Sarah D.:  Downtown with the family when the snow falls? No problem! Soldier Field is so much more than just a football stadium. The beautifully renovated, 30 acres of parkland around the stadium was designed for public use and features a well-curated sled hill (among other family friendly areas for seasonal use such as a Children's Garden). Park in the Waldron parking garage for sled hill use (and public restroom).

Kristy Pepping:  Sledding hills are open at Dan Ryan Wood-West when the ground is frozen and covered with a minimum of three inches of snow. Public safety requires the temporary closing of some Forest Preserves parking areas during the winter season. However, the maintenance department prioritizes the clearing of parking areas serving winter activities, and you can call 773-233-3766 to check whether the hill is open for sledding before heading out. The hill is lit up at night!

C. Wal:  Great sledding hill on the North end of the park. There is a small toboggan slide and it is well lit at night. Parking is free and ample.

Alexandra F.:  Chicago proper is pretty darn flat, so while Cricket Hill is not designated as a sledding hill by the Chicago Park District, the sloped incline plus plentiful surrounding fields make it a popular destination for local families looking for a little sledding action.

Kristy Pepping:  There is fun sledding at James Park. This former landfill is large enough to accommodate large crowds, though please note that tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding are not allowed, and that sledding is also prohibited on the large center hill. The shelter house onsite is closed for the winter so bring warm clothes or a change of clothes for your little ones.

Sarah D.:  The sled hill at Barrie Park is the perfect place for wintertime fun! The Park is designed to include a well-curated, steep sled hill created just for sledding and tubing! And, with park benches and bathrooms nearby, it is a great place for kids to enjoy snowy, winter fun!

Erin P.:  Swallow Cliff Woods is known for its 100-foot bluff and intense stair workout. During the winter, visitors can bring their sled and hit the sledding hills. Sledding hills are open when the ground is frozen and covered with a minimum of six inches of snow. The stairs are cleared and salted. Be sure to call 708-839-5617 to make sure that the sledding hills and parking areas are open.

Kristy Pepping:  Sledding hills are open at Caldwell Woods when the ground is frozen and covered with a minimum of three inches of snow. Public safety requires the temporary closing of some Forest Preserves parking areas during the winter season. However, the maintenance department prioritizes the clearing of parking areas serving winter activities, and you can call 847-647-2240 to check whether the hill is open before heading out. The hill is lit up at night!

Kristy Pepping:  Techny Prairie Park is close to downtown Northbrook and offers a chance for families to be close to nature while also participating in various sports activities. The park features a 28-foot high sledding hill that is lit at night, with stairs to help climb to the top of the hill. There is also a warming shelter for when you need a break from sledding!

Kristy Pepping:  Flick Park offers sledding when the Park District determines the snow to be deep enough. Signs will be posted at the entrance on Glenview Road when sledding is permitted on any given day, and you can also call 847-724-3337 ext 24 for current sled hill conditions. The sled hill is lit for evening sledding! There is no supervision or warming facilities at the sledding hill so plan ahead if you have little ones.

Joseph Kelley:  This hill ranges from beginner to upper intermediate. The hill is located in the back of Centennial Ice Arena. The east side of the hill is steeper than the west. There is no supervision or warming facility at the sled hill, so plan your visit accordingly! Throughout the season, the sled hill may be closed from time to time. Sign up for alerts from their Rainout Line or call (847) 579-9008 to get up-to-date information on the sled hill and outdoor ice rink status.

Joseph Kelley:  Wood Oaks Green Park is home to one of the largest hills in the area and is used heavily during winter for sledding. Big enough and steep enough to even give a thrill for teenagers.

Kristy Pepping:  If you have older kids, head over to Berens Park for a great sledding hill that is lighted at night. Please note that only plastic sleds, tubes and saucers are allowed.

Sarah D.:  The Woodland Trails sled hill is open to the public for recreational use. The slope is extremely well-maintained and has served both the Mt. Prospect and Prospect Heights communities for years! The slopes are located near the Weiss Community Center, as such access to Community Center resources (indoor heat and washroom, among other facilities) make this an ideal place to go sledding! Additional parking at the Grace Lutheran Church is available for crowded days.

Joseph Kelley:  This intermediate hill is lit and open in the evenings.

Lisa R:  Heritage Park is a popular destination for sledding and outdoor skating when the weather turns cold. The lighted sledding hill is located next to the playground, just a short walk from the community center where families can warm up and use the bathrooms during open hours. Arlington Park sled hills are open seasonally when conditions are deemed safe for sledding. Only plastic sleds and tubes are allowed. Before heading out, check their online conditions report to see if it's a good day for sledding and tubing!

Alexandra F.:  Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood in Arlington Heights is THE sledding destination for area families! You won't find a playground at this park, but the storm water retention area is the perfect place to take a sled coasting down to the bottom of the large basin. The inverted hill is just the right height for kids - not so steep as to make it off limits for younger kids, but with enough of a slope to provide a thrill!

Lisa R:  This Arlington Heights sports complex is best known for its driving range, but during winter months, families can bump and slide in a large, open area with lots of small hills. Park workers inspect the sledding area daily and allow sledding when conditions are deemed safe. Only plastic sleds and tubes are permitted. An on-site playground and tot-lot add to the fun.

Alexandra F.:  This 9-hole golf course features a great sledding hill by the baseball fields, where you can sometimes catch a glimpse of the Willis Tower before zipping down the slope! There are public bathrooms on site, and the park also boasts a popular walking trail, and free wi-fi!

Joseph Kelley:  This large hill is wide and supports multiple sledders at the same time. A sign will be posted if the snow is deep enough to tube. It is lit and open in the evenings.

Kristy Pepping:  South Salk Park is a community park located behind the Nelson Sports Complex. During the winter there is a fun sledding hill that is lit at night and has stairs to easily climb back up the hill. Make sure you check signs before sledding - red means no sledding is allowed and yellow warns you to be extra careful.

Joseph Kelley:  Warren Township has two designated, lit sled hills - a large hill and a bunny hill. Sledding is allowed when there is an adequate snow base during normal park hours. You can check sledding conditions by calling their rainout line, 847-999-0405.

Kristy Pepping:  There is great sledding for the entire family right on the Naperville Riverwalk! Sledding is open at Rotary Hill on the Naperville Riverwalk when the soil is frozen and there are two or more inches of snow with no visible grass. Sledders should bring their own inner tubes or plastic sleds, and parents should plan to be present to supervise any kids under 8 years old. The Riverwalk Sled Hill is lighted and closes at 10:00 p.m.

Joseph Kelley:  This location has it all - a large sledding hill, a smaller beginner hill, and a skating rink. Parents can watch from their car, with a clear view of the hill from the parking lot. The sledding hill is open daily - the lights come on at dusk.

Kristy Pepping:  Blackwell Forest Preserve has a thrilling 800-foot hill called Mount Hoy. They offer tubing set in a beautiful forest preserve setting where you can even put down your tube and strap on a pair of snowshoes for another fun winter activity. Before heading out to the tubing hill, check the DuPage Forest social media page to find out if it's open.

Robin Harper:  Hanover Park Park District Community Center & Park

Joseph Kelley:  The Lakewood hill is part of a dedicated Winter Sports Area at the Lakewood Forest Preserve. It is lighted, allowing for extended winter fun every day. It’s next to the ice skating rink, so you can enjoy two activities in one visit.

Joseph Kelley:  This location offers a smaller hill and a larger hill - both are well groomed and lit. The larger hill has steps and a railing.

Kristy Pepping:  Villa Olivia is part of the Bartlett Park District and offers tubing lanes, rentals, and a conveyer that helps kids get up the hill. Riders can tube solo or as part of a group. Skiing and snowboarding are also available, as is a cafe to warm up after the fun with some food and drinks. To help promote social distancing, reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets are sold online by availability, and are time stamped for two hours. Due to its popularity, snow tubing may possibly sell out for the day. Snow tubing is not guaranteed without a reservation.

Kristy Pepping:  Caboose Park is run by the Lake Villa Township and is a fun hill for little and big kids alike. Unlike some area sled hills, toboggan and sleds are both allowed for racing down the hill. Plus, the hill is lit for extended use up until 10 pm. If you park at the Grand Avenue entrance, there is easy access to the hill! Perfect for little ones that can't walk too far and tired kids at the end of the sledding day.

Alexandra F.:  Sledding is allowed in designated areas at the Fabyan Forest Preserve, and on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays the preserve is open until 9 pm for extended fun! Hills are unsupervised, and there must be a minimum of 4 inches of snow on the ground for sledding.

Molly Weber:  Wilmot Mountain provides guests with tubes to go down the hill and 2 surface conveyor lifts to take you back up. Wilmot Mountain's tubing area has 22 lanes of over 1,000 ft long. And once you have done a few runs down the hill and are looking to warm up for a while, head to the tubing lodge for a snack, a drink, or just to watch the excitement from the deck overlooking the whole area.

Vanessa M.:  Randall Oaks Park is set on sprawling hills that are great for sledding during the winter months. The hills are not too steep, which is great for little ones. Snowboarding is also welcome. The Randall Oaks Zoo is also on site, offering fun with animals and special holiday events through December.

Joseph Kelley:  McHenry Township Sledding Hill is an obstacle free sledding run of about 300 feet that even adults will enjoy. The downhill sledding path which is the right (or west) side of the hill, extends out past the soccer fields. There is also a smaller bunny hill for younger children to the right of the designated walkway in the center of the hill. The area is lighted for after dark sledding.

Sarah D.:  Veteran Acres Park Sled Hill is a great spot to sled with the family! Part of the Crystal Lake Park District, the sledding area has lighting available in the evening and also provides access to restrooms and shelters. Check the sledding hill status on their website before heading out to make sure sledding is open!

Vanessa M.:  This steep sledding hill at Burnidge Forest Preserve is a favorite with local families. The 9 miles of hiking trails that the preserve offers are great for a winter's hike or cross-country skiing. The sledding hill is located on Coombs Rd between Highland Ave and Big Timber Rd.

Molly Weber:  Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers more winter fun than just skiing. They have both ice skating and sledding as well! The sledding area is geared toward children. Big enough to have fun but small enough to handle the walk up and down the hill. Capacity is limited, so they recommend purchasing tickets in advance if possible!