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2701 Sibley Avenue
847-692-3570

Visitor Hours
Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturdays, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Nature Nook (Open June 1 - August 23)
Saturdays, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Enjoy Critter Connection Every Saturday from 10:15am - 10:30am
Get up close to a Wildwood animal during a short, family-friendly presentation.

During your visit you’ll find an animal exhibit room with a turtle pond, snapping turtle, Northern Bobwhite Quail, snakes, prairie dogs, and much more. You can also visit our new Nature Nook, an interactive educational area complete with books, puzzles, puppets, games, and activities. Each month you can explore a different nature topic! The Wildwood Nature Center is located at the east end of Maine Park, behind the Maine Park Leisure Center.

Admission to Wildwood is FREE.
For more information call 847-692-3570.

Wildwood Nature Center 2008 Newsletters

September, August, July, June, May, April, February

At the Nature Center

  • Live Animal Displays
  • Turtle Pond
  • Interactive Exhibits
  • Birthday Parties
  • Environmental Programs
  • Scout Programs
  • School Group Programs (Click here for our Elementary School Program Flyer.)
  • Nature Nook (environmental play room)

In the Park

  • Butterfly Garden
  • Self-Guided Tree Walk
  • Walking Paths
  • Picnic Facilities
  • Fishing Ponds
  • Campfire Pit (for use during Park District led programs)
  • Prairie Demonstration Garden
  • Rain Garden

Birthday Party Packages
at Wildwood Nature Center

Looking for a ‘wild’ time? You can find it here at a Wildwood Nature Center Birthday Party! Times vary for birthday parties each week Monday through Friday. Saturday parties are held from 11:00am-1:00pm or 2:00pm-4:00pm. If these times do not match your schedule, please contact us and special arrangements can be made. Parties should be scheduled one month in advance.

  • Party includes room with tables, chairs and a hands-on animal program.
  • You will be responsible for refreshments, decorations and paper products.
  • To find out more or to book a party please call 847-692-3570.

Tiny Tots Animal Adventure
Ages 3-4, 1½-hour party, $80
Party includes a room with tables, chairs and a hands-on animal program. The program includes a visit to the animal room, petting and feeding our animal friends, a craft, an animal story, games and an outdoor hike. (Maximum 12 children)

Furry Friends Animal Party
Ages 5-10, 2-hour party, $100
The animal program consists of meeting two of our furry friends, creating a craft, touring the animal room, exploring outdoors on a nature hike and playing games. Remember the party includes an outdoor hike and animals so make sure you and your guests dress appropriately. (Maximum 25 children)

Scales and Tails Animal Party
Ages 5-10, 2-hour party, $100
The animal program consists of meeting two of our reptile or amphibian friends, creating a craft, touring the animal room, exploring outdoors on a nature hike and playing games. Remember the party includes an outdoor hike and animals so make sure you and your guests dress appropriately. (Maximum 25 children)

Diggin’ Dinos Birthday Party
Ages 5-9, 2-hour party, $100
The dinosaur program consists of an excavation project, creating and exploding volcanoes, and creating a dinosaur craft. The party also includes a trip to the animal room and an outdoor hike, so make sure you and your guests dress appropriately.(Maximum 15 children)

Incredible Insects Birthday Party
Ages 5-9, 2-hour party, $100
The insect program consists of an insect craft, meeting Wildwood’s insects, playing games and catching pond or prairie insects (dependent on weather). The party also includes a trip to the animal room and an outdoor hike, so make sure you and your guests dress appropriately. (Maximum 25 children)

Fishing Party
Ages 7-12, 2-hour party, $100 (April-September only)
Fishing poles, equipment, bait, and a person to remove the fish from the hook are all included. The children will fish for about an hour and will finish the party with games or more fishing. You will be responsible for the refreshments and paper products. (Maximum of 10 children)

Campfire Party
Ages 7-12, 1½ hour party, $80 (April-September only)
Children will enjoy playing games, going on a hike, roasting hot dogs and making S’mores. You will be responsible for food, refreshments and paper products. Party includes program leaders, firewood, and cooking sticks. (Maximum 25 children)