Top 17 Kid-friendly bike trails in Chicago
Discover the joy of family-friendly cycling with kid-friendly bike trails in Chicago! These carefully selected paths cater to young riders, offering scenic views, safety, and fun-filled experiences. Navigate through the city's rich heritage while creating unforgettable memories with your little ones. Chicago's kid-friendly bike trails await! Venture into Chicago's beautiful outdoors and explore the best kid-friendly bike trails! Ideal for families, these scenic, and safe routes create perfect opportunities for bonding and biking adventures. Uncover Chicago's natural treasures while fostering a love for cycling in your children. Discover top-rated kid-friendly bike trails in Chicago today! Uncover a world of adventure on Chicago's family-friendly bike trails designed with kids in mind! Enjoy a leisurely ride, breathtaking views, and enriching experiences right in the heart of the city. Chicago's kid-friendly bike trails provide memorable, safe, and exciting escapes for the whole family. Don't wait – embark on a Chicago kid-friendly bike trail adventure now!
- 1. Big Marsh Park
- 2. Bloomingdale Trail Park
- 3. Lakefront Trail - Grant Park
- 4. Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N
- 5. Lakefront Trail - North Trailhead - Ardmore Ave - 5800 N
- 6. Lakefront Trail - Ohio Street Beach
- 7. Lakefront Trail - 67th Street
- 8. The Bloomingdale Trail - East Trailhead - Ashland Ave - 1600 W
- 9. Lakefront Trail - Dusable Harbor - 150 N
- 10. River Trail Plaza
- 11. East Ohio Pedestrian/Bike pass through Tunnel to Jane Addams Memorial Park
- 12. Lakefront Trail Northern Terminus
- 13. Lakefront Trail Northern Entrance
- 14. Story Trail at Unity Park
- 15. North Branch Trail South End
- 16. Lakefront Trail - Burnham Harbor - 1600 S
- 17. The Bloomingdale Trail - Milwaukee and Leavitt Access Point
1. Big Marsh Park
Scenic views, nature preserve

Big Marsh Park is a great destination for families looking to spend time outdoors, especially those with children who enjoy biking. The bike trails at the park are well-maintained and designed with kids in mind, making it a perfect spot for a day of family fun and exercise.
The park offers plenty of space for kids to ride their bikes safely, and the trails are well-marked and suitable for riders of different skill levels. In addition to biking, Big Marsh Park also offers other activities such as hiking and bird watching, making it a well-rounded destination for families looking to enjoy nature. Overall, it's a fantastic place to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
2. Bloomingdale Trail Park
Historic rail line conversion

The 606 trail in Chicago is an excellent choice for beginners or families seeking a long, enjoyable ride. With numerous parks along the route, you can take breaks to learn something new from educational programming, admire public art installations, or simply explore the area. The trail is generally considered easy and takes an average of 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete.
This trail is a popular destination for various activities, including hiking, road biking, and running. As a result, you are likely to encounter other people while exploring, creating a community atmosphere. The 606 trail offers a perfect opportunity for beginners to try out these activities in a supportive and engaging environment. Additionally, the trail's accessibility makes it a convenient option for those looking for a quick workout or a leisurely stroll through one of Chicago's scenic trails.
3. Lakefront Trail - Grant Park
Connects with other trails

Riding rented bikes on the Lakefront Trail in Chicago is a great way to spend a few hours, especially on a beautiful September afternoon. The trail offers scenic views of the lake on one side and the city on the other, with plenty of traffic but not enough to make it crowded or dangerous. The path goes through several parks and provides an excellent view of a large part of the city.
The Lakefront Trail is a bustling 18-mile trail along Lake Michigan, offering various activities such as parks, beaches, and seasonal attractions. On a nice day, the trail is filled with both locals and tourists. When visiting the trail with kids, it's important to read safety tips and check out the many things to do along the trail. Overall, the Lakefront Trail is an enjoyable and fun experience for all ages.
4. Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N
Historic connections to Chicago's growth

The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a 19-mile long path along the shore of Lake Michigan, providing a scenic route through downtown Chicago. Suitable for early elementary age and up, this trail offers a perfect ride on a beautiful spring day. As you journey through the city, the trail passes by several cultural and tourist attractions, including the famous Chicago skyline.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring and the excitement of Chicago by touring the city via the Lakefront Trail. Along the 19-mile path, you will encounter numerous attractions, with the stunning Chicago skyline as your backdrop. The trail is suitable for early elementary age and above, making it an excellent option for families and individuals looking for a fun and engaging outdoor activity.
5. Lakefront Trail - North Trailhead - Ardmore Ave - 5800 N
Historic landmarks nearby

The popular paved multi-use trail stretches along the lakefront, offering spectacular views. It has many access points and can be divided into shorter segments, making it a great option for families with kids. The trail runs from Ardmore Ave. in the north to 71st St. in the south, providing crucial access to the lake for recreational activities and serving as an active transportation route for many Chicagoans. The trail separation project has enhanced safety and enjoyment for families with children.
The multi-use trail, which runs along the lakefront, offers beautiful views and many access points, making it easy to do shorter segments and suitable for children. The trail, which spans from Ardmore Ave. in the north to 71st St. in the south, is not only a recreational destination but also a busy transportation route for Chicagoans. The trail separation project has improved safety and enjoyment for families, including children.
6. Lakefront Trail - Ohio Street Beach

7. Lakefront Trail - 67th Street

8. The Bloomingdale Trail - East Trailhead - Ashland Ave - 1600 W

Exploring most of the 606 by bike was a thrilling experience, with ample space for both cyclists and pedestrians. The trail boasts numerous benches, convenient water fountains, and picturesque views of diverse Chicago neighborhoods. This innovative concept for a secure biking and walking path within a bustling city is truly commendable and deserves replication in other urban settings.
9. Lakefront Trail - Dusable Harbor - 150 N
Historic Chicago landmark

The Beautiful Trail along Lake Michigan's shoreline is a perfect spot for both bikers and pedestrians, with clear markings and a well-maintained path. The southern end of the trail begins at the South Shore Cultural Center, and heading north, it extends up to Randolph, just before the Chicago River.
The Lakefront Trail is an entertaining location that offers various activities, including parks and beaches. It is an ideal biking trail, providing stunning views of the city skyline throughout the journey, whether you are on the North Side or South Side. Moreover, the trail includes several seasonal attractions that make it a must-visit spot for tourists and locals alike.
10. River Trail Plaza

11. East Ohio Pedestrian/Bike pass through Tunnel to Jane Addams Memorial Park

12. Lakefront Trail Northern Terminus

13. Lakefront Trail Northern Entrance

14. Story Trail at Unity Park

15. North Branch Trail South End

16. Lakefront Trail - Burnham Harbor - 1600 S

17. The Bloomingdale Trail - Milwaukee and Leavitt Access Point
