# Woodlands in Winter at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve > Event for families in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area (IL / IN). Times are Central Time. - When: Tue, Dec 22 · 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM - Where: LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve (Creek Bend Nature Center), 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles, IL 60175 - Ages: Families - Price: FREE; advance registration required - Organizer: Forest Preserve District of Kane County - Official page: https://kaneforest.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs - Last checked: Tue, Oct 27 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 2, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/woodlands-in-winter-at-leroy-oakes-forest-preserve--listing-b08176b164dee12c35fcc5fa ## About A winter-break nature outing from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. A naturalist leads families on a guided hike through the woods at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve to learn what Illinois plants and animals do to get through the colder months. After the walk the group heads to the preserve's new nature play space, where children play and move around to find out how movement helps keep us warm in winter. The hour-long program is a good fit for school-age kids home on break and for younger siblings who can manage a short walk; dress everyone in boots, hats and layers, because most of it happens outdoors. The program is free, but registration is required in advance through the District's online registration system or by calling Creek Bend Nature Center. Creek Bend Nature Center, in the same preserve, has indoor exhibits to visit afterward, and severe weather cancels most of the District's programs, so check before you set out. ## Similar picks in Chicago - [Winter Solstice in the Woods at Hickory Creek](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/winter-solstice-in-the-woods-at-hickory-creek--listing-eff28a4dee0475a2fcdfe6a9) — Sun, Dec 20 · 4:45 PM – 6:00 PM · Hickory Creek Preserve — LaPorte Road Access, Mokena · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. Celebrate the longest night of the year outdoors on Sunday, December 20, from 4:45 to 6 p.m. at Hickory Creek Preserve's LaPorte Road Access in Mokena. A naturalist explains the… - [Full Moon: Winter Survival at Four Rivers](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/full-moon-winter-survival-at-four-rivers--listing-44a02ee17b10f299399ebaa4) — Wed, Dec 23 · 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. 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