Finding fun outdoor activities in Chicago that the whole family will enjoy can be tough. From scenic parks to bustling waterfronts, the city offers endless possibilities for outdoor exploration. Chicago is full of unique places and experiences that are perfect for families.

Our guide to family-friendly Chicago outdoor activities will provide a list of exciting adventures everyone can participate in.

Get ready for fun! The Lakefront Trails in Chicago are popular for commuting, training, walking, and leisurely biking activities.  The 606 brings together elevated trails for bikers and runners, art installations, and landscape design to create an urban oasis and a new way to explore.

The Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile paved path to lets you run, walk, bike, or rollerblade along the beautiful Lake Michigan shore.

Outdoor Activities in Chicago

Discover the vibrant energy of Chicago by walking and biking along the scenic Lakefront Trail or exploring The 606. Immerse yourself in the city’s beauty as you kayak on the Chicago Riverwalk, swim at Lake Michigan, and skate in Grant Park.

Walk and bike the Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail is a must-do for families in Chicago. It stretches 18.5 miles along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, from Ardmore Ave. on the north side to 71st St. on the south side. This makes it perfect for enjoying a bike ride or a leisurely walk with stunning views of the lake and city skyline.

The trail separation project has created an 18-mile Bike Trail and an 18.5-mile Pedestrian Trail, making outdoor activities more enjoyable for everyone.

Thanks to Ken Griffin’s support, the paths are well-maintained and safe for all ages. Families can find trail maps for different park segments online at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/shoreline-assessment-and-strategic-plan, ensuring they can plan their outings easily and make the most out of their day along this urban trail system.

Explore The 606

After enjoying the scenic views along the Lakefront Trail, families can head over to The 606 for even more outdoor fun. This 2.7-mile recreational trail and park offer a unique greenway above the city streets, perfect for cycling and walking amidst nature.

The Bloomingdale Trail at The 606 welcomes visitors daily from 6 am-11 pm.

Here, families find a variety of activities year-round. From Astronomy on The 606 events that bring the stars closer to earth, to engaging live music performances that fill the air with joyous tunes—there’s something for everyone.

Kayak on the Chicago Riverwalk

After exploring The 606, continue your outdoor adventure by kayaking on the Chicago Riverwalk. Urban Kayaks offers exciting tours and excursions that take you along the Chicago River and into Lake Michigan.

With prices starting at $65, families can enjoy a unique view of the city from the water. Sunset rentals provide a beautiful end to your day for just $35 for an hour-long experience.

Urban Kayaks is ready to launch your family into adventure with on-land training before you paddle out. They ensure safety by providing life jackets and guided tours. There’s even a special “Kayak Class” for kids and teens aged 9-16, making it a perfect outdoor activity for youth in Chicago.

Swim and play on Lake Michigan

Head to Lake Michigan for a day of fun in the sun! Enjoy beach activities like swimming, building sandcastles, and playing volleyball. North Avenue Beach is a great spot with amenities such as flushable toilets and police patrol.  You can also explore nearby attractions like Lincoln Park Zoo and bike/walking paths for some extra fun.

Leverage the stunning lakefront parks for summer leisure activities. Engage in water sports and shoreline leisure while taking advantage of beach amenities such as lifeguards on duty and sand volleyball courts.

Make sure to prepare snacks and water for a full day of lakeside entertainment.

Segway and skate in Grant Park

Grant Park offers exciting outdoor activities for families and kids, including Segway tours and skate rentals.  The Skating Ribbon is a popular spot for summer scootering and winter ice skating.

Additionally, you can enjoy rock climbing, mini golf, and tennis in the park. Grant Park provides a perfect urban adventure with various recreational options to explore. So, gear up for some outdoor fun at Grant Park!

Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities

Discover neighborhood parks, explore Lincoln Park Zoo, and enjoy the thrills of Six Flags Great America. Chicago offers endless outdoor adventures for families.

Neighborhood parks and playgrounds

Neighborhood parks and playgrounds in Chicago offer delightful outdoor fun for families. Explore the green spaces and enjoy open-air play areas, perfect for kids and teens to connect with nature.

Maggie Daley Park features unique climbing walls, while Lincoln Park Zoo offers exciting animal encounters right in the heart of the city. These recreational nature areas provide fantastic opportunities for family-friendly outdoor activities right within reach.

Local parklands like Cantigny Park offer engaging experiences with historical museums, beautiful gardens, and vast open spaces to roam. Moreover, these community green spaces are ideal spots for children’s play areas and unstructured outdoor play.

Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park offers diverse activities for families, including rollerblading, micro-scooter rentals, a bungee trampoline, and an ice skating ribbon. The skating ribbon is accessible daily from 6 am to 9 pm with skate rentals available on-site.

It’s important to note that after 6 pm on Thursdays through Sundays, youth supervision is required. Additionally, there’s a donation program for those willing to contribute via the Financial Assistance Fund.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is a family-friendly zoological park with engaging activities suitable for both kids and teens. The zoo brings wildlife observation to life through interactive technology, including daily streaming cameras that offer virtual visits to observe iguanas, monkeys, birds, and lions.

Additionally, families can look forward to upcoming events such as Sound Meditation with Jay Taylor and the ’90s/2000s Night at the Zoo. Notably, the Summer Wine Fest at the Lincoln Park Zoo showcases 50 wines from esteemed winemaking regions – a unique experience for adults.

Visitors can also enjoy an up-close encounter with African penguins at the Malott Family Penguin Encounter during their visit to this outdoor attraction.

Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America is an amusement and water park offering family-friendly outdoor attractions. With ticket prices starting at $28.99 per person, there are various activities such as thrill rides, dining options, and live performances to enjoy.

The newest ride, The North Pole Expedition, adds to the excitement of the park’s offerings. General admission includes access to both the amusement park and the water park. Located at 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee; it operates from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park hosts military-themed and French-inspired events every Wednesday and Saturday. On July 5th, enjoy a Moonlit Movie featuring “Sing 2,” followed by “Barbie” on July 12th.

Don’t miss the Summer Sing-Along Family Class on July 10th and 12th, as well as the free PSG Academy Chicago Skills Clinic on July 13th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Be sure to catch “Ratatouille” on July 19th, and join in the Voyage En France event happening on July 20th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Now let’s explore more exhilarating outdoor adventures for Chicagoland families!

Outdoor Adventures for Chicagoland Families

Discover thrilling outdoor experiences for Chicagoland families at a variety of locations around the city and its picturesque surroundings, perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

From the Lemont Quarries to Blackberry Farm, these adventures offer excitement and fun in every corner of the region.

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

The Forge: Lemont Quarries, located 22 miles southwest of Chicago, offers free admission and various outdoor activities for families. Visitors can enjoy dining options at The Foundry and The Creamery.

Moreover, there is a military discount of 10% off activity passes and memberships. Families can also rent single/double kayaks or canoes to paddle in the Lemont Quarry Lake for $15 per person.

The diverse range of activities such as kayaking, dining choices, and military appreciation make The Forge: Lemont Quarries an ideal spot for family-friendly adventures just outside Chicago.

Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm, located in Aurora, Illinois, offers family-friendly entertainment and recreational activities. With the admission, families can enjoy unlimited rides on various attractions at the amusement park.

Season passes and daily admission tickets are available for convenience. The venue also provides event rentals including party packages and is a picturesque wedding venue with beautiful picnic areas to enjoy.

Nathan Manilow Park

Nathan Manilow Park homes 34 large-scale sculptures spread across 100 acres of natural prairie landscape. The park is open daily and free to visit all year round.

It’s pet-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and even has an electric vehicle charging station. This park is sustained through grants and donations from businesses as well as individuals.

Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park

Nathan Manilow Park offers a tranquil outdoor experience with its beautiful landscapes and walking trails. Now, let’s switch gears to something more lively – Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park is an affordable and fun-filled destination for families in the Chicagoland area.

Located at 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee, the park offers diverse attractions for all ages. With ticket prices starting from $28.99 per person, families can enjoy general admission that includes access to the holiday-themed amusement park, family-friendly water park, animal encounters, carnival games, and various food options such as Mrs.

Glenbard Township High School District 87 2024-2025 Academic Calendar

Moving from the thrilling adventures at Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park, families in the Chicagoland area need to have access to the Glenbard Township High School District 87 2024-2025 Academic Calendar.

This calendar includes essential dates such as the first day of school, winter break, spring break, and last day of school. It also covers non-attendance days, holidays, and teacher institute days. Families can find this valuable schedule on glenbard87.org for easy planning around their children’s education.

Tips for Planning a Family Outdoor Adventure

Pack enough snacks and water for everyone. Check for any closures or restrictions and dress appropriately.

Pack snacks and water

Don’t forget to bring snacks like trail mix, granola bars, fruit, nuts, and cheese. Remember to pack enough water for everyone to stay hydrated throughout the day’s adventure. It’s essential for keeping energy levels up and ensuring everyone has what they need for a fun time outdoors.

Check for any closures or restrictions

Before heading out, make sure to check for any closures or restrictions at your planned destinations. Maggie Daley Park may have closures due to maintenance or events, while Lincoln Park Zoo may have restrictions for special events or animal exhibits.

North Avenue Beach and Adams Park Water Playground are also subject to weather-related closures and maintenance schedules. Additionally, boat tours with Wendella Boats may be affected by weather conditions or special events.

Dress appropriately

When enjoying outdoor activities in Chicago, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather. Whether you’re walking, biking, or running along the Lakefront Trail or exploring The 606, wearing comfortable clothes and suitable footwear is essential.

Don’t forget sun protection and beach essentials if heading to Lake Michigan or planning water sports at the city’s beaches and parks.

Bring sunscreen and bug spray

Ensure the family’s protection from the sun and insects during your outdoor activities in Chicago by packing sunblock, insect repellent, and protective clothing. Keep everyone hydrated with plenty of water. Remember to dress appropriately for outdoor activities, pack light clothing, sunscreen, water, and bug spray.

Be prepared for sudden weather changes so you can stay safe and comfortable during your family adventures.

Plan for unexpected weather changes.

Chicago encounters diverse and unpredictable weather, with an average winter snowfall of around 36 inches, mostly in January and February. It’s important to check weather forecasts before planning activities as the weather can shift unexpectedly.

Create a contingency plan for unexpected weather changes when organizing family outdoor excursions to cope with sudden shifts in weather during outings.

Unforgettable Family Outdoor Activities in Chicago: From Trails to Park

Chicago offers a wealth of outdoor activities for families and kids, from walking and biking along the Lakefront Trail to exploring parks like The 606. There are plenty of opportunities for family bonding, whether it’s kayaking on the Chicago Riverwalk or enjoying attractions like Lincoln Park Zoo.

With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, families can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Chicago has to offer. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for unforgettable outdoor adventures in the Windy City!