Tap into fun at Chicagoland’s best maple sugaring events

As winter melts away and the first signs of spring emerge, March brings a special treat to Chicagoland: maple syrup season! This time of year offers the perfect opportunity to discover the fascinating process behind this sweet tradition. Did you know it takes 30-40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup?

Celebrate the season with a variety of maple syrup events in Chicago, many hosted by nature centers across the area. Whether you’re hiking through maple forests, learning about the syrup-making process or sampling the final product, these events are sure to be a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Check out some of our top picks below, and don’t forget to visit our calendar for the most up-to-date list of events!

Maple sugaring events in Chicagoland

Sap’s Rising at River Trail Nature Center

Feb. 21, 22, 28; March 1, 2026

• Address: 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
• Cost: Free

Walk in the sugar maple forest at River Trail Nature Center to learn about the sweet process of maple syrup making. Registration required.

Maple Sugaring at Kline Creek Farm

Feb. 21, 28; March 1, 2026

• Address: 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
• Cost: $5/suggested donation for ages 3-plus

Using tools from the 1890s, experts demonstrate how to tap a tree, check collection buckets and thicken sap over the fire. For ages 3 and up. No registration required.

Maple Syrup Harvest at The Preserve of Highland Park

March 7, 2026

• Address: 1207 Park Ave. W, Highland Park
• Cost: $14/participant

Hear how maple syrup was discovered and made. Enjoy hands-on maple tapping, syrup-making demonstrations and a pancake breakfast. For ages 2 and up. Registration required.

Maple Syrup Hike at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

March 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22, 26, 2026

• Address: 21950 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield
• Cost: $7/ages 4-plus resident, $9/ages 4-plus non-resident, free/under 3

Learn how trees produce the sweet sap of sugar maples. Everyone gets a taste of the syrup. Dress for the weather. Registration required. 

Maple Fest at Red Oak Nature Center

March 7-8, 2026

• Address: 2343 S. River St., Batavia
• Cost: $5

Enjoy a short presentation on maple trees before heading out into the woods for a short hike to learn how people through the years have tapped maple trees and collected the delicious treat. Advanced registration is required for all participants ages 3 years and up.

Sugar Bush Fair at Merkle Cabin at Spring Valley

March 14, 2026

• Address: 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
• Cost: Free admission; Pancake breakfast: $8/advanced registrants, $10/at the door (if available)

Fill your plates with pancakes and sausage and learn about the longtime practice of making maple syrup. A limited number of breakfasts will be served each morning. Pre-registration is recommended because the event sells out fast. 

Maple Syrup Festival at River Trail Nature Center

March 15, 2026

• Address: 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
• Cost: Free

Celebrate the arrival of spring with tree tapping, maple syrup history, crafts, games and more.

Spring Break Syruping at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

March 26, 2026

• Address: 21950 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield
• Cost: $7/ages 4-plus resident, $9/ages 4-plus non-resident, free/under 3

Enjoy a weekday Maple Syrup Hike to learn how trees produce the sweet sap of sugar maples. You’ll receive a taste afterwards. Registration required. 

This article was updated on Feb. 9, 2026, by Chicago Parent writers. The update added new maple sugaring events and updated annual family-friendly maple sugaring events. 

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