Family Adventure in Mindful Movement
Studies show that kids and adults alike can benefit from being in nature and exploring mind-body movement.
This one-of-a-kind, multi-generational program is designed to help families to slow down and connect by experiencing nature and movement together. A guided walk through the woods with elements of Tai Chi and family forest bathing will guide kids and their parents or caregivers through a series of sensory and gentle movement adventures in nature.
We will explore a combination of trails, glades, and meadows, with a total distance of no more than one-half mile at a gentle pace, with several stops for activities.
This program is designed for families with children aged 7 to 14 years. At least one adult caregiver must actively participate along with the child.
Ages: 7-14 years old with adult
Tickets: $36 per adult + child pair ($29 for Arboretum members)
Mindful Miles Trail Runs/Hikes for Parents
Mindful Miles is a lightly guided trail running and hiking meet-up created for parents seeking restoration and connection in nature. Our sessions blend the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, with gentle movement on scenic trails, creating space for both physical activity and mindful presence. Led by a lifelong runner and hiker, mom of two, and certified Forest Therapy Guide, these sessions are designed to support parents in reconnecting with themselves and nature while building community with fellow parents.
Our 75-minute sessions begin with facilitated nature connection exercises to help parents get grounded in their senses and our surroundings. Participants will then be provided with suggestions on how to incorporate sensory awareness into a choose-your-own-pace, out-and-back run or hike on the trails for approximately 40 minutes. A final mindfulness exercise will help close out our experience as participants enjoy a leisurely stretch.
Open to parents of all paces and abilities, Mindful Miles provides a peaceful escape that nourishes both body and spirit.
Ages: Parents only, no kiddos
Tickets: Free, RSVP via email or on our Facebook group via the button below
Option to join a post-run/hike dinner or drinks at Pizza 750 and Imperial Oak Brewing in Willow Springs, for those who want to keep the connecting going.
Outdoor Yoga, Kayaking & Nature Play
Join us for a free family outdoor yoga class and kayaking meetup. This event is for kiddos ages 0-9 and their parents or adult caregivers.
We'll meet on the lawn near the Maple Lake Boating Center for a 30-minute family yoga class led by Erin Stevenson, Founder of the Do Good Movement. After the class, families will have the option to rent kayaks, canoes, or rowboats from the Forest Preserve Maple Lake Boating Center for an hourly fee (minimum age and weight is 3 years old, 35 pounds). For those with kiddos younger than 3 years old or not interested in boating, families are welcome to join in for some unstructured nature play and/or enjoy a BYO picnic by the lake.
For more information on boat rentals and Maple Lake: https://fpdcc.com/places/locations/maple-lake/
Ages: 0-9 years old with an adult, minimum age of 3 years old for kayaking
Cost: Yoga class and nature play are free, boat rentals are an hourly fee via the Forest Preserves
RSVP: Via email or on our Facebook group via the button below
Family Adventure in Mindful Movement
Studies show that kids and adults alike can benefit from being in nature and exploring mind-body movement.
This one-of-a-kind, multi-generational program is designed to help families to slow down and connect by experiencing nature and movement together. A guided walk through the woods with elements of Tai Chi and family forest bathing will guide kids and their parents or caregivers through a series of sensory and gentle movement adventures in nature.
We will explore a combination of trails, glades, and meadows, with a total distance of no more than one-half mile at a gentle pace, with several stops for activities.
This program is designed for families with children aged 7 to 14 years. At least one adult caregiver must actively participate along with the child.
Ages: 7-14 years old with adult
Tickets: $36 per adult + child pair ($29 for Arboretum members)
Baby + Me Nature & Music Connection
Strengthen your bond and have fun with your little one in this outdoor music and nature connection program co-led by Angie Pope of Miss Angie’s Music and Chelsea Hanson, certified Family Forest Therapy Guide. This one-hour program is designed for children aged 6 months to 2 years old and their parent(s) or caregiver(s). It will be held at the Children’s Forest at Lake Katherine Nature Center in Palos Heights and will include music inspired by our surroundings and gentle guided activities to help you tune into nature in playful partnership with your child.
Notes:
Please bring a blanket to sit on.
This program is held entirely outdoors. In the case of inclement weather, participants will be notified of event cancellation and offered the choice of a rain date or a refund.
Ages: 6 months to 2 years old with adult
Tickets: $22 per baby + adult pair
Parents & Tykes on Bikes
Join us for a family bike ride on the Cal-Sag trail going out and back from the Lake Katherine trail access point (East Trails). This free meetup is for kiddos ages 0-9 and their parents or adult caregivers.
Families are welcome to ride at their own pace, depending on the age of their kiddos and whether they'll be riding their own bikes or on seats or trailers of their adults' bikes. After the ride, we'll meet back at the festival grounds at Lake Katherine for an optional BYO picnic.
Ages: 0-9 years old with adult
Tickets: RSVP via email or on our Facebook group via the button below
Family Adventure in Mindful Movement
Studies show that kids and adults alike can benefit from being in nature and exploring mind-body movement.
This one-of-a-kind, multi-generational program is designed to help families to slow down and connect by experiencing nature and movement together. A guided walk through the woods with elements of Tai Chi and family forest bathing will guide kids and their parents or caregivers through a series of sensory and gentle movement adventures in nature.
We will explore a combination of trails, glades, and meadows, with a total distance of no more than one-half mile at a gentle pace, with several stops for activities.
This program is designed for families with children aged 7 to 14 years. At least one adult caregiver must actively participate along with the child.
Ages: 7-14 years old with adult
Tickets: $36 per adult + child pair ($29 for Arboretum members)