Best Kids Hikes Around Chicago
Posted: May 09, 2025
Summer in Chicago offers the perfect opportunity to immerse your family in nature. Explore the best kid-friendly hiking trails in the Chicago area and teach your little ones to appreciate the outdoors. From lush greenery to shady paths teeming with wildlife, these hiking locations are great even for the tots and preschoolers. So grab your kids, pack some essentials, and take a hike!
Best Kids Hikes Chicago: Easy Trails for All Ages
The 606 (Chicago)
The 606, Chicago's innovative elevated park and trail, offers a fantastic and unique experience for families embarking on hikes with little kids. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a chance to spot some city wildlife, or a fun way to connect different neighborhoods, the 606 provides an accessible and stimulating environment for a family hike with young adventurers.
Ping Tom Memorial Park (Chicago)
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Ping Tom Memorial Park offers a delightful blend of cultural charm and natural beauty for family hikes. Kids will adore the unique playground with its Chinese design elements, while the paved paths winding along the Chicago River provide easy strolling for little legs and convenient stroller access. Beyond the paved areas, explore a naturalized section with prairie and wetland habitats.
Nature Boardwalk/Lincoln Park South Lagoon (Chicago)
The area around the South Lagoon in Lincoln Park near the Lincoln Park ZOo provides a gentle and picturesque setting for a family hike. Paved paths meander alongside the water, offering opportunities to spot ducks, geese, and other urban wildlife. End your hike with a visit to the animals at the zoo!
Humboldt Park (Chicago)
This vibrant West Side park offers a mix of paved paths and grassy areas ideal for family explorations. Stroll around the lagoon, admire the historic fieldhouse, and discover the park's beautiful gardens. The open spaces provide room for kids to run and play, while the cultural landmarks offer interesting sights along your leisurely walk.
Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
With its extensive network of trails, the Morton Arboretum provides numerous options for easy summer hikes. The paved and gravel roads are great for leisurely walks, and many shorter trails wind through shaded woodlands and open meadows. Keep an eye out for summer wildflowers and a variety of birdlife. The Children's Garden also offers interactive fun amidst nature.
Busse Woods (Elk Grove Village)
The paved trails of Busse Woods offer miles of easy walking and biking through diverse habitats. Enjoy the shade of mature trees and keep an eye out for deer, herons, and other wildlife that thrive in the summer months. The flat terrain makes it accessible for families with young children and those using strollers.
Skokie Lagoons (Winnetka/Glencoe/Wilmette)
The trails surrounding the Skokie Lagoons provide scenic and relatively flat routes perfect for summer walks. Enjoy the views of the water, the lush shoreline vegetation, and the diverse birdlife that frequents the area during the summer. It's a relaxing way to connect with nature without strenuous hiking.
Illinois Prairie Path (Various Access Points)
Sections of the Illinois Prairie Path offer flat and shaded stretches ideal for summer walks and bike rides. Explore the remnants of native prairie and enjoy the summer greenery along this converted railway line. Different access points offer varying scenery and distances for families to choose from.
For Longer Legs: Moderate Trails for Active Families
Ryerson Woods (Deerfield)
The well-maintained trails at Ryerson Woods offer a more immersive experience in the summer forest. Hike along the Des Plaines River and through shaded woodlands, enjoying the sights and sounds of summer nature. The gentle elevation changes provide a moderate workout for families.
Crabtree Nature Center (Barrington Hills)
Discover the diverse habitats of Crabtree Nature Center through its network of trails. Summer brings lush foliage and active wildlife. Explore woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, and enjoy the beauty of the season. The trails are generally well-maintained with some moderate inclines.
Fullersburg Woods (Oak Brook)
Hike through the shaded trails of Fullersburg Woods along Salt Creek. Summer offers a vibrant green canopy and opportunities to observe stream life and woodland creatures. The trails range from easy to moderate, with some unpaved sections providing a more natural hiking experience.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center (Willow Springs)
Explore the varied terrain and habitats of this preserve through its well-maintained trails. Summer brings lush vegetation and active wildlife. Enjoy a family hike through woodlands and around the nature center, offering educational opportunities along the way.
Blackwell Forest Preserve (Warrenville)
Blackwell offers a variety of trails for different skill levels. Enjoy summer hikes through woodlands and prairies. For a bit more challenge and rewarding views, consider a family climb up Mount Hoy. Summer is a great time to explore the diverse landscapes of this large preserve.
Tips for Your Summer Family Nature Hikes:
- Check Trail Conditions: Before heading out, check the website of the forest preserve or garden for any trail closures or advisories.
- Stay Hydrated: Summer heat can be intense. Bring plenty of water for the whole family.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing and Shoes: Dress in light, breathable layers and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking.
- Apply Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Protect yourselves from the sun and biting insects.
- Bring Snacks: Pack energy-boosting snacks to keep everyone going.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in and stay on marked trails to protect the natural environment.
- Be Aware of Wildlife: Observe animals from a safe distance and never feed them.
- Take Breaks in the Shade: Find shady spots to rest and cool down, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Consider Bringing Binoculars: Enhance your wildlife viewing opportunities.
