Kish Kids Outside

06/20/2026

More daylight = more time to explore! ☀️Happy Summer Solstice weekend, explorers!

06/19/2026

It's almost time for Nature Explorers Camp (formerly Camp Russell Woods)! Offered through University of Illinois Extension in partnership with DeKalb County Forest Preserve. The camp is led by 4-H Youth Development professionals. The first camp of the year starts on June 22. Learn more about the program in our 2025 Impact Report 🔗 go.illinois.edu/2025ImpactReport

06/17/2026

Unexpected finds, new places, and cool discoveries 🍃pineapple mint sounds amazing! Haven’t joined yet? Start exploring at kishkidsoutside.org

06/14/2026

Tomorrow’s the day 🌿Passport to Nature launches at 8:00 AM!

This summer:
-Explore over 50 missions
-Earn points (5, 10, or 15 each)
-Bonus special event points
-Reach 200 points to earn an awesome sticker

No prep needed—just get outside

This is a pilot experience, we’d love your ideas, your feedback, and your energy as this grows.

Start tomorrow at: kishkidsoutside.org

Let’s explore, discover, and enjoy nature more than ever this summer

06/08/2026

🏕️ June is National Camping Month, the perfect excuse to unplug, get outside, and make some memories under the open sky!

Whether you're pitching a tent for the weekend, roasting marshmallows around a campfire, or simply enjoying a day at your favorite local park, camping offers a chance to slow down, explore, and connect with nature.

From the archives: this Turner Propane Camp Stove, manufactured by Turner Brass right here in Sycamore, is a reminder that outdoor adventure has long been part of our local story. Generations of families have packed up their gear and headed outdoors, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Looking for inspiration to get outside this summer? Be sure to check out our Out & About app to discover county-wide adventures or explore Kish Kids Outside, a community initiative that encourages children and families to discover the parks, trails, and natural spaces that make DeKalb County such a wonderful place to explore. AND they are launching a NEW Nature Passport in one week on Monday, June 15!

Where is your favorite camping spot? Share it in the comments! ⛺🌲

06/07/2026

Every year on the first Saturday in June, communities across the country step outside to celebrate the trails that connect us—to nature, to each other, and to the places we call home.

National Trails Day 🥾 began in the early 1990s as a way to highlight the importance of trails—not just for recreation, but for care, access, and stewardship.

Because trails don’t just happen—they’re built, maintained, and protected by people who care.

Whether it’s a short walk near home or a favorite forest path, every time we step onto a trail, we’re part of that story.

This year, you can take it one step further:
Commit to leaving the trails just a little better than you found them.

Take the National Trails Day Pledge at americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/ (and enter for a chance to win some cool prizes!)

Small choices—staying on the path, picking up litter, noticing what’s around you—add up over time and keep these spaces open and welcoming for everyone.

06/05/2026

Illinois state parks are inviting people to share their passion for the outdoors by getting outdoors for a hike on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 6!

IDNR will host hikes at four locations across the state, offering a variety of experiences including self-guided outings, interpretive hikes and a trail challenge scavenger hunt. Those who complete a hike will earn a special patch inspired “Hiked It and Liked It” sticker.

Special National Trails Day hikes at Illinois state parks on Saturday, June 6 include:

🥾Hiking Boot Challenge
Giant City State Park, Jackson County
Each of the park’s seven hiking trails – ranging in distance from one-third mile to 2 miles – will have a hidden “hiking boot.” Walk just two of the seven trails and take a selfie at each of the boots. Upon completion of the challenge, hikers can head to the visitor center between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., show their selfies to a staff member or volunteer, and earn a special sticker.

🥾Self-guided hike
Lincoln Trail State Park, Clark County
Discover the natural beauty of Lincoln Trail State Park on a self-guided hike at your own pace.

🥾Guided bog tours
Volo Bog State Natural Area, Lake County
Tours, beginning at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., are limited to 10 participants per group because of the nature of the floating boardwalk. Registration is required by emailing [email protected].

🥾Guided hike
McHenry Dam, McHenry County
At 10 a.m., join a guided two-mile hike at McHenry Dam, where scenic river views and local history come together. Registration is required by emailing [email protected].

For more information, visithttps://www.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/illinois/iisnewsattachments/32583-060226-dnr-national-trails-day-hikes-002.pdf.pdf

06/05/2026

🌿 Pre-sign up is open!
We’re excited to launch our Passport to Nature, a free, family-friendly summer adventure designed to help you explore local parks, trails, and nature spaces together.
From June 15 to September 15, families will complete fun outdoor missions, discover new places, and spend more time outside—at your own pace.
📱 Play using the Goosechase app
🌲 Explore spots across the county and your yard and neighborhood
🏅 Earn points, stickers, and raffle entries
Learn more at

Kish Kids Outside provides resources, networking, advocacy, and support for connecting children to nature in our community.