Chicago Southland venues are optimal for hosting families of all sizes and for all occasions with one-of-a-kind amenities
Chicago Southland venues provide numerous opportunities for families to gather and celebrate special occasions. Outdoor areas like colorful botanic gardens and a number of nature centers are prime locations to host a reunion. Gather the family for experiential adventures that will rouse curiosity in all ages.
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Sand Ridge Nature Center
Owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Sand Ridge Nature Center emphasizes the natural history of the Calumet region. Enjoy public programs, special events, live animals, interactive interpretive displays, and 3.75 miles of self-guiding hiking trails through diverse habitats. Sand Ridge has four walking trails that meander through prairies, oak savannas and woodlands on ancient beaches and dunes, marshes and ponds. Green Lake boasts great fishing opportunities while Green Lake Family Aquatic Center provides a place to cool off in the summer with water slides and a lazy river.
Tranquility and natural attractions bring groups to Sand Ridge Nature Center
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Garden
Lake Katherine offers room for everyone to gather at this serene outdoor Chicago Southland venue.
Lake Katherine is a Chicago Southland venue with a nature center as well as an auditorium and rental hall. Lake Katherine consists of 158 acres, including the Calumet-Sag Canal, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, 20-acre Lake Katherine, Navajo Creek, a waterfall, forested areas, prairies, an arboretum, and a wetland restoration project. Private events can be hosted at several locations throughout the property. Choices include the E.G. Simpson Clubhouse serving as a banquet facility with a large balcony overlooking beautiful 136-acre Lake Katherine. The Brigid O’Malley Auditorium fits up to 130 guests and is available for any occasion. It’s also conveniently connected to the Nature Center. Hold outdoor gatherings with the Anniversary Garden, School House Arch and Waterfall as stunning and timeless backdrops.
Lake Katherine Nature Center is a phenomenal venue to host a private event
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center
Chicago Southland venues like Irons Oaks provides fun team building activities for your group.
Irons Oaks is a 38-acre nature preserve offering programs in environmental education, adventure education, corporate training and outdoor recreation. A Climbing Wall provides safe thrills while Crate Climbing combines a blend of concentration, balance and teamwork to stack milk crates and climb to the top. A High Ropes Course challenges groups with adrenaline-pumping tests of feet on the 35-foot-high ropes obstacle course. Hiking trails are open daily. Nature programs offer hands-on learning experiences for children, incorporating nature games and scavenger hunts with Illinois biodiversity and forest exploration. Facility rentals include the Irons Oaks Room with a seating capacity for 80 people, the Discovery Center with space for 60 guests, and an outdoor tent options with a campfire for 100 guests.
Host your family reunion at one of Irons Oaks facilities
Monee Reservoir & Visitor Center
Kayaking with your group on Monee Reservoir is a fun way to get out on the water and soak up the sun. Photo credit: Suzy Lyttle
Monee Reservoir offers groups many outdoor recreation opportunities for education, recreation and leisure. The reservoir comprises a 46-acre fishing lake with free shoreline fishing available. Boat rental allows on-water fishing and other aquatic adventures. Rent pedalboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks and trolling motors right onsite. Other amenities include hiking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, picnicking and geocaching. Groups of 25 of more must obtain a special use permit to ensure no overcrowding of conflicting schedules.
Enjoy a group outing at Monee Reservoir
Plum Creek Nature Center
An educational and recreational facility featuring hands-on exhibits and interactive play elements, Plum Creek Nature Center offers something fascinating for everyone. Family programs are offered throughout the year and range from nature walks and bird-watching to camping and youth group programs. Picnic facilities and camping by reservation are also available. Amenities include ice skating, horseback riding, hiking, running, camping, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more. Groups are required to obtain a special use permit for parties larger than 25 people. Other permits required include pet permits, camping permits and picnic permits so that everyone can enjoy the uncrowded wilderness.
Get your adventure on at Plum Creek Nature Center
Contact Chicago Southland to Learn More and discover more family reunion-worthy locations when you subscribe for FREE to Destination Reunions today.
