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If you've been trying to map out some outdoor summer activities, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is offering about a dozen. Their summer programming runs May through August with something for every age group — including a brand-new archery range opening next month.
Here's what to know:
New archery range grand opening: Saturday, June 6 at 11AM at Mill Creek Greenway Forest Preserve in Elburn. Free event, no experience needed. Includes a Kane County 4-H archery demo, try-it stations with certified staff, and gear and safety info. Bring the family.
Summer nature camps (ages 4–8th grade): Five-day, naturalist-led camps covering a different theme each week. Registration required; $159/child/session.
Summer Unplugged | June 8–12 | Grades 1–5
Little Bookworms | July 6–10 | Ages 4–6
Nature's Superheroes | July 13–17 | Grades 1–5
Art in Nature | July 20–24 | Grades 5–8
Kayaking the Fox River: Six sessions running May 30 through October 10. The series starts with a lake-based skills class, then moves to shorter beginner-friendly river paddles with naturalist-led exploration.
Open fishing clinics: Four evenings — June 17, July 8, July 29, and Aug. 12 — at Lake Patterson with IDNR instructors. Covers casting, knot tying, and fish ID. Loaner gear available while supplies last.
Bird watching walks: Monthly hikes June through August (June 21, July 19, Aug. 16) with District naturalists covering identification basics and seasonal changes.
Senior Stroll: Monthly walks June through August (June 4, July 2, Aug. 6) at different preserves, each ending with social time in the shelter. No registration required.
Nurtured by Nature: A monthly adult wellness series (18+) on June 14, July 12, and Aug. 2 incorporating movement, breathwork, and mindfulness in outdoor settings.
Little Saplings: Monthly nature play for ages 3–5 on June 18 and July 16. Parent or caregiver must attend.
Red Dog Days: June 14 bison walk at the prairie — "red dogs" are bison calves. Learn how bison support the local ecosystem while looking for the herd.
Rusty Rodeo: Aug. 15 family-friendly invasive species event where kids and parents wade in with dip nets to help remove Rusty Crayfish from Kane County waterways.
Women's Weekend Retreat: Aug. 29–30 overnight retreat featuring a cooking class, candle-making, tree ID hike, campfire, stargazing, and a morning bird walk.
Full details and registration for all programs are at the Kane County Forest Preserve District event calendar.
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