nations. Though he lost both presidential campaigns, it was Stevenson's ideas that are his real lasting legacy.

Build a bridge to nature with your young ones. Experience how multisensory nature connections help young children develop healthy and happy brains and bodies. Time spent in nature is critical to children's social-emotional, and physical development. Child-centered, exploratory, imaginative play fosters creativity, emotional well-being, independent learning, and problem solving.

Join a naturalist and take a nice leisurely stroll through this beautiful preserve. Learn about the history of this site and take a close look at some of the interesting plants and animals that we come upon.

Drop in to learn about the amazing adaptations that help owls hunt in the dark and meet a live visitor.

Join a environmental educator on this solar-lit hike at Old School Forest Preserve. Learn about the animals that are active at dusk. Please dress for the weather, program will be held outside.

Hike under the glow of the snow moon while learning about the animals that come out at night.

Children will learn abou local woodpeckers that live in Lake County through different hands-on activities and stations, including our Project Feeder Watch station.

This Presidents Day, come learn about the different types of rocks, the rock cycle, and the difference between rocks and minerals. Then we’ll explore the Dunn Museum galleries to delve into the rich geologic history of Lake County.

Come on an Ice Age adventure at the museum and discover the mammals that lived thousands of years ago by reading stories, looking at fossil casts and an activity.

Move your kids outdoors for unstructured seasonal play, proven healthful and beneficial. Celebrate seasonal fun outdoors. Build mini habitats for toy animals and use natural materials and your imagination for creation. Try snow painting or other seasonal activities. Nature provides infinite possibilities to express creativity. See how nature ignites a spark in everyone.

Ever wonder what made the tunnels under the snow? Meet the vole, an active and spunky relative of the mouse. Learn how to tell the difference between voles and other look-alikes while learning about their active winter lifestyle.

Explore McDonald Woods at the magical time of day when the sun sets and the nocturnal critters begin to wake up.

Join an Environmental Educator and take a leisurely stroll through one of our preserves. This is a great opportunity to get some exercise and learn about nature. Join us and take a closer look at plants, birds and other wildlife.

Join us for the first event in our new Civic Series! We will have button making supplies on hand and the chance to learn about interesting buttons in the museum’s collection. Participants will take home their own completed button.

Whether you are new to native gardening or a seasoned veteran, join us each month to learn about native plants and how to use them in your home landscapes.