Programs

Join Wildwood and Wonder Stream™ this summer for an adventure rooted in inclusion, exploration, and the natural world. With a combined mission to provide programs and natural experiences for children with developmental delays, mobility needs, speech needs, autism spectrum disorder, sensory needs and more. Each class creates a supportive environment where children can explore, create, and experience joy at their own pace. Led by a trained team of pediatric therapists and Wildwood instructors who understand neurodiversity and individualized support needs, our program ensures every child feels included and valued. With predictable routines, visual schedules, and sensory-friendly spaces, Wonder Stream along with Wildwood Staff will help remove the barriers that often exist in traditional extracurricular activities. Parents can feel confident knowing their child is safely engaging in enriching experiences that foster confidence, connection, curiosity, and a lifelong respect for the natural world. Topics and themes include camping, pond life, birding and hiking, and the animals of Wildwood

Sections & Details

Camp out with your family in the Park District’s backyard, outside at the Wildwood Nature Center. Enjoy a campfire dinner and s’mores on Friday night and breakfast on Saturday morning. After dinner, say hello to the Wildwood critters, borrow a fishing pole and visit the pond, and enjoy a family friendly movie before turning in for the night. Participants are required to bring their own tents and bedding. Fee is per person. Please let us know if you have any dietary concerns/allergies.

Sections & Details

Join us for a fun-filled family event that gets you ready for Halloween. Carve a pumpkin, stuff a scarecrow, jump on a hayride, and enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa around a campfire. All you need to bring is clothes (long sleeve shirt, pants, a hat) to dress up your scarecrow. Register one member of your family for the event. One scarecrow and one pumpkin per registration (if you would like an additional pumpkin, please also register for the Additional Pumpkin code). Please check in at the Wildwood Pavilion. A pumpkin and scarecrow judging contest is held during the last 5 minutes of the evening, and ribbons are awarded. The event will be all outdoors at the Wildwood Pavilion and Campfire Circle, please dress to be outdoors.

Sections & Details

Recycle your pumpkin at the Pumpkin Smash and Bash! Roll your pumpkin down the Centennial Sled Hill in a fun competition that kicks off the event, smash and bash them, then launch them into piles of compost. Go green by helping to clean up the newly smashed pumpkins and learn about composting. Please remove any candles, stickers, and glow sticks before bringing your pumpkin to the event. Event is free, but registration required. When you arrive please check in at the tent.

Sections & Details

Spark the natural curiosity in your “Wild One” as we take in the wonders of the outdoors. Inside our classroom, we'll discover leaves, pumpkins, seeds, and other autumn surprises with sensory play and exploration, stories, and themed activities. Then we'll head out for a nature walk around the pond and prairie, and over to visit the animals in the Nature Center. Dress for a mess. No class October 12, November 23, and November 24.

Sections & Details