Family Nature + Wellness Fest

Kick off with a family-friendly guided hike, then choose your own adventure from a variety of movement and mindfulness workshops, nature connection programs, and drop-in activities. Connect with 15+ local artisans, vendors, and community exhibitors in our Nature + Wellness Market. Then wrap up the morning with live nature-inspired music and picnic time, as we celebrate the beauty around us at Lake Katherine Nature Center.

This event is presented by the Family Outdoor Adventure Club in partnership with Building Bright Futures, The Do Good Movement, and Gateway Presents.

Info: Kick off the morning with a short guided hike on Lake Katherine’s School Trail Loop for families with kids of all ages. Co-led by certified Forest Therapy Guide & Family Outdoor Adventure Club Founder, Chelsea Hanson and Palos Park Mayor & Wellness Advocate, Nicole Milovich-Walters, this sensory-focused walk invites families to slow down and connect with the natural world through sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Unlimited capacity - all are welcome - including babies in strollers and carriers, and walking toddlers.

Info: A gentle, lakefront Pilates mat class, designed to be safe and supportive for prenatal and postpartum bodies. Focuses on breath, core stability, and restorative movement. No prior Pilates experience needed. Adults only. Babies in strollers welcome. Limited to 25 participants, first come first served.

Info: An active 90-minute outdoor adventure program designed for older kids and teens, ages 10-16. Participants will enjoy a yoga class, guided hike, and kayaking or fishing. Led by Erin Stevenson of The Do Good Movement. No previous experience necessary. This drop-off program has an additional cost of $25 per participant and is limited to 15 participants. Please select this add-on ticket when purchasing family festival tickets.

Info: A playful, welcoming lakefront yoga class for families with young children. Expect kid-friendly poses, breathing exercises, and lots of laughter. No experience necessary — just bring your curiosity! Recommended for kids age 3 and up with an adult. Limited to 25 participants, first come first served.

Info: A grounding mindfulness and wellness workshop for caregivers, led by Kristine Cain, LCPC of Building Bright Futures and Chelsea Hanson, Certified Forest Therapy Guide & Founder of the Family Outdoor Adventure Club. Learn simple tools for finding calm and presence in daily family life, including in nature. Babies in strollers or carriers are welcome; older children can enjoy nearby drop-in activities with another caregiver. This is a great option for parents and caregivers at all stages, including prenatal and parents-to-be. Limited to 25 participants, first come first served.

Info: Get moving with a fun family outdoor fitness class and obstacle course featuring natural elements like logs and tree cookies, led by Matt and Paola Ambrose of O2 Fitness and Nutrition. A high-energy, confidence-building activity for little ones and their grown-ups. Recommended for kids ages 3 and up with an adult. Limited to 25 participants, first come first served.

Info: A total-body workout — strength, cardio, and core — designed for moms, while engaging their little ones in a stroller. Safe for prenatal and postpartum moms. Babies must be in a stroller, carrier, or wagon during the class - no walking children allowed for safety purposes on the trail. Limited to 20 moms, first come first served.

Info: A gentle introduction to the mindful movement practice of Tai Chi, adapted for families, overlooking the lake. Led by Dawn Nader of Elevate Tai Chi, this session guides participants through nature-inspired, flowing movements that build focus, balance, and calm. Recommended for kids ages 5 and up with an adult. Babies in carriers and strollers welcome. Great option for prenatal and postpartum populations. Limited to 25 participants, first come first served.

Info: An uplifting, interactive workshop led by Brittany Stevenson, LCPC of HykeLyfe. Families will explore the power of positive affirmations together through movement, guided reflection, and rock decorating. Recommended for kids age 4 and up with an adult. Babies in carriers and strollers welcome. Limited to 25 participants, first come first served.

Info: Wrap up the morning with a live nature-inspired performance by Miss Angie’s Music. Bring a blanket, a picnic lunch, and/or snacks from the festival market. Enjoy a relaxed, joyful close to the fest for the whole family. Unlimited capacity - all ticketed participants are welcome.

Info: Cozy outdoor reading area and tents with a curated selection of nature and wellness themed books for kids of all ages. Story time sessions at 10:00, 10:30 & 11:00am led by the Palos Heights Library team.

Info: Hands-on nature crafts for kids ages 2-9, led by the Lake Katherine team. Plus water and dirt sensory play stations for littles to explore natural textures and elements.

Info: Meet and learn all about Lake Katherine's resident turtles, and cheer on your favorite contender in our turtle races!

Info: A nurturing indoor space designed for babies and toddlers, featuring a cozy play area plus free developmental screenings and baby carrier checks provided by the occupational therapists at Motivated OT Mama. A perfect pit stop for caregivers with littles in arms!

Info: A welcoming, comfortable space inside the auditorium for nursing and feeding families to take a break and nourish their little one. Hosted by Ruth Jameson PhD, IBCLC of Orland Park Lactation Care. Ruth will be available for questions and informal support throughout the morning. Located adjacent to the Little Sprouts Wellness Nook so your little one can play before or after they eat. All feeding methods and all families welcome.

Info: Outdoor play area with natural materials to climb on, lawn games to explore, and open space to run around. Open all morning. Recommended for ages 2-9 years old with adult supervision.

Info: A gentle drop-in outdoor play space just for infants and toddlers, hosted by children's librarian Sydney Samoska. Stop by to explore nature-themed activities and materials curated for our littlest adventurers.

Info: Explore a vibrant marketplace throughout the morning featuring 15+ local vendors specializing in nature and wellness, including artisans, health experts, and community exhibitors. Along with unique creations and helpful resources, some vendors will also offer light snacks and beverages for purchase. Market access is included in the festival ticket.

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Host or Publisher Family Outdoor Adventure Club (FOAC) - Palos Area