Best Family-Friendly Nature Walks Around Chicago

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.

Located on 2,492 acres, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is home to 740 native plant species, as well as over 300 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The preserve features 4 mapped trails, perfect for hiking, biking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing.

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!