If you’re anything like my family, we have to take full advantage of the outdoors, especially when nice weather comes around. In Chicagoland, we have so many great outdoor adventures like playgrounds, hiking trails and nature centers to keep our kids entertained.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to enjoy some family time outside, check out these outdoor attractions where families can easily spend half the day or the whole day. These places are sure to be a big hit with the kids, too.
Note: Some of these places are open seasonally so check ahead for hours before heading out!
This article was recently updated on June 11, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on family-friendly outdoor activities in Chicagoland. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out our summer fun family guide!
Best Outdoor Attractions for Chicagoland Families
Cantigny Park
- Address: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
- Cost: $5 parking (daily), $15 parking (weekends May-Oct.), $20 parking (concert Sundays), free parking on Wednesdays
Cantigny Park has it all: Beautiful gardens, two really neat museums, a playground, and even a tank park. Kids will absolutely have a blast climbing on a variety of tanks. Watch out for fun events like movies in the park, French Connection Day and a Lego train show.
Morton Arboretum
- Address: 4100 IL Rte 53, Lisle
- Cost: $17 adults, $12 kids ages 2-17, free for kids ages 2 and under. Discounted admission on Wednesdays.
- Note: The “Of the Earth” sculpture exhibit will remain open through spring 2025.
Take a hike with over 16 miles of paved and wood-chipped walking paths. While here, you can’t miss the new Wonder Woods mini golf, or the beautiful sculpture exhibit “Of the Earth.” After spotting these works of art, kids can easily spend the rest of the day at the five-acre Children’s Garden. Explore the treehouse, slide down tree roots or dip your toes in the creek. With their imagination, the options are endless.
Nathan Manilow Park
- Address: 1 University Drive, University Park
- Cost: Free
Located just south of Chicago on the campus of Governors State University, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, or theNate, offers 100 acres of exploring. The sprawling sculpture park has art everybody can appreciate in an ideal setting with a prairie with blooming wildflowers and a lake. Even kids who are reluctant to “hike” will be encouraged to seek out the next sculpture.
Santa’s Village
- Address: 601 Dundee Avenue, East Dundee
- Cost: $36.99 per person
The Christmas-themed amusement park offers plenty for families to do — go on classic or thrilling rides, pet animals and splash away in a waterpark. What more do you need? Well, they also offer festival foods that we love like funnel cake and Dole Whip. Fingers crossed that Santa drops by.
Six Flags Great America
- Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
- Cost: $39 per person
With nearly 50 attractions including coasters, a water park and rides for kids of all ages, there’s no better way to squeeze in a thrilling adrenaline-packed day than with a trip to Six Flags Great America. Check out our guide to navigating the amusement park with kids before you make the trip to Gurnee.
Navy Pier
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free admission
The popular downtown spot is a hit with tourists and locals alike. The iconic Centennial Wheel provides an amazing view of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan. Pier Park offers plenty of fun as well. Take a spin on the historic carousel or enjoy any of the carnival-type rides. Take a cruise, watch the fountain work its magic at Polk Bros Park, or enjoy the public art throughout. Wednesdays and Saturdays are a blast during the summer with a firework display dancing to music.
Blackberry Farm
- Address: 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
- Cost: $10 non-residents, $7 residents, free for children under 12 months
Spend the day having fun while learning at Aurora’s Blackberry Farm. Not only will you find rides, paddle boats, hay rides, pony rides, a carousel, train rides, but historical demonstrations since it is a living history museum as well. The adventure playground is sure to be hit with bridges, zipline, slides and a climbing tower.
Maggie Daley Park
- Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: Free admission
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Maggie Daley Park offers an urban oasis of fun. The Play Garden is no doubt one of the area’s best playgrounds with a variety of play structures with different themes. Have more time? Scale up the rock climbing wall, go mini-golfing, or skate on the ribbon. Make sure to stroll through Millennium Park to spot the Bean and attend festivals during the summer.
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
- Address: 1001 Main Street, Lemont
- Cost: Climb & Zipline Adventure starts at $80/adults 14+ and $75/children 13 and under
The 300-acre adventure park offers tons of outdoor fun and memory-making opportunities: the largest aerial adventure course, hiking trails, laser tag, water sports, mountain biking, dining, and more. The main attractions would be their aerial challenge courses. Eight Towers Adventure caters to older kids and adults with ziplines and challenging climbing elements. Younger kids can still have fun at Two Towers Adventure with tunnels, ziplines, balance beams and more all enclosed in safety nets.
Lambs Farm
- Address: 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
- Cost: $5 per person, children ages 2 and under are free
Visit the Farmyard where you can pet and feed animals like goat, turkeys, chicken and rabbits. After saying hello to the adorable animals, challenge each other to a round of mini-golf (included with admission). If the kiddos still have a bit of energy left, play at the playgrounds located all over the grounds. Don’t forget to stop by their bake shop for a sweet treat!
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