Are you ready to pedal your way to fun and fitness? Biking is a fantastic way to stay active, and biking events are gaining momentum across Chicagoland.
Whether you’re a beginner getting to know the local bike paths, or a seasoned cyclist eager to explore rugged trails, Chicagoland offers a variety of biking events that cater to every skill level.
In this guide, we highlight some of the top cycling events in the area. So grab your helmet and explore our list to find the perfect event for you and your family. Let’s ride!
This article was updated on June 20, 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. Her work included her researching to find the best 2024 biking events and programs for families and adding them to Chicago Parent’s events calendar. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Kidical Mass
All year round
- Address: Multiple Chicago neighborhoods, Evanston and Elgin
- Cost: Free
Chicago Family Biking hosts an ongoing series of family bike rides with a team of volunteers helping families ride through their neighborhood. Training wheels are not recommended. Participating city neighborhoods include Bridgeport, Humboldt Park, Hyde Park, Irving Park, Lakeview East, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square/Avondale, Portage Park, Rogers Park and Roscoe Village.
Shabbona Woods Family Bike Campout
July 19-21, 2024
- Address: Camp Shabbona Woods, 15810 S. Torrence Ave., South Holland
- Cost: $90 adults, $60 kids ages 17 and under
Biking from Buckingham Fountain, this family-friendly event includes a guided tour, all camping gear and meals, making it perfect for riders of all levels. Explore scenic trails, enjoy communal activities, and experience the joy of biking and camping with your family.
Blackwell Forest Preserve Family Bike Campout
Aug. 16-18, 2024
- Address: Blackwell Forest Preserve, Butterfield Road, Warrenville
- Cost: $90 adults, $60 kids ages 17 and under
Meeting at Longfellow Park in Oak Park, this family-friendly event includes a guided tour, all camping gear and meals, making it perfect for riders of all levels. Explore scenic trails, enjoy communal activities, and experience the joy of biking and camping with your family.
Street Love Ride
Aug. 17, 2024
- Address: St. Agatha Catholic Church, 3147 West Douglas Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: Free, registration required
Enjoy a community expo with music and snacks from 6-8 p.m. The celebration continues with a festive 9-mile slow ride through the West Side starting at 8 p.m., featuring bikes decked out in lights and glow-in-the-dark accessories to spread joy.
Bike the Drive
Sept. 1, 2024
- Address: Meet at Grant Park’s Butler Field, 235 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $68, $18 kids ages 17 and under
This annual event shuts down DuSable Lake Shore Drive so riders of all ages can bike down the expressway. Helmets are required.
Camp Sullivan Indigenous People’s Day – Family Bike Camp Out
Oct. 12-14, 2024
- Address: Camp Sullivan, 14630 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest
- Cost: $90 adults, $60 kids ages 17 and under
Meeting in the Beverly neighborhood, this family-friendly event includes a guided tour, all camping gear and meals, making it perfect for riders of all levels. Explore scenic trails, enjoy communal activities, and experience the joy of biking and camping with your family.
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