The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center

04/22/2025

Summer Fun is on the Way!!
The Summer 2025 Activity Guide will be available at crystallakeparks.org beginning Tu, May 6 and registration opens that same day.

All households in the 60012 and 60014 zip codes should look for the guide to hit your mailbox during the week of May 12.

04/19/2025

To allow time for staff to celebrate the holiday with family, The Nature Center will be closed on Sun, Apr 20. Regular hours of operation, 7 days/week, 10 am-5 pm will resume on Mon, Apr 21.

04/16/2025

Due to staff training, the Nature Center will be open Noon-5 pm on Th, Apr 17.

04/15/2025

Want to help us?

Our Nature Center team is studying frogs!
Meet at Sterne's Woods, 5617 E. Hillside Road, CL

DATES: (18 volunteer spots open each date)
Wed, Apr 23
Wed, May 28
Wed, Jun 25
Tu, Jul 22
Wed, Aug 27

TIME: 7:30-9:30 PM

Sign up to help us identify individual frog calls and observe different species in our wetlands! Our 2.5 mile round trip route with 7 listening stops will capture exciting activity in their habitats.

Attendees should bring a flashlight and wear proper clothing and footwear for hiking on trails that can be muddy/wet. Apply your own bug repellent prior to hike.

FOR MORE INFO: Chantel Jenrette, 815-455-1763, [email protected]

Sign up via this link
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B45AEAB29AAF49-56298646-nature #/

03/07/2025

🦋🐢🌿 Instill a love of nature with fun, hands-on classes at The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center
🌼 Upcoming Classes:
Sat, Mar 8, 10-11:30 am
🐢 Exploring Turtles – Dive into the world of these fascinating creatures!
Sat, Mar 15, 10-11 am
🌀 Wind and Water – Explore the forces of nature!
Th, Apr 3, 10-11 am
🥚 All About Eggs – Learn how eggs are connected to the creatures around us!
Sat, Apr 5, 10-11:30 am
🥚 Exploring Eggs – Get hands-on with nature's little wonders!
Sat, Apr 12, 10-11 am
🌸 Welcoming Spring – Celebrate the season of renewal and growth!
Browse classes and link to online registration on pages 21-22 of the digital guide
https://view.publitas.com/clpd/programs/page/23

02/22/2025

The Nature Center will close at Noon on Sun, Feb 23 for in-house staff training.

02/17/2025

In observance of President's Day, the Administration Office is closed on Mon, Feb 17.

OPEN
Grand Oaks Active Adult Drop In (12-3 pm)
Nature Center (10 am - 5 pm)
Racket Club (Normal Hours)

02/07/2025

READY, SET, GO register for summer camp!
Our 2025 Digital Summer Camp Guide is LIVE and registration is OPEN! The guide features camp options for ages 3-17 years. Registration is OPEN for both residents and non-residents

2025 Day Camp Opportunities
P*e Wee Camp (Grades K-1)
Mini Camp (Grades 1-2, NEW Age Group)
Junior Camp (Grades 2-3)
Senior Camp (Grades 4-5)
Teen Camp (Grades 6-9)
Extended Camp Time options
Junior Leaders and Counselor in Training Programs

2025 Special Camp Opportunities
Summer Adventure at Barlina House
Are Your Ready for Kindergarten Camp
Chess Scholars Chess Camp
Cooking Camp
Let's Code It Camp
STEAM Camp
Creative Writing
Beginning Fungineering
Robot Engineers
RE/CO Robot
Chemical Creations
Theatre Camp-Willie Wonka Jr.
Tiny Tots Dance Camp
Middle School Dance Camp-NEW
Taylor Swift Dance Camp-NEW
Dance Camp
Little Veterinarian and Doctor Camps
Jr Lifeguard Camp
Golf N' Tennis Camp at The Racket Club
Sailing Camp
Lake Leisure Camp
Hot Shots Camps-Mini Sports, Total Sports, Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Multi-Sport, Cheerleading, Golf, Track & Field
Skyhawks Sports Camps-Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Track & Field,
EVP Camps- Beach Volleyball, Spike N' Splash, Sand Volleyball, Indoor Volleyball, Spike 'N Serve
Trinity Academy Ninja Camp
View the camp guide at https://view.publitas.com/clpd/summer-camp

01/31/2025

NEW program at The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center
Cocoa and Creativity: Woodburning (Ages 13+)
We'll supply the hot cocoa, and you bring the creativity. Sit by the fire as you learn the classic craft of woodburning. Participants will learn basic techniques to create a one-of-a-kind work of natural art.
Sun, Feb 16, 2-3:30 pm
$16 res/$21 non-res
Click on the program code on page 22 of the digital guide to register online
https://view.publitas.com/clpd/programs/page/24-25

01/22/2025

We are open for visitors, 7 days/week, 10 am-5 pm!

The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center, redesigned by Exhibit Concepts, is an immersive 2,000 sq. ft. space featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on learning, inspiring conservation.

12/30/2024

New Year’s Holiday Hours

All Park District facilities with the exception of The Racket Club will be closed Dec 31 and Jan 1

The Racket Club will be open until 3 pm on Dec 31 and closed Jan 1

12/16/2024

Baby, it’s cold outside, but it’s always warm and inviting here at The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center !

Come on inside for programs for all ages this winter. More info and link to online reg on pages 20-22 of the digital guide https://view.publitas.com/clpd/programs/page/23

Nature Tots (ages 2-5)
Hot or Cold
Crazy about Cactus
Snow Science

Nature Explorers (ages 6-12)
Exploring Cacti
Exploring Turtles

Nature Buffs (ages 13+)
Cocoa & Creativity: Painting Nature
Cocoa & Creativity: Woodburning

12/10/2024

NEW programs, NEW events and NEW ways to fill your calendar with FUN January-May!
The Crystal Lake Park District Winter/Spring Digital Activity Guide is live and registration is OPEN!
Use the digital guide by clicking on the program code and link directly to online registration
https://view.publitas.com/clpd/programs/page/1
All households in the 60012 and 60014 zip codes should look for the print activity guide to hit your mailbox Dec 12-18.

12/06/2024

A holiday favorite for the entire family!

LUMINARIA WALK
4:30-7:30 PM
Veteran Acres Park, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake

Enjoy a breathtaking stroll under the stars as we light a trail through Veteran Acres!
Fri, Dec 6: walk the lit trail (no activities)
Sat, Dec 7: Campfires, Hot Cocoa, Cookies, Candy Cane Forest and Mrs. Claus!

$1 per person/$5 per family donation appreciated. Donations are purposed for future Nature Center education programs.
Trail Map
https://www.crystallakeparks.org/special-events