Homeschool benefits and savings in Channahon
The Forest Preserve District of Will County runs free, naturalist-led Homeschool Days at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. The next one is Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., with a session for ages 5-10 and one for ages 11-18; register by November 10.
Who qualifies
Is homeschooled and the right age
The Day and Night session is for elementary-aged homeschoolers ages 5-10. The Diurnal and Nocturnal session is for middle and high schoolers ages 11-18.
Registers in advance
Register each child online or by phone at 815-722-9470 by Tuesday, November 10.
Comes with an adult
These are not drop-off programs. Adults and chaperones do not register but must stay for the whole program.
What the program offers
The terms come from the District's two November 12, 2026 Homeschool Day event pages.
- Program fee
- Free
- Length
- 90 minutes
- Day and Night session
- Ages 5-10
- Diurnal and Nocturnal session
- Ages 11-18
- Adult registration
- Not needed
Both event pages also mention McKinley Woods, Kerry Sheridan Grove, in the description, so confirm the meeting spot when you register.
How to sign up
- By November 10, 2026
Register
Use the Register Online link on the event page or call 815-722-9470. Pick the session that matches your child's age.
- November 12, 10:00 a.m.
Arrive at Four Rivers
Come to Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane in Channahon, with an adult who stays for the program.
- Through the year
Watch for the next date
Filter the District's event calendar by Homeschooling to see upcoming homeschool programs at Four Rivers and other sites.
What it includes
Included
- Naturalist-led field trip
- Separate sessions for elementary and teen homeschoolers
- Adult chaperones at no cost
Not included
- Drop-off attendance
- Walk-ins without registration
Good to know
Homeschool Day meets at Four Rivers
You meet at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane in Channahon; confirm the spot when you register.
Only children register
Adults and chaperones do not register, but one must be present for the whole program.
Lessons compare day and night
The younger group explores what it takes to succeed as an early bird or a night owl, and the older group looks at what helps animals and plants succeed during the day and at night.
Who to contact about Homeschool Day
District staff take phone registrations and answer questions about Homeschool Days. Four Rivers is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
815-722-9470 Event page and registration
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Illinois
You do not have to file a homeschool notice.
Illinois sets these rules:
- Subjects: Teach language arts, math, biological, physical, and social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health, in English, at least at public-school level.
- Testing: Illinois does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: Illinois does not require homeschool records.
- Teachers: The instructor must be competent; no state teaching certificate is required.
Read the Illinois homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Illinois
Questions parents ask
- Are there other homeschool programs in Will County?
- Yes. On November 3, 2026, Isle a la Cache Museum offers two free programs for homeschool and remote learners ages 7-12, with registration required and a chaperone present.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Put eligible education funds toward a curriculum that teaches the courses and grades the work. Check the program’s purchasing rules before paying.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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