Willy's Wilderness

Willy's Wilderness Willy's Wilderness is a nature website for kids (and their parents).

Many creatures crawl, fly and wiggle through nature, but not all of them are insects. Here's your chance to learn what m...
06/12/2026

Many creatures crawl, fly and wiggle through nature, but not all of them are insects. Here's your chance to learn what makes an insect an insect and then put your knowledge to the test with creatures like earthworms, fireflies and more.

Think you know an insect when you see one? Learn what makes an insect an insect, then test your skills with earthworms, spiders, praying mantises and fireflies.

Do the birds wake you up in the morning? Learn why they start singing their melodies even before the sun rises.
06/10/2026

Do the birds wake you up in the morning? Learn why they start singing their melodies even before the sun rises.

Birds sing early in the morning in what’s called the dawn chorus, mostly to attract mates and claim territory. Mornings are quieter and safer, helping their songs carry farther. Studies show birds improve their singing as the day goes on, suggesting morning songs are like vocal warmups. While male...

You may see cottontail rabbits in your yard, but how much do you really know about them? Find out where they live, what ...
06/09/2026

You may see cottontail rabbits in your yard, but how much do you really know about them? Find out where they live, what they eat and what eats them and why they play such an important role in nature.

Learn fun facts about cottontail rabbits, including where they live, how many babies they have and why they are important to Illinois ecosystems.

Ladybugs don't start their lives looking like this. Like butterflies and frogs, they go through a metamorphosis that bri...
06/05/2026

Ladybugs don't start their lives looking like this. Like butterflies and frogs, they go through a metamorphosis that brings them from a tiny egg to the iconic insects we know and love.

Discover the surprising stages of ladybug metamorphosis, from tiny yellow eggs to helpful garden heroes.

Looking for a fun craft you can do outdoors? Try making a colorful pinwheel. Follow our step-by-step instructions and se...
06/03/2026

Looking for a fun craft you can do outdoors? Try making a colorful pinwheel. Follow our step-by-step instructions and see where the breeze takes you.

Make a fun, colorful pinwheel using paper, scissors, a tack, and a straw or pencil. Cut a square, mark the center, draw and cut lines from corners to the middle, fold in every other corner, and secure with a pin. Attach it to a straw or pencil, then watch it spin in the summer breeze!

Get ready to hit the trail on two wheels! But before you ride, take a few minutes to learn some important bike safety ti...
06/02/2026

Get ready to hit the trail on two wheels! But before you ride, take a few minutes to learn some important bike safety tips. From wearing a helmet to following trail rules, simple steps can make your outdoor adventures safe and fun.

Before pedaling your way through the preserves, make sure you are ready to ride safely. Discover easy bike safety tips that help kids enjoy outdoor adventures with confidence.

You may have heard of flying squirrels, but how about flying snakes? Like flying squirrels, flying reptiles don't really...
05/29/2026

You may have heard of flying squirrels, but how about flying snakes? Like flying squirrels, flying reptiles don't really fly. They can glide through the air and even steer while soaring between trees.

Flying snakes don't really fly, they glide. Discover how paradise tree snakes soar through the forests of Asia and what makes them one of nature's most surprising reptiles.

Have you ever spotted eyes glowing at you in the dark?
05/27/2026

Have you ever spotted eyes glowing at you in the dark?

Eyeshine is the glow you see in some animals’ eyes at night, caused by a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum. It helps nocturnal and crepuscular animals like deer, foxes, and cats see better in low light. Eyeshine can appear in different colors depending on the animal and angle. Humans and...

Meet the four Blanding's turtles of Isle a la Cache and learn what life is like for them inside their tank.
05/22/2026

Meet the four Blanding's turtles of Isle a la Cache and learn what life is like for them inside their tank.

Get to the know the endangered turtles that live at Isle a la Cache Museum.

Mallards are the ducks many people are most familiar with because they see them at ponds and parks. Learn fun facts abo...
05/21/2026

Mallards are the ducks many people are most familiar with because they see them at ponds and parks. Learn fun facts about mallards, from their colorful feathers to the sounds they make.

Mallards are the most common duck in North America. Males are colorful with green heads, while females are brown and mottled. Only females quack. Mallards are dabbling ducks, feeding at the water’s surface. Ducklings can swim hours after hatching and fly by 50 days. Some migrate, others don’t. T...

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17540 W. Laraway Road
Joliet, IL
60431

Telephone

(815) 727-8700

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