2024 Red Oak Nature Center Special Events

PLEASE BUY SAFELY – Please note that tickets purchased from a reseller or individual outside of the Red Oak Nature Center/FVPD sales system cannot be guaranteed. Please visit Red Oak Nature Center’s Facebook page for additional details regarding the special events below. Everyone age 3+ needs a ticket; all ticket sales are final.

Woodland Fairy Tea Time | Sept. 14
Join us for a magical tea party in the woods! Bring along your favorite stuffed animal for an enchanted morning of crafting, tea and adventure. Weather permitting, we may head outside in search of enchanted things. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone attending must register.

Bigfoot Trail Run 5K | Sept. 28
As summer makes way for fall, celebrate the cooler days with the second annual 5K! Starting at The Wilds at Red Oak, (1400 N. River Rd., North Aurora) race through woodland and prairie on paved trails and all-terrain paths. All racers registered by noon on September 18 will receive a race medal and t-shirt, all participants will get chip-timed results. Stick around after the race for food and games.

Family Campfire | Oct. 5
Enjoy the signs and sounds of fall, while gathering around a toasty campfire to roast a seasonal treat-APPLES! All attendees must be registered and adults must accompany their child.

IDNR Entice | Oct. 5
Join us for this workshop that will have you sampling and observing the components of four aquatic habitats at Red Oak Nature Center: river; lake; stream; and spring. We will discuss what the results show and talk about how to incorporate this type of activity into your curriculum to support Next Generation Science Standards. Although targeted to teachers of grades five through eight, teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Cave Hike | Oct. 19
Join us for a mile-long round trip hike through the woods as we discuss seasonal changes happening along the way as we travel to the only cave in the Chicago-land region. Learn why this cave is so special from geological findings to some light history of the area. All those attending must be registered, and adults must accompany their children.

The Spirit of Red Oak | Oct. 25
The history surrounding Red Oak is varied and long. Who lived here, how was the land used and what is still lingering? An historian and paranormal investigator will fill us in on the history of the residence which now hosts our nature center before heading outside for an evening hike. This program will focus on the real science behind the paranormal and supernatural and maybe you’ll find out if you are a skeptic or believer? This is an adults only program and space is limited!

IDNR Entice | Nov. 9
Wild Illinois History is a self-contained teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight. The online interactive student activity and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history instruction by focusing on information regarding early exploration and settlement, riparian and geography in what was to become Illinois and the uses of wildlife by Indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. The activity also highlights the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Holiday Party for the Animals | Dec. 14
Come show the animal ambassadors at Red Oak the holiday spirit by decorating, interacting and have fun right next to them! Self-guided craft stations will be set up for you to create decorations for our wildlife room including a few special enrichment-style treats to be gifted to these incredible animals for all their hard work! Adults do not need to register, but must accompany their child.

Frosty Fest | Jan. 25
Red Oak will host its annual Frosty Fest where participants are encouraged to experience winter after the excitement of the holidays have past. Two different self-guided trails will keep you busy and your senses engaged. One, a storybook hike where you can read a story with a frosty theme or follow our illuminated snowflake trail before you finish with a hot cup of cocoa and warming up at the campfire to roast a marshmallow or two. Don’t forget to find Frosty himself and take a photo before he melts away! Everyone 3yrs and up must purchase a ticket for entry. This event is best experienced after the sunset.