Treat dad to a forest preserve outing for Father’s Day weekend

Two Forest Preserve District of Will County lakes will host special fishing programs to celebrate Father’s Day weekend, which coincides with the annual free fishing weekend sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The programs are scheduled for Monee Reservoir in Monee Township and Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook. (Forest Preserve District photo)

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 – Father’s Day Weekend: 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: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, June 16, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 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: 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. All equipment is provided. Ages 14 or older; $35 per person. Register by June 15.

Tic-Tac-Go: June 17-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; and 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 Aug. 1 at Monee Reservoir.

Midnight Madness: 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 17, and 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: 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 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.