Guided Hikes

Turtles, and lizards and snakes! Oh My! Join our Naturalists as we learn about the scaley friends that call Illinois home! We will learn who lives here, where they live, and what makes them so unique. We may even be able to find some out in the Nature Preserve. All ages welcome. Advance registration is required. Please email kparke@peoriaparks.org ahead of time with questions or concerns. Fees are $5 per person or FREE for FPNC… Read Full Post

As the day winds down and longer shadows blanket the forest floor, join us for a mindful walk in the woods. We will slow our pace and use our senses to fully experience the forest as it transitions to night. We will use mindful techniques to engage with the nature around us. This is an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and nurture mindfulness. Please register for this program. This is for Forest Park Members… Read Full Post

If you drink coffee, and also want to help birds, Peoria Audubon suggests coffee with 'Bird Friendly' certification - the only coffee certification that addresses the biodiversity of the coffee plantation! Taste some Bird Friendly coffee and enjoy watching birds at Forest Park with folks from Peoria Audubon. You can learn more about this certification at the Peoria Audubon meeting at the Forest Park Nature Center on September 10th at 7pm. For those 13+. Free;… Read Full Post

Connect with other men who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and forging new connections. We'll meet at Ancient Oaks Day Camp building at Sommer Farm. This hike will last about an hour. Afterward, gather by the fire to swap stories and build camaraderie. Please register for this program. For men 21 years old and older. Welcoming Walks are Free!

Spend a morning cleaning up trash along the Illinois River shores, making a tangible impact in our community! Volunteers will be assigned to a specific site along the Illinois River. This project is made possible by American Water Charitable Foundation's 2025 Water and Environment Grant. Sign up to volunteer here!

Join us for a 2-mile moderate level hike designed to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies! Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking to enjoy nature in a supportive space, this walk is a great way to connect, explore, and relax. Bring water, appropriate hiking gear, sun protection, closed toed shoes, etc. Please preregister for this program. For those 18+. Welcoming Walks are Free.

Yellow, red, orange, purple… this time of year the forest turns into a beautiful kaleidoscope of color! Join our naturalists on a family friendly walk in the woods as we admire the natural beauty of the Autumn Woodland. Registration is required. All ages welcome. $5/Person; Members are Free

Explore Mark Coleman's A Field Guide to Nature Meditation: 52 Mindfulness Practices for Joy, Wisdom and Wonder, and discover how to meditate outdoors with a book discussion and mindfulness practices. The goal is to have the book read before the date of the class. We will discuss the book and then experience practical, guided nature-based meditation activities inspired by the book. Cultivate well-being, joy, and peace by connecting with nature through mindful awareness. Beginners and… Read Full Post

Are you interested in learning more about the birds that migrate through Peoria? Are you wanting to learn about nature and birds? Are you a beginning birder? Then Migratory Bird Hikes are for you. Everyone is welcome to attend Migratory Bird Hikes, from nature lovers, to photographers and birders. Programs will meet at the Forest Park Nature Center building with a quick introduction. Bring your binoculars, water, hiking clothes etc. In addition, binoculars will be… Read Full Post