Treat Dad to Father’s Day Weekend Forest Preserve Outing

Head to Monee Reservoir or Hidden Lakes Trout Farm on Father’s Day weekend to take advantage of the free fishing days sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which means no fishing license is required. The Forest Preserve will throw in free bait and other treats for dads. Also scheduled are kayaking, late-night fishing, and yoga programs. Here is the lineup…

Illinois Free Fishing Days on Father’s Day Weekend, from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday, June 16, through Sunday, June 18, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources sponsors one weekend each summer to sample fishing without requiring a fishing license, and here’s the bonus – it’s Father’s Day weekend. Dad gets a container of bait on the house and a small gift. House fishing poles are free to rent. Free, all ages.

Free Fishing Days for Father’s Day, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., on Friday, June 16; plus 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., on Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve, Bolingbrook: Fish without a license during the free fishing weekend sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. On Friday, grab a free container of night crawlers. Saturday anglers can pick up a free promo item and, on Sunday, enjoy a free tasty treat – candy, chips, or ice cream. Dads who visit the Tackle Box on Sunday will get any of the above-mentioned items. Fishing poles are available to rent for free, courtesy of IDNR. Free, all ages.

Kayak Kollege, from 6-8 p.m., Friday, June 16, McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove, Channahon: Learn the sport of kayaking, including basic instruction and safety. No previous experience is required. This program takes place on a slow-moving river, with all equipment provided. Ages 14 or older; $35 per person. Register by June 15.

Tic-Tac-Go, from June 17 to July 30, at two locations – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesdays to Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, at Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township; plus from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesdays to Sundays, at Monee Reservoir, Monee Township: Visit each site weekly to complete activities tied to each of the six weekly themes and turn it in to collect a prize and earn a raffle entry. Participants who return four or more completed activity sheets receive a special prize, and a few lucky adventurers will win raffle baskets at the end of the program’s run. Winners will be drawn at National Night Out on August 1 at Monee Reservoir.

Midnight Madness, from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 17, plus 6 p.m. to midnight, Friday, July 7, at Monee Reservoir, Monee Township: The gates will stay open until midnight for nighttime fishing. Let the kids stay up late and bring the family to enjoy fishing under the stars. Anglers are encouraged to bring a flashlight and bug repellent. The concessions building will be open for sales; no boats or equipment rentals will be available. Free, all ages.

Happy Mornings Yoga and Hike, from 9-10:30 a.m., Sunday, June 18, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: This outdoor program includes 35-to-45 minutes of all-levels of yoga and a 35-to-45 minute hike along scenic trails. Bring a yoga mat, water, and comfortable hiking shoes. Free, ages 14 or older. Register by June 17.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.