The leaves are beginning to change color tree by tree, with Northern Illinois' most brilliant fall foliage expected within the next couple of weeks. According to the Illinois Fall Color Report, Northern Illinois tends to hit peak foliage in mid- to late October, though it depends heavily on weather. Since different species change at different times, you can start your fall color walks now and enjoy multiple weekends of changing scenery.

Here are some great family-friendly spots for you to enjoy the fall colors with kids.

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
These beautifully designed and landscaped gardens are blooming with plants and flowers, with multiple garden areas showcasing the best plants of the Midwest. Children can see flowers close up, and can check out the Model Railroad Garden, featuring trains run on 17 tracks, winding over bridges and trestles, and around models of American landmarks. Learn more.

St. James Farm Forest Preserve
Enter east side of Winfield Road 0.25 mile north of Butterfield Rd., Wheaton area
St. James Farm is a picture-perfect blend of art, history, and nature, with wide trails winding past barns, sculptures, and rows of colorful trees. Families can walk, bike, or stroller along gentle paths surrounded by fall color, open meadows, and peaceful ponds. With its easy parking, beautiful scenery, and plenty of space to explore, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed fall adventure with kids. Learn more.

Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cantigny Park in Wheaton is a stunning 500-acre destination where kids can explore colorful gardens, shady woodlands, and easy walking trails surrounded by vibrant fall leaves. Families can stroll paved paths or wood-chip trails past ponds, meadows, and sculptures, then stop at the playground or picnic under the towering oaks. With wide open spaces, gentle terrain, and plenty to see and do, it’s one of the most beautiful and family-friendly spots for a fall day outdoors. Learn more.

Osaka Garden at Jackson Park
6401 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
In 1893, on Jackson Park's Wooded Island, the Japanese Government built the Ho-o-den [Phoenix Temple] as its pavilion for the World's Columbian Exposition. The original pavilion had only a small garden, however, in the 1930s the newly formed Chicago Park District restored the pavilion and added a more extensive Japanese Garden. This garden symbolizes the mutual respect and friendship that Japan and the United States initiated more than 120 years ago. Learn more.

Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
The Morton Arboretum offers 1,700 acres of beautiful gardens, world-renowned plant collections, and rare and unique natural areas. In the Children's Garden, kids can splash through secret streams, climb colossal acorns, and slide down giant tree roots, and explore, learn, and play among trees and the natural world. During October, enjoy special activities including Walking Plays. Learn more.

Independence Grove
16400 W Buckley Rd., Libertyville
Independence Grove is an idyllic seting located on a 115-acre lake where you can easily spend an entire day with your family. While hiking the trails, you might spot owls, muskrats, beavers, raccoons, deer and more. Enjoy the scenery while hiking, biking or boating, and then let kids run wild on the enormous children's playground. Learn more.

Busse Woods
Cook County, between Schaumburg & Elk Grove Village
Busse Woods is one of the largest and most scenic forest preserves in Cook County, with wide paved trails perfect for strollers, scooters, or family bike rides through glowing fall trees. The mix of open meadows, lakes, and towering oaks makes every turn a photo moment. Families can also stop to watch the resident elk herd, making this a fun and memorable fall outing for kids. Learn more.

The Forge: Lemont Quarries
1001 Main Street, Lemont
The Forge: Lemont Quarries stretches across 300 acres of land, and is committed to the restoration and preservation of the historic natural landscape found at the park. You'll also find activities to keep your family busy all day long! Here you'll find the largest aerial challenge course, tallest climbing towers, and longest ziplines in the tri-state area, with opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboat excursions. Learn more.

North Park Village Nature Center
5801 North Pulaski Road, Chicago
The North Park Village Nature Center is located on the northwest side of Chicago and includes a forty-six acre nature preserve and educational facility. This oasis in the city allows visitors the opportunity to interact with wildlife, plants and other natural resources through environmental education and access to improved natural landscapes. Hike the trails and see woodland, wetland, praire and savanna highlights, and spot animals like deer, frogs, turtles and more. Learn more.

Waterfall Glen
Northgate and Cass, Darien
The 2,492-acre Waterfall Glen is known for its Rocky Glen waterfall, Sawmill Creek bluff overlook, and extensive trails. Families can hike, bike, and even horseback ride through the trails! It's part of the Des Plaines River Valley that was formed by glacial meltwaters and drainage from a postglacial lake that covered most of the Chicagoland area. Enjoy fall foliage, and teach kids to navigate with a map and compass using options for different skill-leveled maps. Learn more.

Deer Grove Forest Preserve
N Quentin Rd, north of W Dundee Rd, Palatine
Deer Grove is a beautiful blend of wooded trails, rolling hills, and prairie that bursts into rich gold and red hues each fall. Families can hike, bike, or simply wander the shaded paths while spotting deer, birds, and other wildlife. It’s peaceful, spacious, and easy to tailor for short walks or longer adventures with kids through restored wetlands and prairies. Learn more.

Swallow Cliff Woods
Calumet Sag Rd/Rte 83, west of La Grange Rd/96th Ave, Palos Heights Area
Known for its dramatic bluff and long stair climb, Swallow Cliff Woods offers both adventure and beauty for families looking to burn some energy and enjoy sweeping fall views. Younger kids can wander the forest trails or play at the large natural playground near the base of the stairs. With its colorful leaves, peaceful picnic spots, and mix of challenge and charm, it’s a perfect fall destination for all ages. Learn more.

Emily Oaks Nature Center
4650 Brummel Street, Skokie
Skokie's thirteen-acre nature center is a woodland oasis full of native wildflowers and grasses, ancient oak trees, a two-acre pond, wood chip and asphalt trails, and an adjacent playground. Residing and visiting urban wildlife includes herons, coyotes, flying squirrels, painted turtles, and Cooper's hawks. Learn more.

Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley
1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
The Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley is an earth-sheltered, passive-solar natural history museum and visitor center that offers beautiful scenery and plenty of activities for kids. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits on local plants and animals, a children’s activity area and a living turtle pond display. Learn more.

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Garden
7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights
Lake Katherine is a 20-acre man-made lake that features several botanic gardens with a variety of flowers and plant life and a cascading waterfall. Visit to see the fall colors while taking a hike or cycling. Kids can take in the scenery and, if they're lucky, they might spot turtles, frogs, muskrats, beavers and water birds. Learn more.

Ladd Arboretum
2024 Mccormick Blvd, Evanston
The Ladd Arboretum is a quiet North Shore gem where families can enjoy a relaxed stroll among colorful trees and gardens just steps from the North Channel Trail. Its small, walkable layout makes it perfect for little ones, with plenty of benches and spots to stop and admire the changing leaves. It’s an easy, peaceful way to soak in fall beauty without leaving the city. Learn more.

There are so many more places near Chicago to explore and enjoy Illinois' beautiful Fall leaves and scenery. You can find even more Nature destinations right here!