10 things to do in December

FOSH-20150315-EE-3889
© Emma England

As the temperatures grow colder and holiday time off approaches, the Lake County Forest Preserves has a variety of activities planned. Here are a few options for December. 

  1. "Walk with a Naturalist" takes place 9–10:30 am, Saturday, December 7, at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Enjoy a winter morning walk at Lake County's largest forest preserve while strolling through a beautiful mixture of woods, wetlands and prairie. Meet at shelter E parking lot. No registration required.
  2. Learn how animals adapt to winter through hands-on activities and a hike to search for animal homes. "Hibernation and Migration" takes place from 10 am–12 pm, Sunday, December 8, at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadsworth. The program is entirely outdoors and designed for families with children ages 12 and under. Registration is required. $5 resident, $7 nonresident.
  3. Examine the megafauna of the Ice Age, Potawatomi wigwams, ice harvesting on Diamond Lake and more to learn how Lake County has survived and thrived in the cold. "Lunchtime Tours: Winter in Lake County" takes, place 12–12:30 pm, Wednesday, December 11, and Thursday, December 19, at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Make the most of your lunchtime break learning about local history on themed tours. Enjoy 30-minute tours of the exhibits and bring your brown bag lunch to enjoy in the cafe. Free with Museum admission: $6 adults; $3 seniors.
  4. There's something unique about a walk in winter in the moonlight. Experience the sounds, smells, and moonlit shadows in Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago. "Moonlit Meander" runs from 6–7:30 pm, Thursday, December 12. Use the Dugdale entrance and meet at the trailhead. For families with children ages 8 and up. The program is entirely outdoors. Registrationis required. $5 resident, $7 nonresidents.
  5. Take a closer look at a fossilized mastodon leg bone and tooth to learn more about this massive Ice Age mammal. Hear the fascinating story of how objects were found in Lake County. "Object Talks: The American Mastodon" takes place 2–2:30 pm, Thursday, December 12, at theDunn Museum in Libertyville. Registration is required. Free with Museum admission: $6 adults; $3 seniors.
  6. Two events are taking place for "Scout Saturday" on Saturday, December 14, at Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center in Riverwoods. Join the Lake County Forest Preserves and work toward earning your Earth Rocks badge from 2–3 pm. Badge requirements 1–6 will be covered. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents. Come out for some nighttime fun and fulfill requirements 1–4 of the Night Owl badge from 6–7 pm. $6 residents, $8 nonresidents. Badges are not provided.
  7. "The Science Behind Snowflakes" runs from 1–3 pm, Sunday, December 15, at Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center. Drop in anytime to learn more about how these amazingly unique snow crystals are formed. Free for families with children ages 12 and under. Adult supervision required.
  8. Greet the day with a peaceful walk while watching the sun rise over Lake Michigan. "Sunrise Stroll" takes place from 7–8:30 am, Saturday, December 21, at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest. No registration required for the free event. Enter on Sheridan Road and follow signs to Gilgare Lane parking lot.
  9. "Solstice Glow Walk" takes place at 4:30 pm, Saturday, December 21, at Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center. The amount of daylight starts increasing today. Let's celebrate by taking a late afternoon hike. Lake County Forest Preserves will provide the glow and the trail to explore. Adult supervision is required for the free event. No registration required.
  10. A "New Year's Celebration" takes place from 10:30–11:30 am, Tuesday, December 31, at the Dunn Museum. Through crafts and activities, learn how people around the world celebrate the start of the new year. For families with children ages 12 and under. Free with Museum admission: $6 adults; $3 youth. 

Logo

Media Contact: Nan Buckardt, Director of Education, nbuckardt@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3330

 

Back