Best Family-Friendly Nature Walks Around Chicago

Sarah D. said:  Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has 14 trail systems offering incredible views of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes. The vast network features varying levels of difficulty from easy to rugged. Upparent recommends the Calument Dunes Trail System for its accessibility - a paved, .5 mile trail with easy access to parking and benches along the way.

Sarah D. said:  The trails at Sand Ridge Nature Center offer paved and upaved paths that traverse Illinois prairies, oak savannas, woodlands, sand dunes, and wetlands. With easy access to the trails from the Nature Center parking lot, this hiking adventure will be easy for kids of all ages. The Nature Center itself offers wildlife educational exhibits and cultural history exhibits on the Calumet area. Check out the Center's upcoming events to make the most of your family's hike!

Sarah D. said:  The Thorn Creek Trail at Sauk Trail Woods is 3.5 miles of paved paths forming a loop around the Sauk Trail Lake. The forest preserve is set along the Great Sauk Trail, known to locals as a 400-mile American Indian thoroughfare stretching along southern cook county. With plenty of parking for easy access to the trail, as well as picnic areas around the route, this southernmost stretch of the Thorn Creek Trail is an easy trek for families.

Sarah D. said:  Daniel Burnham is an historic Chicago architect, made famous for convincing the city to preserve the lake front for the people. The Burnham Wildlife Corridor is aptly named as a tribute to Burnham for his foresight. The Corridor (an expanse located at Burnham Park and connecting to the Lakefront Trail ) stretches through a 100-acre area of urban wilderness home to migratory birds and other wildlife. The Corridor is also home to spaces to be cultivated by teams of local artists and community-based organizations from the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods.

Sarah D. said:  The trails at Jackson Park offer paved paths through 5 natural habitats across woodlands, prairie, savanna, lagoon, and dunes. These multipurpose trails traverse Wooded Island and offer stunning views of the Jackson Park Lagoon, Lake Michigan, and wildlife of the park. Jackson Park is renowned for the presence of migratory birds and links up to Chicago's famous Lakefront Trail. While you're there, be sure to stop by the Museum of Science and Industry, which offers free admission on select days throughout the year.

Sarah D. said:  Northerly Island trails are an extension of the museum campus and Chicago's famous Lakefront Trail. These paved, pristine trails traverse a hilly, lakefront expanse of Illinois prairie and savanna that form a peninsula out into Lake Michigan. Renowned for the presence of migratory birds, Northerly Island is a sanctuary along the shoreline of a bustling city. With easy access via an on-site lot, this sanctuary is the perfect place to spend time in nature.

Sarah D. said:  The Chicago Riverwalk is a world-class tour through Chicago's famous "Loop" along the Chicago River. This paved pathway is frequented by walkers and boaters from all over the world. The stretch of riverfront extends from the lake inland below street level but with access points for strollers and wheelchairs. The Riverwalk is a great place to walk, eat, and play! This is a must-see for family-friendly outdoor walking fun!

Sarah D. said:  The Nature Boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo is an oasis in the concrete jungle. This beautiful expanse in Lincoln Park stretches through Illinois prairie and wetland ecosystems with half a mile of boardwalk. The trail can be found at the southernmost end of the Lincoln Park Zoo and provides an educational experience for visitors including seasonal presentations. This trail provides access to the famous Chicago Lakefront Trail and North Avenue Beach.

Sarah D. said:  Wolfe Wildlife Refuge offers paved paths through natural wetlands rife with wildlife. Many animals, including endangered species, can be found within the refuge. With a playground, a tot lot, picnic areas and outdoor sports (volleyball, basketball), the refuge is the perfect place to while away the day in nature with all the members of your family!

Sarah Calamita said:  The 606 is Chicagos's form of NYC's High Line. It's in a fun, trendy neighborhood with lots of stores and restaurants. Take the blue line to Damen (or hop in a cab) and get on the 606 at Damen Ave. A really great walk, bike, scooter in a fun green space!

Sarah D. said:  This incredible park district space sits on 9.1 acres of land and houses a beautifully paved path that winds through amenities designed specifically for children! The path offers pond fishing, benches and scenic vistas, along with restrooms and ample free parking. And when your little ones tire from the nature walk, bring them to the rocket-themed park or the space-themed splash pad at the Memorial Park Children's Pool.

Sarah D. said:  The trails at West Ridge Nature Preserve offer paved, easy strolls through a green oasis right in Chicago. But, these trails get an Upparent nod for the number of family friendly events and activities that make an ordinary walk in nature, an extraordinary day outside for the whole family! With opportunities for children to learn about the environment and wildlife, West Ridge Nature Preserve is an outstanding place to take the family for a nature hike!

Sarah D. said:  Indian Boundary Park offers the perfect day in nature for your urban family! The Park itself is an award-winning Chicago historical landmark which features paths for strolling through a community garden, a playground, a splash pad and the renowned Indian Boundary Nature Play Space - a half acre outdoor space where children engage interactive, hand-on exploration of the natural world. Enjoy one of Chicago's finest parks with a hike, followed by interactive child-friendly enjoyment all around!

Sarah D. said:  The trails at North Park Village Nature Center offer a shaded escape through woodlands, wetlands, and Illinois prairie. The Nature Center includes 46 acres of diverse habitat for children to explore. The paths are well-maintained, though not paved - so accessibility for strollers or wheelchairs may be difficult in some areas. After a walk, enjoy the Nature Center - a place of discovery with hand-on, interactive learning displays! The Nature Center also offers public programs for children of all ages including a summer camp and outreach programs!

Sarah D. said:  Gompers park is a a 39-acre oasis in the middle of north Chicago! The trails at Gompers Park offer an easy stroll via paved path that journeys between the Chicago River and a lagoon with pier access (bring your fishing rods!). In addition to the trails, Gompers Park has a playground, as well as many Chicago Park District amenities such as an outdoor pool, baseball fields, tennis courts, and so much more.

Sarah D. said:  The Skokie Lagoons covers 894 acres of amazing waterscape and beautifully-kept marshes enjoyed by water-lovers from all over the northern suburbs! On any given day, see kayaks, canoes, rowers or even sailboats from the shorelines. With 7.5 miles of trails, 5.9 of which are paved, these trails offer incredible views of nature. With picnic areas and canoe rentals, this is a wonderful day in nature hiking in a natural urban waterscape!

Sarah D. said:  The trail system at Kankakee River State Park wanders along a 3-mile stretch of the Rock Creek. The trail is flat and well-maintained, though not paved. The trail leads hikers through limestone canyons, a waterfall and out over a walking bridge. With picnic shelters, restrooms and drinking water, the hike offers amenities that make it an easy day for families. (Biking and horseback riding trails can also be found along the Kankakee River.)

Sarah D. said:  The Thatcher Woods Trails can be accessed at the Trailside Museum of Natural History in River Forest. These trails are unpaved, but a heavy-duty stroller will make the trek along the Des Plaines River. The trail picks up right outside the museum, a treat for children of every age - home to animals, exhibits and educational games. This quiet place is a welcome retreat just west of Chicago.

Sarah D. said:  That trails at the Little Red School House Nature Center offer both paved and unpaved options for day hiking along the Longjohn Slough in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The Schoolhouse itself is an historic building, an old log cabin school from 1886. Your little hikers can enjoy the paths carved by students as they spend a day walking in nature.

Sarah D. said:  The Chicago Botanic Gardens are an incomparable way to spend time in nature while hiking along pristine-kept, paved paths through magnificently curated garden splendor! Plan your walk around what's in bloom as you stroll through dozens of natural areas, including the more "off the beaten path," Dixon Prairie. And if the kids get tired, take the tram back to parking.

Sarah D. said:  The North Branch Trail System is 33.5 miles of paved, well-kept trails that lead from the Caldwell Woods in Chicago along the Chicago River and the Skokie Lagoons. Visitors have access to various picnic areas and - since it is forest preserve through an urban expanse - access to Chicago's finest dining and general amenities. This makes for a great day out on your bikes!

Sarah D. said:  The Sagawau Environmental Learning Center offers four quaint trails that connect to the larger Cal-Sag Trail System that traverses some of Chicago's finest southwest suburbs. The Learning Center's trails get the Upparent seal of approval for access to easy parking, and short (.4 - .8 mile) paths that meander through Cook County's only canyon! Check out the Center's upcoming events and guided walks to get the most out of your family's hike!

Sarah Calamita said:  Bemis Woods in Westchester has a great path for walking and biking. Paved and unpaved. Not super crowded. Lots of grassy areas for a picnic. Traffic not bad from the city.

Sarah D. said:  The nature trails at Dean Nature Sanctuary are the perfect way to spend a day in nature with little ones. The trails are accessible from parking and consist of well-maintained, crushed limestone (wheelchair and stroller accessible). The trails meander through various interpretive gardens, including a sensory garden, and around a lake that has a wheelchair and stroller accessible pier. The Sanctuary is known for it's apiary (beehives) and often sells honey, harvested responsibly of course!

Kristy Pepping said:  The Grove offers 151 acres of ecologically diverse prairie grove land preserved and maintained by the Glenview Park District. Explore 3.1 miles of nature trails, rich in Illinois flora and Fauna, for your walking enjoyment. You can also download an app for virtual guided tours. Search “The Grove Glenview” in the Apple App Store or Google Play for the free app. Or you can opt for their guided in-person tours as well.

Sarah D. said:  We couldn't mention Chicago trails without a nod to Chicago's famous and beautifully kept Lakefront Trail! The Lakefront Trail is 18-miles of paved beauty that offers a stroll along Chicago's historic lakefront. The trail runs from Ardmore Ave. on the north side to 71st St. on the south side with access points anywhere throughout. With parks, the museum campus, access to the downtown areas's Grant Park, Millenium Park or Maggie Daley Park, this trail is a can't miss for any Chicagoan or visitor.

Sarah D. said:  The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve boasts 11 miles of trails, many of which are 8 feet wide limestone navigable by stroller or wheelchair. I recommend Waterfall Glen for the main trail access to Rocky Glen trail (.2 miles) which leads to a beautiful waterfall of the same name. The views are amazing, the access parking lot is nearby, and the trail is suitable for all ages!

Sarah D. said:  The Des Plaines Trail System is a 31-mile unpaved, well-maintained system that follows the Des Plaines River through multiple forest preserves. While the entire system offers beautiful views of Illinois ecosystems, we are recommending the trails at the River Trail Nature Center! After a leisurely hike, the Nature Center offers extraordinary exhibits for young children to explore wildlife. Look out for daily programming and special events!

Sarah D. said:  The Ryerson Conservation Area is a Lake County treasure with amenities, accessibility and a thoughtfully designed trail system. Ryerson has 6.5 miles of scenic trails that cater to different levels of accessibility. With access to flushing toilets in heated restrooms, drinking water and lots of public parking, this is one of the most family-friendly hikes in northern Illinois! Make sure to check out Ryerson's public programming and special events to make the most of your family's day in nature!

Sarah D. said:  The trails at the Greenbelt Forest Preserve offer an amazing opportunity for you to spend the day in nature with your family! The trails offer access to drinking fountains, toilets, picnic tables, a playground and fishing at Dugdale Lake. With easy to access parking at the Cultural Center, and educational exhibits, the trails at Greenbelt make for an easy day of leisurely hiking! Check out the schedule of events to make the most of your next hike at the Greenbelt Cultural Center!

Sarah D. said:  The Ned Brown Preserve, better known to locals as Busse Woods, boasts an eight-mile paved loop trail that is perfect for family members of all ages. The trail weaves throughout the preserve through sunny greenways and shaded woods. The trail even follows the Busse Lake shoreline where families can rent canoes and rowboats by the hour. The Busse Woods trail connects to the Salt Creek Greenway Trail for those looking for an extended adventure!

Sarah D. said:  Old School Forest Preserve offers families an array of amenities that make this nature destination one of the best around! With a playground, public parking, toilets and access to water, this is an ideal place to spend the day in nature with the little ones. But, this particular location gets an Upparent nod for making nature hiking accessible even into the winter months! This forest preserve offers solar lit nature hikes and even stays open late on designated dates for folks to hike or snowshoe along the 1.3 mile fitness trail!

Kristy Pepping said:  The trails at the Morton Arboretum wind through an amazing display of carefully cultivated trees and provide exceptional play areas that give kids a space to explore nature. The Children’s Garden is a fun outdoor playscape with scavenger hunts, tunnels, mazes and whimsical structures.

Kristy Pepping said:  The DuPage River Trail at DuPage River Park offers trail walking. You can stroll by a pond, pavilion, and stop for lunch at a picnic area.

Kristy Pepping said:  Meadow Glens Park offers a loop trail with fitness stations. There is also a nature-themed playground, restrooms, open fields, educational signs about the prairie, rain garden and plenty of shade.

Shila said:  Twin Lakes at Salt Creek is filled with fish, and no motorized boats are allowed. It is a great spot for catch-and-release fishing around Donut Lake, as well as a family-friendly nature walk. Families of all ages can also enjoy pedal boating and kayak rentals.

Sarah D. said:  The Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove, Illinois is known for it's wide open spaces that are safe and easy to explore! There are four miles of crushed gravel trails at Buffalo Creek that winds through Illinois prairie and along the Buffalo Creek reservoir. With amenities like toilets, drinking water and benches along the trials, this forest preserve offers a calm and peaceful walk in nature.

Sarah D. said:  The trail system at the Meacham Grove Forest Preserve offers 2.5 miles of peaceful trails. While the Savannah Trail is limited to foot traffic only and spans only a half-mile, it is accessible only once well-inside the park. The Maple Lake Trail, though a bit longer (1.3 miles) is accessible directly from parking and wanders along the shoreline with access to parking, benches along the route, restrooms, picnic and drinking water.

Kristy Pepping said:  Knoch Knolls is run by the Naperville Park District and has rivers, a creek, a pond and over five miles of hiking trails. In addition, there are areas for picnicking, plenty of parking onsite and a bridge over the DuPage River that connects to other segments of this trail, both north and south. Families can stop at the Nature Center, playground or stop for a game of disc golf as well. Trails maps are located on their site.

Sarah D. said:  The Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park is the best possible way to bring nature walks together with art and design. This hidden gem is sprawled across 20 acres of meadow, forest and natural Illinois prairie serving as the backdrop for multiple pieces of design all reflecting different architectural periods. Bring your family to hike and explore this private-public partnership between the Village of Schaumburg and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. While walking, be sure to check out the Prairie Center for the Arts - part of the campus.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Lincoln Marsh Natural Area is a fun place to hike, picnic and generally enjoy the outdoors. There are several nature trails to explore and the fun part is there are free scavenger hunt lists located on their site to use and check off as you go. In addition, Lincoln Marsh has a playground on-site to visit before or after your hikes! There are also Nature To Go Kits available for purchase. Parking lot and trailhead locations can be found here.

Kristy Pepping said:  The trail has fitness stations, and the park offers a playground, restrooms, shelter and many more recreational activities.

Kristy Pepping said:  Frontier Sports Complex is a new plaza that has trails within it and further south. There is also a trail across the entire park connecting to the pedestrian bridge over Rt. 59. Besides trails, there is a park, picnic shelter, bocce ball and basketball courts.

Sarah D. said:  The trail system at the Blackwell Forest Preserve offers something for everyone! I recommend the Egret Trail located in the south east quadrant of the 1,366 acre preserve. The 0.6-mile Egret Trail is located close to parking, with access to bathrooms, picnic areas and a scenic vista of Silver Lake. After the hike, enjoy boat rentals on the lake or a more adventurous stretch of trail up to Mt. Hoy (elev. 836 ft.).

Sarah D. said:  Pratt's Wayne Woods is the largest forest preserve in DuPage County registering 3,433 acres and home to the Brewster Creek Marsh Nature Preserve. The trails offer 12 miles of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding for visitors. The Lake Trail offers a 1.6 mile hike through ponds, marsh and wetlands. While the trails are not paved, there are two stroller, wheelchair accessible docks at Lake Pickerel for fishing. The park maintains access to picnic areas and restrooms.

Sarah D. said:  Crabtree Nature Trails meander through 1,182 acres of woodland, wetland and prairie that is renowned for the presence of migratory birds. Over 260 species have been recorded within the sanctuary of Crabtree. Little bird-watching enthusiasts can walk along several miles of trails to visit the animal enclosures or a nature play area or return to the Nature Center for hands-on exhibit fun! With picnic facilities nearby, Crabtree has everything your family needs to spend a beautiful afternoon in nature.

Sarah D. said:  The trails system at Moraine Hills offers more than 10 miles of open space for hikers, bikers and nature-goers of all kinds. Three of the trails are flat, well-maintained crushed limestone, such as the 2-mile Fox River Trail which offers scenic views of the Fox River. Another particularly family-friendly trail is the River Road trail which is 1.7 miles long and paved for easy stroller access. With Concessions on hand, this park offers the perfect day in nature for families.

Sarah D. said:  Glacial Park is a hidden gem in McHenry County! The park is almost 3,500 acres with 5 miles of trails that weave through creeks, forests and marsh. The most family-friendly way to tackle this park is to start at the Lost Valley Visitor Center which contains environmental and educational exhibits, special programming, self-guided tours and trail maps! From the visitor center, traverse any number of trails - the Marsh Loop trail is a manageable 1.1 miles with easy access to and from the visitor center parking.

Sarah D. said:  Starved Rock has a system of trails that lead through sandstone cliffs and rocky canyons. These trails are unpaved, so stroller use is not an option. But, some of the easier trails are perfect for young ones. We recommend the trail to Starved Rock (about 15 minutes from the Visitor Center) or the French Canyon trail rated moderate-easy to easy, respectively. These hikes offer incredible views of the Illinois River, canyons and amazing wildlife - including bald eagles, seasonally.