March is Maple Syrup Time

Posted: March 01, 2023

March is Maple Syrup tapping time, and these upcoming events will help your kids understand how the process works.. and let them get a taste as well! 

March 4
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 sweet syrup. Register online or call. Ages 6 and up. 10-11am or 11:30-12:30pm. $12. Learn more...

March 4 and 11
Maple Tapping Hikes
Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Saturdays March 4 and 11. Explore seasonal themes on guided, family-paced hikes through The Morton Arboretum’s diverse tree collections. Participants will hone their observation skills as they discover how trees support humans, animals, and other plants. Themes and locations visited change monthly. In March, discover (and taste!) the fascinating cultural and natural history of maple trees during a maple tapping hike in the Arboretum’s East Woods. $10 member $17 guest. Learn more...

March 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26
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, watch sap thicken over the fire, and try a taste of real maple syrup. All ages. The program is free, but there’s a suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. No registration. Saturdays and Sundays March 4-26. Questions? Call 630-876-5900. All ages. 1-4pm. $5 donation. 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 4-5, 11-12, 18-9
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! Registration required. Saturdays and Sundays March 4-19. All ages. 12-3pm. $6 over 4, ages 3 and under free. Learn more...

March 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Sap's Rising
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
March 4-5, 11-12 and 18. Walk in the sugar maple forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. Registration required. All ages. 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. FREE. Learn more...

March 11
Maple Tree Tapping
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. River Forest
Join us on a short hike as we discuss the history of tapping and tap a maple tree to taste some fresh sap as well as finished syrup. Family program. Registration required. All ages. 2pm. FREE. Learn more...

March 18-19
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 trails to learn some of the histories behind how this delicious product was made throughout the years before ending with a scrumptious tasting! Additional refreshments will be available for purchase. Everyone 3 years and up must have a ticket for entry to their timed presentation. All ages. Saturday 9am - 1pm, Sunday 11am - 2pm. FREE Learn more...

March 19
Sugar Bush Fair
Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
Spring Valley's popular celebration of spring's arrival is back! Learn about the history of maple syruping at our demonstration areas, view historic re-enactments and enjoy one of the best breakfasts around including pancakes, sausage, beverages and real maple syrup served under a large enclosed tent located near the Merkle Cabin, a short walk from the Nature Center. All ages. 9am - noon. Free, pancake breakfast $6.50/in advance or $8/day-of (if available). Learn more...