Forest Preserves of Cook County Picnic Permit: Rules and Rentals

A forest preserve grove is one of the best-value party spots around Chicago: shade, grass, space for kids and a picnic shelter in some cases. It also has its own rulebook, separate from the Chicago Park District. Everything here comes from the Forest Preserves' published permit policy (November 2024 version). Rules update, so confirm the details with the Forest Preserves before you pay.

Which permit do you need?

The policy lists four request types: Picnic, Special Event, Athletic Event and Special Use. Gatherings that are open to the public, or have routes, vendors, promotions or fundraising, may be classified as a special event, athletic event or other event rather than a picnic. Events with 400 or more attendees are classified as large capacity and must be held in a designated large event area.

Permits go on sale November 15 at 8:00 a.m., online and by phone. If that date falls on a weekend, sales begin the next business day. Events of 400 or more can be booked starting October 15, through the permit application only.

Rules that shape your rental list

• Alcohol. Glass beverage containers are prohibited. Drinking is not allowed on or within 50 feet of any roadway, parking area or entrance. Only not-for-profit organizations can request to sell alcohol, and county and state licenses are required.
• Amplified sound. A DJ or live band is a special use item that needs approval. Special use items may operate between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and no later than one hour before sunset.
• Hours. The preserves are open sunrise to sunset. Permits should end at least 30 minutes before sunset, and groves are cleaned by 10 a.m.
• Vehicles. Driving or parking outside designated roads and lots is prohibited. No parking is guaranteed for permit holders.
• Restrooms. For special events, the basic ratio is one portable restroom per 100 attendees. They must sit 10 feet from the parking curb.
• Insurance. General liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, or $2,000,000 for 1,000 or more attendees.
• Deposits. Security deposits are not required for events with 25 to 399 attendees unless they include special use items.

Rentals at a grove

Here is the part that matters for a rental order. The policy states that permit holders must use an approved vendor for all rented items, and rentals must be in the permit holder's name. Insurance and rental agreements must be in the permit holder's name, and non-approved vendor insurance is not accepted. A rental agreement is required for all rented items for special events. Ask the Forest Preserves for the approved vendor list and requirements before you order tables, chairs or a tent from anyone, including us. We do not claim to be on any approved list.

The Forest Preserves typically provide 8 to 10 tables per grove, but that is not guaranteed, and tables may not be moved. That helps you count: for a 60-person picnic, 8 to 10 provided tables may cover seating at 6 to 8 per table, but check what your grove includes.

Seating that suits a grove

Forest preserves have uneven ground, roots and soft grass. Wide-footed folding chairs hold up better than thin-legged ones. The garden folding chair is the practical option for a big family picnic, and the rattan garden chair works for a smaller, styled gathering. See how many chairs do I need for counts. A cloth that blows off a picnic table is a common frustration, so see our tablecloth size chart and clip anything you use.

Compared with Chicago Park District permits

The Forest Preserves are county land and use their own permits. Inside the city, parks use the Chicago Park District permit. For city streets and large events, see the Chicago special event permit guide. Deposits, refunds and fees differ, so read each policy.

Plan the grove day

We can help count chairs and plan seating that fits a grove's rules. Book a free 15-minute seating call or request a quote with your grove, date and guest count.