Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time for the delicious tradition of maple sugaring! There are some incredible local destinations that offer fantastic opportunities for kids to learn about how maple sap transforms into syrup. From tapping demonstrations to pancake breakfasts, there's a maple sugaring adventure waiting for every family. See our suggestions below and discover where you can experience the magic of maple sugaring.

Saturdays and Sundays February 21 - March 14
Sap's Rising
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Walk through the sugar maple forest and learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. All ages. Saturdays and Sundays February 21 - March 14. 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. FREE. Learn more...

Saturdays and Sundays February 21, 28 and March 1
Maple Sugaring
Kline Creek Farm, County Farm Rd., West Chicago
Discover how sap becomes syrup as you try tapping with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, and watch sap thicken over the fire. Suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. All ages. Free. No registration. Learn more...

March 7
Maple Syrup Harvest
The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave West, Highland Park
Discover the sweet sugar from our maple trees. Take a short hike to learn about how to identify the right tree, know when trees are ready, how to tap a tree and the process of making the sweet syrup. Enjoy a delicious tasting of maple syrups and pancakes to enjoy by the fire. Ages 2 and up. 10:00 am - 11:30 am or noon to 1:30 pm. $14 Learn more...

Saturdays and Sundays March 7-26.
Maple Syrup Hikes
Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods Rd. south of Half Day Rd., Riverwoods
Learn how trees work and about the sweet science of maple syrup during this family program at Ryerson Woods. Everyone gets a taste of local syrup. Register soon, this popular program fills fast! Register online for your time slot. $7 resident, $9 nonresident. Learn more...

March 7, 8 & March 14, 15
Festival of the Sugar Maples
Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo
The flowing of the maple sap is a sure sign that spring is just around the corner! Take this unique opportunity to learn the fascinating history of maple sugaring and the evolution of the sap collection process. Tours last approximately one hour and involve a half-mile hike through a snowy woodland trail. All ages. Drop in from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. FREE. Learn more...

March 8
Maple Tree Tapping
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. River Forest
Enjoy a short walk and watch a maple tree tapping demonstration. All ages. 10am. FREE. Registration required. Learn more...

March 8-9
Maple Fest
Maple Fest is our annual tradition of turning Maple sap into Maple syrup! After a short indoor presentation, head out onto the wood chipped trails to learn some of the history behind how this delicious product was made throughout the years before ending with a delicious tasting! Additional refreshments and maple-themed items will be available for purchase. Everyone 3 years and up must have a ticket for entry to their timed presentation. Saturday 10am - 3pm, Sunday 11am - 3pm. $5 Learn more...

March 14
Sugar Bush Fair
Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
Sugar Bush Fair is our beloved 2-day celebration of spring and the time-honored tradition of maple sugaring! Discover how Native Americans of the eastern woodlands introduced the art of maple syrup making, and see the process in action. A wagon shuttle will be available to transport guests between the breakfast area and the Nature Center. All ages. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. FREE. Breakfast tickets available online for a fee. Learn more...