Explore the Best Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Chicago for Every Season

Find the top kid-friendly hiking trails near Chicago for year-round family fun, nature play, and outdoor adventures.

Looking to get outside with the kids and enjoy some fresh air? Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, the outdoors are always open for adventure. These top kid-friendly hiking trails near Chicago offer families the perfect way to unplug, explore nature and enjoy quality time together. From scenic forest preserves to paved stroller-friendly paths, there’s a local hike for every age and ability.

Planning a longer outing? We’ve also rounded up family-friendly state parks near Chicago where you can hike, bike, picnic, fish, paddle and more — ideal for a full day of outdoor fun. Get ready to discover some of the best family hikes in the Chicagoland area!

Read more: Chicagoland Nature Centers for Kids to Enjoy a Breath of Fresh Air

Kid-friendly hiking trails in Chicagoland

North Park Village Nature Center Park

  • Address: 5801 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago

You don’t have to venture far from the city to enjoy a nice hike. Featuring more than 100 acres of trails through woodlands, wetlands and prairies, along with a nature preserve and educational center, North Park is a little-known spot for enjoying the great outdoors right in our own backyard. When you need a break from hiking, enjoy nature play time at Walking Stick Woods, a 12-acre woodland.

River Trail Nature Center

  • Address: 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook

If you’re looking for a scenic hike that kids can easily walk (but is also stroller-friendly), this Northbrook forest preserve is the place. A 1.5-mile trail winds you through the park along the scenic Des Plaines River. Along the way, you’ll spot sugar maple-basswood forest, prairie and wetlands, along with a variety of insects, birds and plants. Check out the animals in the enclosures including a coyote and bald eagle.

Independence Grove

Independence Grove
Photo credit: Katina Beniaris

  • Address: 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville

Hiking is encouraged at this Libertyville park with both paved and gravel trails, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. Either way, visitors will enjoy views of the 115-acre lake and picturesque woodlands.

The Grove

  • Address: 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview

The trails at The Grove take you through woodlands, wetlands and grasslands. This hidden gem not only has over 2 miles of hiking trails to explore, but is also considered an outdoor history and nature museum perfect for those curious minds. Explore the indoor exhibits (including a giant sloth) at the Interpretive Center.

Ryerson Conservation Area

Ryerson Conservation Area
Photo Credit: Carol Freeman

  • Address: 21950 North Riverwoods Road, Deerfield

Ryerson Conservation Area, also fondly known as Ryerson Woods, offers something for the entire family. Trails that wind through the woods and past historic buildings? Check. Short loop trails for those pint-sized explorers? Check. Boardwalks and wooden bridge for added fun? Check. There’s even a small farm with sheep and chicken or combine your love of reading and hiking by following along the storybook trail. Once the weather warms up, try to spot butterflies in the rain garden.

Crabtree Nature Center

Crabtree Nature Center
Photo credit: Cheryl Eugenio

  • Address: 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills

This Barrington Hills gem has 3 miles of trails through woodlands, wetlands and prairies for the family to explore. Looking for something short and sweet? Take the Giant’s Hollow Trail and you may spot some frogs in the frog ponds. Kids will adore the nature play area and the animals in the enclosure. Take the time to explore the nature play area, too.

Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens

Kid-friendly hiking trails chicago

  • Address: 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights

Looking for an easy yet picturesque hike? The mulched 1-mile trail around the lake is perfect. If you’re looking for a longer walk, look to the connecting Cal Sag Trail. Diversions include a butterfly, herb, and heritage gardens. Also, don’t forget to snap a pic by the gorgeous waterfall! Take a break at the nature play areas and the Children’s Forest featuring wetlands, a spider maze, the schoolhouse arch and a salamander mound about halfway through the loop.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Photo credit: Little Red Schoolhouse/FPDCC

  • Address: 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

Explore three trails on the property ranging from .4 miles to 1.3 miles. The short, paved loop with gorgeous water views is great for littles, and the longer, wooded trails are a perfect fit for adventurous older kids. The nature center offers themed walks and workshops that focus on nature through exploration and outdoor activities.

Waterfall Glen 

  • Address: 9899-9877 S Cass Ave, Lemont

Skip this park’s 9-mile loop around Argonne National Laboratory and opt for the shorter trail to Rocky Glen Waterfall. Kids will love playing on the paved area around this tiny waterfall, the scenic overlook and finding hidden structures in the woods. Plus, it’s less than a mile hike from the parking lot to the waterfall. The waterfall parking lot is on the south side of the park, about .3 mile east of Cass Avenue. 

The Morton Arboretum

Fall colors near me
Photo credit: Morton Arboretum

  • Address: 4100 IL Route 53, Lisle

Want to keep your hike short and sweet (and ideally, melt-down free)? Morton offers a quick .55-mile paved loop around Meadow Lake that will burn kids’ energy without completely exhausting them. The Children’s Garden is always a big hit!

This article was recently updated on April 16, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on Chicagoland hiking trails for families. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.


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Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Since 1984, the Chicago Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for Chicagoland families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.
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