Outdoors in Chicago

Emily Oaks Nature Center

Indoor nature center featuring interactive exhibits, classrooms, a playground, a garden & more.

Skokie, IL|5

Beer garden

Pints

Chill sports bar featuring craft brews, American grill fare & a beer garden with a retractable roof.

Elmhurst, IL|4

Lakeshore East Park

4-acre urban botanic garden featuring a playground, splash pad, dog park & lighted fountains.

Ehlert Park

Brookfield, IL|5

Farm

Windy Acres Farm

Geneva, IL|4

Hudson Crossing Park

Green space on the Fox River with sheltered BBQ/picnic areas, a playground, a sandbox & sculptures.

Oswego, IL|5

Settlers' Park

Plainfield, IL|5

Taylor Park

Oak Park, IL|5

Scoville Park

Small park with a grassy meadow, fountain, tennis courts & playground, plus a summer concert series.

Oak Park, IL|5

Rock Run Preserve - Black Road Access

Diverse wetland, forest & prairie area on 32 acres with multi-use trails & 100-plus bird breeds.

Joliet, IL|5

Big Marsh Park

280.13-acre open space with an off-road bike park, nature areas for bird watching & hiking trails.

Knoch Knolls Nature Center

Nature center with kid-oriented exhibits, including an aquarium, live animals & a playground.

Naperville, IL|5

Harold Washington Park

Lakefront green space offering picnic areas, chess tables & a pond, plus tennis & volleyball courts.

Willow Stream Park

This 54-acre park includes an outdoor pool, basketball & tennis courts, picnic areas & bike paths.

Buffalo Grove, IL|5

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park

Narrow 2-mile expanse of landscaped walkways & bike trails displaying 60+ sculptures of all types.

Skokie, IL|5

Frontier Park

Park district spot with playground, ball fields, bocce & skate park plus picnicking & trails.

Naperville, IL|5

Arrigo (Victor) Park

On 6.14 acres, this wooded city park offers a fountain & an 1893 statue of Christopher Columbus.