Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike under the full moon with the Outdoor Recreation School. Learn about snowshoes and snowshoe techniques as we embrace the crisp winter air and explore the quiet sounds of a winter night. We will hike if no snow. $6/person.

Wrap up 2026 with one last s’more! Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a scenic snowshoe hike followed by a yummy treat. Learn how to put on and walk in snowshoes, explore the snowy trails on a guided walk, then gather around the fire to roast marshmallows and make a s'more. We will hike if no snow. Participants ages 11 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. $12/person.

Explore the trails, meet new friends, and experience the whole-body benefits that Nordic pole hiking provides while exercising in nature. Outdoor Recreation School instructors educate on the Nordic walking technique and lead a weekly pole hike. Explore a mix of paved and unpaved trails in French Regional Park, Fish Lake Regional Park and Baker Park Reserve. Please wear sturdy shoes or light hiking boots for hilly terrain and potentially muddy ground. $48/person.

Explore the natural world and what is happening outdoors at the park. Learn about how plants spread their seeds in the autumn with a naturalist. Then, make a mobile inspired by your discoveries. One registration is for up to four people and includes art materials for two projects. One family can register multiple times for more materials. $16/group.

Explore the natural world and what is happening outdoors at the park. Learn about spiders, how and why they create different kinds of webs and how they adapt to their environment. Then, create your own autumnal flat weaving using fiber and natural materials. This program is for ages 7-12 plus an adult. Groups can be up to four people. $16/group.

Join an Outdoor Recreation School instructor to learn the fundamentals of reading and understanding topography maps, using a compass and combining those skills to navigate outdoors. This hands-on class is great for beginners and those looking to refresh their navigation skills. This program will take place primarily outdoors. $18/person.

Stay active and explore the Park District with an Outdoor Recreation School instructor and others who enjoy hiking. We’ll check out a different trail each week, learn a little about navigating trails, Leave No Trace hiking and get to know each other while we hike. Expect variable trail conditions. Locations subject to change; an updated schedule will be provided to registered participants. $95/person.

Explore the Park District and stay active all winter long! Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to check out a different trail each week using whatever equipment the conditions warrant – Nordic walking poles, traction devices, snowshoes and/or kicksleds. Build community with others who enjoy winter hiking and learn a little about dressing for winter activities and navigating trails. Expect variable trail conditions. Locations subject to change – an updated schedule will be provided to registered participants. $110/13 sessions.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School on a geocaching adventure full of Halloween surprises and treats. All ages welcome. $8/person.

Join a naturalist for a walk along the trails. Observe seasonal changes happening across the habitats and landscapes. Bring binoculars if you have them or some will be available to borrow at the park. Drop-ins welcome. Hike departs shortly after 2 p.m. from in front of the visitor center. All ages welcome. Free.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a snowshoe hike led by Outdoor Recreation School instructors. We’ll help you strap on snowshoes and learn how they work before heading off to explore snowy trails and look for wildlife. Our hike will finish as the sun sets on this shortest day of the year. We will hike if no snow. Participants ages 11 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person.