The archery range will be open for anyone who has participated in one of the Hancock Park District’s archery instructional programs. A certified archery instructor will supervise the archery open […]

After a two-year hiatus, the historical McKinnis Garden has returned. Get a closer look at the plants in the raised herb and dye garden beds. Plants include herbs used for medicinal and culinary purposes, vegetables like tomatoes and beets, and perennial plants, such as rhubarb and hops. Light refreshments will be available after the tour. […]

Aim, shoot, and score! Learn safety measures and the basics of archery from a certified archery instructor while shooting arrows at targets with a compound bow. Archery equipment will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Dold Lake 10 AM Ages 16 and up. Click here to register with $10 per person by 1 PM on Friday, […]

Backyards are filled with important pollinators like butterflies, moths, and bees. Learn about different pollinators and how to promote pollinator habitat at home. Children can create a pollinator finger puppet and color a coloring page. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 1-4 PM All ages are welcome. Free; registration is not required. Tim Kleman tkleman@hancockparks.com

Kids get a chance to get sticky and gooey. Look at snail shells, play with various kinds of homemade slime, and play a slug matching game. Wear clothing that can get stained. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 10 AM Ages 3 and under with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration […]

Feathers come from birds. Use a domestic bird feather (chicken, duck, turkey) to paint a picture, draw, write, dust, and play games. Drop a feather and let it float into the circle or be the first to blow it across the water pool. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center Porch 1 PM Ages 3-6 with an […]

Hike to the prairie in the cool of the evening. Check out flowers that grow there, including Prairie Dock, Mountain Mint, and Ironweed. See what insects and birds are using the prairie as a food source. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center Porch 7 PM All ages are welcome. Free; registration is not required. Michelle Rumschlag […]

Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors “en plein air” in Hancock County parks.  All adult artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome.  If you are new to plein air painting or are hesitant to go out on your own, these gatherings […]

Atlatls are a tool used to throw a long spear-like arrow called a dart. They have been the primary hunting tool of prehistoric people around the world for thousands of years and are still used in cultures today. Participants will learn about the history of the atlatl and use them to throw darts at archery […]

Explore Shank Lake aboard a kayak and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Feel free to bring a fishing pole, binoculars, and even a book if relaxing, floating, and reading is your thing. If you are new to kayaking, do not let that stop you. Staff will provide instructions on the basics of kayaking, such as […]

Tom Frets from the Millstream Astronomy Club will present a program titled Astronomical Speed, Time & Distance. After the program, view the night sky. The Millstream Astronomy Club will have telescopes available (club members can show you how to use them) or bring your own. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Activity Area Shelter 3 9 […]

Pioneers made leather and used it in many ways. Stop by the workshop where Nelson Poe will be working with leather to craft a variety of goods, for example, see how a fly swatter was assembled. Stop by the washhouse where Robert McKinnis will be preparing animal skin as part of the leather making process. […]