Chicagoland is teeming with fun activities and events, but the price tag on a day of family fun can easily overwhelm your wallet if you’re not careful. Luckily, the south and southwest suburbs are home to plenty of free activities, from nature centers with free children’s programs to unique parks.
Pair any of these free activities with a picnic lunch, a trip to the playground or a fun at-home activity using materials you already have on hand to create a full day of fun that even your wallet can approve of.
Plus, find more free events going on this weekend in our event calendar.
Benches on the Avenue
- Address: Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park
See creative benches with awesome themes on display in downtown Tinley Park from early-May to mid-October. The theme for 2025 is “Favorite Food Moments.” Snap a photo with your favorite bench, then use our Tinley Park family guide to discover more kid-friendly shops, restaurants and places to play.
Bird Haven Greenhouse
- Address: 225 Gougar Road, Joliet
Located near Pilcher Park and Higginbotham Woods, the Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory is home to a tropical house, cacti room and a show house that features seasonal floral shows. Tour the grounds in the warmer months, or enjoy the tropical indoor showrooms during the chilly months.
Harry ‘Bus’ Yourell Off-Stream Aeration Pool
- Address: 11700 S Harlem Ave., Worth
Known to locals as the Worth Waterfalls, this park features man-made waterfalls, walking trails and scenic water views. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Lake Katherine Nature Center across the street!
Hidden Oaks Conservation Area
- Address: 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook
Families can explore the 80-acres of nature, play on the nature playscape and enjoy family programming.
Note: The nature center is currently closed for renovations. Learn more about the plans for the facility in this video from the Forest Preserve District of Will County.
Homewood Railroad Viewing Platform
- Address: 2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood
Little train lovers can hang out at Homewood’s Rail Park and watch the trains as they pass by. The park’s viewing platform includes live switchyard audio and a walkway with railway history murals. This site is awesome for older, adventurous kids!
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
- Address: Columbia Street, Joliet
Have you ever hiked through a former iron manufacturing facility? It might sound eerie, but you can walk through and explore abandoned ruins of the building from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. This site is awesome for older, adventurous kids!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ephKNM0L4zo
Lake Katherine Nature Center
- Address: 7402 Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights
Lake Katherine Nature Center features a beautiful waterfall, a butterfly garden and a 1-mile trail around the lake. Depending on the season, canoe and kayak rentals are available, and you may be able to spot wildlife like swans, geese, ducks and frogs. The nature center offers an indoor play area and hosts programs and events for all ages.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
- Address: 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
One of my favorite nature centers in the area features a historical schoolhouse built in 1886. You can also find indoor and outdoor nature-themed play areas, kid-friendly trails, live animals exhibits and more family activities.
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
- Address: 1 University Drive, University Park
This unique sculpture park is completely free! At Governors State University, you can spot 30 sculptures spread out over 100 acres.
Park Forest Rail Fan Park
- Address: North Street, Matteson; across from the Matteson Metra station
Bring your kids to Rail Fan Park to explore an old railway caboose and spot trains on the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad from a 35-foot-tall viewing platform. It is estimated that 32 trains pass through the park daily
Richard Haas Murals
- Address: Downtown Homewood
Homewood has one of the largest collections of Richard Haas murals outdoors. While you’re touring the murals, check out our Homewood family guide to find more kid-approved spots to shop, eat and play.
Santa Fe Prairie Nature Preserve
- Address: 7300 River Road, Hodgkins
This small park is a great picnic destination for families with tiny train enthusiasts. Enjoy views of the Des Plaines River, prairie scenery and the main attraction: a BNSF caboose that doubles as a visitor’s center.
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
- Address: Bluff Road, east of Cass Avenue; Lemont
Eleven miles of trails that wind through waterfalls, prairies, Sawmill Creek and the Des Plaines River await families, but you don’t have to be super adventurous or outdoorsy to enjoy this beautiful nature preserve. The Rocky Glen Waterfall isn’t far from the parking lot, making it a great hike for families with little ones.
Visit a library
Though it may be an obvious pick, you might be surprised at all the free fun your local library has to offer. Curl up with a new book, play in the children’s library, enjoy free crafting workshops or social hangouts, and check out movies, games and books to take home. The possibilities are endless!
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