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Outdoor Adventures

🧗 Outdoor Adventures for Kids in Downers Grove, IL

6 hiking, farms, nature centers, and outdoor adventure spots rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Downers Grove

The Morton Arboretum tourist attraction in Chicago, IL Activity
Photo: Mandee F
4.8(14,002)$3 mi away

The Morton Arboretum is a magical outdoor destination where kids can explore 1,700 acres of trees, gardens, and nature trails. The 4-acre Children's Garden features hands-on activities, water play, and climbing areas, while the famous Troll Hunt sends families on an adventure to find massive wooden troll sculptures hidden throughout the grounds. It's the perfect blend of education and outdoor adventure that keeps kids engaged for hours.

🕑 3-5 hours for a full visit including Children's Garden and Troll Hunt

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Herrick Lake Forest Preserve hiking area in Wheaton, IL🌿 Nature
Photo: Gail Brown
4.7(1,903)Free7 mi · Wheaton

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is a sprawling 887-acre natural wonderland perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure in the western suburbs. Kids will love exploring the miles of scenic trails, fishing from the dock, spotting wildlife around the beautiful lake, and enjoying wide-open picnic areas for family gatherings. The preserve offers a peaceful escape from screens with plenty of space for little ones to run free and bigger kids to discover nature.

🕑 2-4 hours depending on activities

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Salt Creek Trail System - Brown Unpaved Spur route in La Grange, IL🧗 Adventure
Photo: Steven Zlatic
5.0(4)Free7 mi · La Grange

Salt Creek Trail System's Brown Unpaved Spur offers families a wonderful escape into nature right in La Grange. This mix of paved and unpaved paths gives kids the excitement of exploring natural terrain while providing easy, stroller-friendly sections for younger children, making it ideal for family bike rides, nature walks, and introducing little ones to trail adventures.

🕑 1-2 hours for a leisurely family ride or walk

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Salt Creek Greenway Trail route in Elmhurst, IL🧗 Adventure
Photo: G.C. Hung
Free5 mi · Elmhurst

Salt Creek Greenway Trail offers families a beautiful, paved multi-use path perfect for introducing young cyclists to trail riding or enjoying leisurely stroller walks through scenic natural areas. The flat, well-maintained surface winds through Elmhurst and connects to expansive forest preserves, making it ideal for families who want a safe outdoor adventure without venturing far from suburban amenities.

🕑 1-3 hours depending on how far your family rides or walks

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🧗 Adventure
Free7 mi · La Grange

Flagg Creek Drive offers families a beautiful, paved multi-use trail that winds through La Grange's peaceful natural areas, perfect for a leisurely bike ride or nature walk together. This scenic route provides a safe, car-free environment where kids can practice cycling skills while parents enjoy the tree-lined paths and opportunities to spot local wildlife along Flagg Creek.

🕑 1-2 hours for a leisurely family ride or walk

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Salt Creek Trail System - Brown Unpaved Spur route in Brookfield, IL🧗 Adventure
Photo: Steven Zlatic

Salt Creek Trail System's Brown Unpaved Spur offers families a peaceful escape into nature right in the heart of Brookfield. This scenic multi-use trail winds alongside Salt Creek, providing an accessible outdoor adventure perfect for introducing kids to trail exploration, nature walks, and family bike rides through beautiful wooded areas and open spaces.

🕑 1-2 hours

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