Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles Park District

09/11/2026

A few spots are still available in our Nature Playschool program beginning Tuesday, September 15!

Designed for children ages 3–5, Nature Playschool encourages curiosity, creativity, and a connection to the natural world through outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, stories, games, and nature-based learning!

Learn more and register at: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/stcparks/activity/search/detail/35478?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

09/08/2026

Have you noticed the new signs along the paved trail at Delnor Woods?

We are excited to introduce you to Wandering with Wonder!

What is Wandering with Wonder? It is a wellness experience that helps you notice nature’s rhythms and connect to the place you are in through your senses. We have produced a series of self-paced prompts inspired by the practice of forest therapy that you can use anywhere in nature, or you can visit one of our four locations with guided signage, including Delnor Woods!

As you follow the signs, you'll be invited to slow down, engage your senses, and discover new ways of connecting with the natural world around you.

We are excited to introduce you to Wandering with Wonder!

What is Wandering with Wonder? It is a wellness experience that helps you notice nature’s rhythms and connect to the place you are in through your senses. We have produced a series of self-paced prompts inspired by the practice of forest therapy that you can use anywhere in nature, or you can visit one of our four locations with guided signage.

View the guide here: https://theconservationfoundation.org/nature-rx/wandering-with-wonder/

You can also find guided signage at the following locations:
-Hampshire Forest Preserve (Hampshire)
-Hawthorne Hill Nature Center (Elgin)
-Delnor Woods Park (St. Charles)
-Oakhurst Forest Preserve (Aurora)

Wandering with Wonder was created in partnership with the Kane Nature Rx Coalition: The Conservation Foundation, Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Alzheimer's Association, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles Park District, Midwest Forest Bathing LLC, Kane County Health Department, Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center, Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources, Friends of the Fox River, and Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter.

09/03/2026

🎇 Tonight, the Sky Lights Up!

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! Fireworks at DARK launched from Langum Park around 8pm. More details: https://www.stcparks.org/july-4th/

09/01/2026

So excited to kick off our first day of Nature Preschool! 🌿 Here’s to a year full of learning, exploring, growing, and building a deeper connection with the natural world around us. We can’t wait to see where this year takes us! 🍂🌱

08/31/2026

🐰 Animal Ambassador of the Week: Belle! 🐰

Meet Belle, our sweet rabbit ambassador here at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center! Belle is extra special because she is our ONLY mammal here at the Discovery Center! 🌿

Fun fact: Rabbits are prey animals, so they have eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, giving them a wide field of vision to help spot predators and stay safe. When danger is nearby, rabbits can quickly hide or hop away to safety! 🐇

Come say hello to Belle the next time you visit us!

08/29/2026

Make your next field trip one to remember! 🌿🐾

Bring your students to Hickory Knolls to meet animal ambassadors, explore trails, discover local habitats, and experience nature beyond the classroom.

With programs for preschool through high school, there’s an experience for every age and interest.

📅 Schedule your field trip or classroom experience today!
https://bit.ly/4ghgh0J

08/28/2026

🐞 Meet the little things that make nature special

Plants, bugs, animals and the sounds of nature-there’s always something new to notice at Hickory Knolls! 🌱🐾

Give students the chance to experience nature up close and connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the world around them.

What will your class discover? https://bit.ly/4ghgh0J

08/27/2026

🌿 From curious minds to outdoor explorers, Hickory Knolls has something for every student!

Meet animal ambassadors, head out on the trails, search for bugs, explore local habitats, investigate nature hands-on, and see what makes the natural world so fascinating.

With programs designed for different ages and learning levels, students can experience Hickory Knolls in a whole new way.

Schedule your field trip or classroom experience today! https://bit.ly/4ghgh0J

08/26/2026

Science is all around us! 🔎🍃

Explore the geology, weather and history of St. Charles while getting outside and experiencing learning firsthand.

Hickory Knolls programs are aligned with NGSS science standards and give students the opportunity to explore, observe and learn through hands-on experiences.

Bring your next lesson outdoors! https://bit.ly/4ghgh0J