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.

February 22 and March 1.
Maple Syrup Hikes
Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Saturdays February 22 and March 1. Experience the spring thaw on the trails at The Morton Arboretum, and learn about the many gifts of maple trees on a half-mile-long, family-paced hike through the East Woods. Age 4 and older with caregiver. 11:00 a.m. to noon, or 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. $17; $10 member per session. Register online. Learn more...

Saturdays and Sundays February 22 - March 15
Sap's Rising
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. Saturdays and Sundays February 22 - March 15. All ages. 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. FREE. Learn more...

Saturdays and Sundays February 22 - 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 1
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 6 and up. 10:00 am - 11:30 am or noon to 1:30 pm. $14 Learn more...

Saturdays and Sundays March 1-16.
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. Ages 4 and up with adult supervision. Register online for your time slot.. $7 resident, $9 nonresident. Learn more...

March 4,5,6,11,12,13
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. Reserve a time slot. FREE. Learn more...

March 8
Maple Tree Tapping
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. River Forest
Join us on a hike as we discuss the history of tapping. Taste fresh sap and finished syrup after tapping a maple tree. Family program. All ages. 10am. FREE. Learn more...

March 8-9
Maple Fest
Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S River St., Batavia
Join 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. All ages. Saturday 10am - 2pm, Sunday 11am - 2pm. FREE Learn more...

March 15
Sugar Bush Fair
Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
Celebrate spring’s arrival with us! Learn about the history of maple syruping at our demonstration areas and enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast. Breakfast is served under a large, enclosed tent on the grounds of Merkle Cabin, a short walk from the Nature Center. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, beverages and real maple syrup. All ages. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free, Pancake Breakfast: $7.50 in advance or $9 day of (if available) Learn more...