Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Trails open from sunrise to 1 hour past sunset, every day.
Red Oak Nature Center frequently hosts large school groups for field trips. During these days, there may be amenities at the site such as trails or the boardwalk that will have limited or no access. If you are interested in the availability of these areas or field trip bookings, please contact roprograms@fvpd.net or 630-897-1808.
Admission is free for individuals and related families of 9 or fewer (suggested $1 donation per person). Entry for organized groups of 10 or more is $2 per person (required).
Because of the facility’s size, organized groups of 10 or more must email roprograms@fvpd.net or call 630-897-1808 to register before visiting the nature center.
*The Wilds at Red Oak and the nature center indoor exhibits may be reserved for registered groups and therefore be closed. In this event, the outdoor trails and cave will still be open.
930 N. River Road, North Aurora, Illinois ● 630-897-1808 ● Directions
Parking is always free at Red Oak Nature Center.
December – March: If there is more than three inches of snow on the ground, rent show shoes from the nature center and explore our woods!
Ages 8+
$5 per pair
Explore and enjoy the outdoors like a true naturalist with panoramic, hands-on educational exhibits displaying how the seasons cycle from one to the next as well as their hidden wonders within.
See Fox River wildlife up close, including a 500-gallon turtle and fish setting, as well as new habitats for frogs, snakes, salamanders and more. Meet the animals here.
Please note: Red Oak is not a wildlife rehabilitation center and does not take in injured or orphaned animals. If you’ve rescued an animal, please call the Fox Valley Wildlife Center at (630) 365-3800.
A great venue for diverse educational programs such as scouting; also the seasonal home to our onsite Nature Play Preschool program
Ideal for diverse uses such as scouting, birthday parties, school, and other group and family programs; it also sometimes features an animated video showcasing the highlights of Red Oak.
Follow the Fox River Trail down to the river’s edge to explore the Chicagoland area’s only known cave – a true gem of the Fox Valley!
Step out and take in spectacular views of the Fox River and its wildlife, migratory birds, wooded shorelines and islands.
The spacious picnic shelter features a limestone fireplace with plenty of seating. The rentable pavilion accommodates scouting, birthday parties, school programs, and other group and family programs. Pavilion may not be available when in use for scheduled programming.
Travel six wood-chipped hiking trails and the nationally renowned Fox River Trail winding through the woods along the Fox River. Dogs and bikes permitted on paved trails only; please respect the wildlife.
Provided by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, these bags contain books, photos, samples and more about a range of nature topics. Bag rental is free. For more information about bag topics, please call 630-897-1808 or visit the IDNR web page.
To enhance your learning and enjoyment in exploring the woods, you can borrow Nature Exploration Bags during Red Oak Nature Center hours. Bags are available for observing birds, insects and the signs of the season, as well as for experiencing the senses. The bags are free to use with a refundable deposit. Adult supervision is required.
Ever just wondered about Nature? Join Renee and Christy of Red Oak Nature Center for ‘When Nature Calls’. A light-hearted, informational conversation all about Nature topics that range from the true to the silly to the bizarre. Each episode has a different topic or theme and is full of family-friendly content. Have a topic or question you would like them to discuss? Send it to redoak@fvpd.net for them to respond to your call!
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