Explore River Forest, IL

Our mission is to bring the community closer together by providing meaningful and safe recreational experiences. Through the acquisition, development, management, and preservation of parks and open spaces, we strive to make the community a more enjoyable place to live. We understand the importance of green spaces and parks in our community and are dedicated to their preservation and enhancement. We are committed to providing our residents with a wide variety of recreational activities to choose from. From playgrounds and sports fields to trails and nature centers, we strive to make recreation an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all ages. Our goal is to create a vibrant and healthy community for all. We believe that by providing safe, fun, and meaningful recreation opportunities, we can make River Forest a better place to live and work. We are dedicated to the ongoing enrichment of our parks, open spaces, and recreational opportunities, and we invite you to join us in making River Forest a more vibrant and enjoyable place to live.

Oak Park Tennis Center is the perfect place to get your game on! With ten lighted courts, a pro court with a ball machine, and a full-service pro shop, you can find all the equipment and gear you need to get started. But that's not all—there's also a clubhouse, clean restrooms, and showers for after your match. The City of Stockton owns and built Oak Park Tennis Center and recently appointed Antwan Graves as the Director of Tennis. He oversees the center and ensures it runs smoothly. Along with the facilities, there's also inter-club competition for those looking for some friendly competition. Oak Park Tennis Center is the perfect place for anyone looking to take up or improve their game. With ten lighted courts, a full-service pro shop, a clubhouse, clean restrooms, and showers, it has everything you need! Plus, with Antwan Graves as the Director of Tennis and inter-club competition, your tennis skills will really take off!

At My Gym, we strive to create an environment where children can grow and learn through movement and play. Our program is designed to nurture children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Through our carefully crafted activities, we help children gain strength, agility, and coordination, as well as the confidence to explore and try new things. We’re here to help children reach milestones and light up the room with their accomplishments.

More than 70,000 acres of land make up the Forest Preserves of Cook County, an incredible space that's been around for over a century. It's an incredible resource for Cook County residents, providing a home to rare plants and animals, as well as plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. With 62 million visits each year, the Forest Preserves of Cook County are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From camping and fishing to biking and bird-watching, there's something for everyone. The Forest Preserves of Cook County are an incredible asset to our community, providing a unique way for us to experience nature and the outdoors. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll in the woods or an afternoon of fishing, you can find it all here. Not only that, but the forest preserves are also helping to keep our air and water clean, making them an important part of our environment. With so much to enjoy, the Forest Preserves of Cook County are a place where families can come together and create lasting memories.

We firmly believe that when kids are given the opportunity to create something with their own hands, they develop a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and joy. Our mission is to nurture the creative spirit in all children. We believe that when kids get involved in making, they gain confidence and develop a deep appreciation for the process of creation. The Little Bits Workshop team is dedicated to helping kids of all ages unlock their potential and create something new. We challenge them to think outside the box and use their imagination to create something truly unique. Our goal is to give kids the tools to not only create something but to truly understand the process and become lifelong makers.

Since 1905, the River Forest Tennis Club has been a beloved summer destination for the local community. With 10 clay courts, a collegiate sized swimming pool, and a wide expanse of lawn, the outdoor club is the perfect place to enjoy some time away from home. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the clubhouse, which serves as a gathering spot for summer dinners and entertainment. From May through mid-October, the RFTC celebrates the fellowship of neighbors, friends, and generations past through its family-oriented, athletic, and social activities. Members can look forward to a summer of fun and relaxation with lasting memories at the River Forest Tennis Club.

In the summer of 1913, River Forest residents voted in favor of establishing a Park District to provide small parks and recreation grounds for their growing village. The election saw 395 votes in favor and 249 against. Judge John E. Owens canvassed the election and the District was officially established, with Robert L. Benson elected as the first Board president. Since then, the Park District has seen tremendous growth, both in terms of park acquisition and development projects, and in its variety of programming opportunities for children, teens, and adults.