Top 24 kid-friendly hiking trails in Chicago
"Explore the great outdoors with your little ones on Chicago's kid-friendly hiking trails! These trails offer a safe and enjoyable experience for children, with easy terrain, scenic views, and opportunities to learn about nature. Pack some snacks, water, and good shoes, and get ready for a fun-filled adventure on Chicago's top kid-friendly hiking trails."
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- 1. Bloomingdale Trail Park
- 2. LaBagh Woods
- 3. Schiller Woods
- 4. The 606
- 5. Big Marsh Park
- 6. Catherine Chevalier Woods
- 7. Lakefront Trail - North Trailhead - Ardmore Ave - 5800 N
- 8. West Ridge Nature Park
- 9. Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N
- 10. North Park Village Nature Center
- 11. Walking Stick Woods Natural Area
- 12. Lakefront Trail - Grant Park
- 13. Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park
- 14. Forest Glen Woods
- 15. Schiller Woods-South
- 16. Lakefront Trail - Belmont Harbor - 3200 N
- 17. Lakefront Trail - 67th Street
- 18. The Bloomingdale Trail - East Trailhead - Ashland Ave - 1600 W
- 19. Lakefront Trail - Dusable Harbor - 150 N
- 20. Lakefront Trail Northern Entrance
- 21. Lakefront Trail - South Trailhead - 71st Street
- 22. North Branch Trail South End
- 23. Lakefront Trail - 55th Street
- 24. The Bloomingdale Trail - Spaulding Ave Access point - 3300 W
1. Bloomingdale Trail Park
Historic rail line conversion
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This write-up rates an urban trail in Chicago and points out its notable features. The path is well-maintained, having water fountains at both ends and the middle, as well as two dog fountains. Ideal for walking dogs, this paved trail sees many bikers but is less busy in the evening. The trail is adorned with flowers and complemented by a few small dirt side paths.
The author had a great experience walking their dog along this Chicago trail, enjoying the scenery and less crowded evening hours. They note the prevalence of bikers but commend the trail for being well-maintained with water fountains and dog fountains. The presence of flowers and side dirt paths further add to the trail's appeal, making it an enjoyable outing for both the author and their dog.
This write-up rates an urban trail in Chicago and points out its notable features. The path is well-maintained, having water fountains at both ends and the middle, as well as two dog fountains. Ideal for walking dogs, this paved trail sees many bikers but is less busy in the evening. The trail is adorned with flowers and complemented by a few small dirt side paths.
The author had a great experience walking their dog along this Chicago trail, enjoying the scenery and less crowded evening hours. They note the prevalence of bikers but commend the trail for being well-maintained with water fountains and dog fountains. The presence of flowers and side dirt paths further add to the trail's appeal, making it an enjoyable outing for both the author and their dog.
2. LaBagh Woods
Historic Chicago landmark
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The North Branch Trail is a 36-mile trail system that connects the Northwest Side of Chicago to the Northwest Suburbs, with the trailhead located in LaBagh Woods near the intersection of Foster and Cicero Avenues. The trail is suitable for hiking with children and offers a variety of paved and unpaved paths.
In addition to hiking, the North Branch Trail also offers a bike path that starts on Foster Avenue and continues north to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. This section of the trail is ideal for families with children who enjoy nature and light hiking. The trail's versatility and connection to beautiful natural spaces make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the Chicago area.
The North Branch Trail is a 36-mile trail system that connects the Northwest Side of Chicago to the Northwest Suburbs, with the trailhead located in LaBagh Woods near the intersection of Foster and Cicero Avenues. The trail is suitable for hiking with children and offers a variety of paved and unpaved paths.
In addition to hiking, the North Branch Trail also offers a bike path that starts on Foster Avenue and continues north to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. This section of the trail is ideal for families with children who enjoy nature and light hiking. The trail's versatility and connection to beautiful natural spaces make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the Chicago area.
3. Schiller Woods
Historic Schiller house and gardens
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Explore popular kid-friendly hiking trails near Schiller Park with detailed reviews, photos, and maps. One such trail is a 2.9-mile loop near Chicago, Illinois, which is generally considered an easy route and takes around 51 minutes to complete. This trail is suitable for birding, hiking, and running, and it's likely you'll have the trail to yourself, making it a great option for families with children. Dogs are also welcome, but they must be kept on a leash.
This trail is known for its beautiful scenery and is a favorite among hikers, campers, and nature lovers. In addition to the loop trail, there are various other trails to explore in the area, providing many options for families looking for a fun and kid-friendly outdoor activity. The trail's easy difficulty level makes it accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and its stunning views make it a worthwhile destination for anyone looking to connect with nature.
Explore popular kid-friendly hiking trails near Schiller Park with detailed reviews, photos, and maps. One such trail is a 2.9-mile loop near Chicago, Illinois, which is generally considered an easy route and takes around 51 minutes to complete. This trail is suitable for birding, hiking, and running, and it's likely you'll have the trail to yourself, making it a great option for families with children. Dogs are also welcome, but they must be kept on a leash.
This trail is known for its beautiful scenery and is a favorite among hikers, campers, and nature lovers. In addition to the loop trail, there are various other trails to explore in the area, providing many options for families looking for a fun and kid-friendly outdoor activity. The trail's easy difficulty level makes it accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and its stunning views make it a worthwhile destination for anyone looking to connect with nature.
4. The 606
Historic Bloomingdale Line conversion
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The 606 project in Chicago offers a one-of-a-kind experience for kids and families, featuring several new street-level parks and an elevated Bloomingdale Trail. The trail is a great location for various activities, particularly walking, as noted by a visitor who enjoyed their time walking their dog along the path.
The 606 project in Chicago offers a one-of-a-kind experience for kids and families, featuring several new street-level parks and an elevated Bloomingdale Trail. The trail is a great location for various activities, particularly walking, as noted by a visitor who enjoyed their time walking their dog along the path.
5. Big Marsh Park
Scenic views, restored wetlands
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Big Marsh Park offers a variety of trails that are suitable for families, particularly those with young children. The park features easy-to-navigate paved paths and natural trails that are ideal for light hiking and exploration. These trails provide an excellent opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystem.
The park's trails are an excellent way for families to spend time together while engaging in healthy physical activity. The paths are well-maintained, making it easy for children to navigate while still providing a sense of adventure. As children explore the park's trails, they can learn about different plant and animal species and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world. Overall, Big Marsh Park is a fantastic destination for families looking for an enjoyable and educational outdoor experience.
Big Marsh Park offers a variety of trails that are suitable for families, particularly those with young children. The park features easy-to-navigate paved paths and natural trails that are ideal for light hiking and exploration. These trails provide an excellent opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystem.
The park's trails are an excellent way for families to spend time together while engaging in healthy physical activity. The paths are well-maintained, making it easy for children to navigate while still providing a sense of adventure. As children explore the park's trails, they can learn about different plant and animal species and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world. Overall, Big Marsh Park is a fantastic destination for families looking for an enjoyable and educational outdoor experience.
6. Catherine Chevalier Woods
Historic landmark with unique flora and fauna
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The hiking trail is spacious and offers easy parking, making it a convenient option for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its popularity, the trail is rarely crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful experience. There are bathrooms available, and dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash. The trail is well-maintained, with great conditions and spectacular views, making it an ideal spot for hiking, running, or taking a leisurely walk.
This trail is generally considered easy to navigate and can be completed in an average of 40 minutes. It is a popular choice for hikers, runners, and walkers, yet it still offers opportunities for solitude during less busy times of the day. The best time to visit the trail is from June through November, when the weather is favorable, and the scenery is at its best.
In summary, the trail is a dog-friendly, accessible outdoor location with great views and conditions, and it is popular for hiking, running, and walking. It is easy to complete, and visitors can find solitude during quieter times. The best time to visit is from June through November.
The hiking trail is spacious and offers easy parking, making it a convenient option for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its popularity, the trail is rarely crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful experience. There are bathrooms available, and dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash. The trail is well-maintained, with great conditions and spectacular views, making it an ideal spot for hiking, running, or taking a leisurely walk.
This trail is generally considered easy to navigate and can be completed in an average of 40 minutes. It is a popular choice for hikers, runners, and walkers, yet it still offers opportunities for solitude during less busy times of the day. The best time to visit the trail is from June through November, when the weather is favorable, and the scenery is at its best.
In summary, the trail is a dog-friendly, accessible outdoor location with great views and conditions, and it is popular for hiking, running, and walking. It is easy to complete, and visitors can find solitude during quieter times. The best time to visit is from June through November.
7. Lakefront Trail - North Trailhead - Ardmore Ave - 5800 N
Connects to over 18 miles of trail
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The trail along the lake is a fantastic outdoor location offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It is not crowded, making it an ideal place to take a leisurely walk, go for a run, or even bring your bike. The trail is well-maintained, with great conditions to enjoy your activity.
What's more, the trail offers stunning views of the lake and is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friend along for the fun. Additionally, there are bathrooms available for visitors' convenience. Overall, the trail offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while taking in beautiful scenery in a comfortable and accessible setting.
The trail along the lake is a fantastic outdoor location offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It is not crowded, making it an ideal place to take a leisurely walk, go for a run, or even bring your bike. The trail is well-maintained, with great conditions to enjoy your activity.
What's more, the trail offers stunning views of the lake and is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friend along for the fun. Additionally, there are bathrooms available for visitors' convenience. Overall, the trail offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while taking in beautiful scenery in a comfortable and accessible setting.
8. West Ridge Nature Park
Free admission, accessible facilities
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This trail is a popular spot for various outdoor activities, including birding, running, and walking. Despite its popularity, it is still possible to find solitude during less busy times of the day. The trail is open year-round, offering stunning views and natural beauty in every season. Additionally, it is a kid-friendly and stroller-friendly trail, making it an excellent option for families with young children.
The trail is home to a charming natural play area for kids, providing a space for imaginative play and exploration. There are also benches and seating areas scattered throughout the trail, offering visitors the opportunity to take a break, relax, and enjoy the scenic views of the water.
This trail is a popular spot for various outdoor activities, including birding, running, and walking. Despite its popularity, it is still possible to find solitude during less busy times of the day. The trail is open year-round, offering stunning views and natural beauty in every season. Additionally, it is a kid-friendly and stroller-friendly trail, making it an excellent option for families with young children.
The trail is home to a charming natural play area for kids, providing a space for imaginative play and exploration. There are also benches and seating areas scattered throughout the trail, offering visitors the opportunity to take a break, relax, and enjoy the scenic views of the water.
9. Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N
Historic landmarks nearby
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The Lakefront Trail, stretching from Ardmore Ave. to 71st St., is a paved, multi-use trail that offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan, making it a great option for families. The trail provides important access to the lake for recreational purposes and is especially family-friendly.
Ideal for a leisurely walk with children, the Lakefront Trail offers a safe and scenic route to enjoy the outdoors. The trail runs north to south, with the lake on its eastern edge, providing consistent and stunning views throughout the entire trail. The trail's paved surface makes it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a great option for families with young children or those with limited mobility.
The Lakefront Trail, stretching from Ardmore Ave. to 71st St., is a paved, multi-use trail that offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan, making it a great option for families. The trail provides important access to the lake for recreational purposes and is especially family-friendly.
Ideal for a leisurely walk with children, the Lakefront Trail offers a safe and scenic route to enjoy the outdoors. The trail runs north to south, with the lake on its eastern edge, providing consistent and stunning views throughout the entire trail. The trail's paved surface makes it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a great option for families with young children or those with limited mobility.
10. North Park Village Nature Center
Free admission and dog-friendly
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This 46-acre urban nature preserve, located on the site of a former tuberculosis sanitarium, offers a peaceful retreat from the city. The trail is open year-round and provides a beautiful setting to visit in any season. However, it's important to note that dogs are not allowed on this trail. One of the best features of this preserve is its accessibility for families with young children, as the trails are both kid-friendly and stroller-friendly.
The preserve's trails wind through various habitats, including woodland, wetland, prairie, and savanna, offering visitors the opportunity to experience different types of ecosystems in one location. This diversity of habitats also makes it possible to spot a variety of wildlife and even rare birds. Overall, it's a great place to connect with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet amidst the urban chaos.
This 46-acre urban nature preserve, located on the site of a former tuberculosis sanitarium, offers a peaceful retreat from the city. The trail is open year-round and provides a beautiful setting to visit in any season. However, it's important to note that dogs are not allowed on this trail. One of the best features of this preserve is its accessibility for families with young children, as the trails are both kid-friendly and stroller-friendly.
The preserve's trails wind through various habitats, including woodland, wetland, prairie, and savanna, offering visitors the opportunity to experience different types of ecosystems in one location. This diversity of habitats also makes it possible to spot a variety of wildlife and even rare birds. Overall, it's a great place to connect with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet amidst the urban chaos.
11. Walking Stick Woods Natural Area
12. Lakefront Trail - Grant Park
Historic landmark, Accessible for all
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The lakefront trail in Chicago is a beautiful route, offering stunning views, although it has limited shade, making late evening or early morning rides ideal, especially during bright sunny days. A great way to explore this trail is by bike, as I did, using one of the Divvy bikes. I traveled from Adler to Hyde Park and back, enjoying a cloudy, breezy, and warm summer day. The experience was made more memorable by the path's ease of use, with clear signage and paved surfaces, and the convenience of bridges and tunnels for crossing highways.
The trail was not overly crowded, except for the areas closer to Grant Park, creating a more enjoyable and serene journey. As a biker, I appreciated the well-placed real bathrooms along the route, which added to the overall positive experience. Navigating the trail is simple, allowing visitors to focus on soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, making it one of the best things to do while visiting or living in Chicago, especially for those who love being outdoors and active.
The lakefront trail in Chicago is a beautiful route, offering stunning views, although it has limited shade, making late evening or early morning rides ideal, especially during bright sunny days. A great way to explore this trail is by bike, as I did, using one of the Divvy bikes. I traveled from Adler to Hyde Park and back, enjoying a cloudy, breezy, and warm summer day. The experience was made more memorable by the path's ease of use, with clear signage and paved surfaces, and the convenience of bridges and tunnels for crossing highways.
The trail was not overly crowded, except for the areas closer to Grant Park, creating a more enjoyable and serene journey. As a biker, I appreciated the well-placed real bathrooms along the route, which added to the overall positive experience. Navigating the trail is simple, allowing visitors to focus on soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, making it one of the best things to do while visiting or living in Chicago, especially for those who love being outdoors and active.
13. Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park
Historic rubber factory conversion
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Palmisano Nature Park is a hidden gem located in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. The park boasts a range of features including fishing piers, a quarry pond, walking trails, prairie vegetation, and an exciting hill. It's a perfect spot for families, with plenty of activities to enjoy, such as fishing, watching city lights, and exploring the playground across the street.
The park's trails are ideal for hiking, running, and walking, offering a peaceful and serene environment with few other visitors. The best time to visit the trail is between May and December, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Overall, Palmisano Nature Park is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors with family and friends.
Palmisano Nature Park is a hidden gem located in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. The park boasts a range of features including fishing piers, a quarry pond, walking trails, prairie vegetation, and an exciting hill. It's a perfect spot for families, with plenty of activities to enjoy, such as fishing, watching city lights, and exploring the playground across the street.
The park's trails are ideal for hiking, running, and walking, offering a peaceful and serene environment with few other visitors. The best time to visit the trail is between May and December, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Overall, Palmisano Nature Park is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors with family and friends.
14. Forest Glen Woods
Historic fire lookout tower
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Forest Glen Woods is a beautiful natural space that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a picnic and explore the surrounding woodlands. The area boasts both paved and unpaved trails, which are relatively flat and suitable for various activities, such as walking, hiking, and biking. This makes it an excellent location for families with children who enjoy spending time outdoors.
The North Branch Trail System is a major feature of Forest Glen Woods, which includes both paved and unpaved trails along the Chicago River. These trails offer a safe and scenic environment for families to enjoy, making them perfect for family outings. The natural beauty of the area and the opportunity to engage in physical activity make Forest Glen Woods an attractive destination for those looking to connect with nature while enjoying quality time with their loved ones.
Forest Glen Woods is a beautiful natural space that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a picnic and explore the surrounding woodlands. The area boasts both paved and unpaved trails, which are relatively flat and suitable for various activities, such as walking, hiking, and biking. This makes it an excellent location for families with children who enjoy spending time outdoors.
The North Branch Trail System is a major feature of Forest Glen Woods, which includes both paved and unpaved trails along the Chicago River. These trails offer a safe and scenic environment for families to enjoy, making them perfect for family outings. The natural beauty of the area and the opportunity to engage in physical activity make Forest Glen Woods an attractive destination for those looking to connect with nature while enjoying quality time with their loved ones.
15. Schiller Woods-South
Historic abandoned industrial landscape
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This trail is excellent for various outdoor activities, including birding, hiking, and running. It's a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful exploration experience, as it's unlikely you'll come across many other people. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash. The trail is also kid-friendly, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy nature together.
For families with children, there are popular kid-friendly trails near Schiller Park to explore. These trails come with hand-curated trail maps, driving directions, and detailed reviews from other nature enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and lovers of the outdoors. The photos and insights from these individuals can provide a valuable resource when planning a family outing, helping to ensure that the trail is both enjoyable and suitable for children.
This trail is excellent for various outdoor activities, including birding, hiking, and running. It's a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful exploration experience, as it's unlikely you'll come across many other people. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash. The trail is also kid-friendly, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy nature together.
For families with children, there are popular kid-friendly trails near Schiller Park to explore. These trails come with hand-curated trail maps, driving directions, and detailed reviews from other nature enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and lovers of the outdoors. The photos and insights from these individuals can provide a valuable resource when planning a family outing, helping to ensure that the trail is both enjoyable and suitable for children.
16. Lakefront Trail - Belmont Harbor - 3200 N
17. Lakefront Trail - 67th Street
18. The Bloomingdale Trail - East Trailhead - Ashland Ave - 1600 W
19. Lakefront Trail - Dusable Harbor - 150 N
Historic Chicago landmark
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The Lakefront Trail in Chicago is a fantastic multi-use path that spans over 18 miles along the city's park space near the lake. It is a remarkable feature of the city's urban planning that provides countless parks, playgrounds, and sights, making it an ideal location for families and children to explore.
The trail runs parallel to Lake Shore Drive, attracting walkers, skaters, bikers, and even Divvy bike users. This trail is a free attraction that allows anyone to enjoy the city's beautiful lakefront scenery. Its convenience and accessibility make it one of Chicago's top attractions.
The Lakefront Trail in Chicago is a fantastic multi-use path that spans over 18 miles along the city's park space near the lake. It is a remarkable feature of the city's urban planning that provides countless parks, playgrounds, and sights, making it an ideal location for families and children to explore.
The trail runs parallel to Lake Shore Drive, attracting walkers, skaters, bikers, and even Divvy bike users. This trail is a free attraction that allows anyone to enjoy the city's beautiful lakefront scenery. Its convenience and accessibility make it one of Chicago's top attractions.
20. Lakefront Trail Northern Entrance
21. Lakefront Trail - South Trailhead - 71st Street
22. North Branch Trail South End
23. Lakefront Trail - 55th Street
24. The Bloomingdale Trail - Spaulding Ave Access point - 3300 W
