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Busse Woods With Kids: Elk, Trails and Boating
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Pre-school
Article made by:
Pre-school
Updated November 2026.
Busse Woods is one of the best free nature outings for young kids in the northwest suburbs. Little ones can see the elk herd in its fenced pasture, ride or stroll on paved trails, and go out on Busse Lake in a rented boat from spring to fall. The preserve is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset.
Officially called the Ned Brown Preserve, Busse Woods belongs to the Forest Preserves of Cook County. It sits near Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg and Arlington Heights, a short drive from Palatine and Mount Prospect. Here is how to plan a visit with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Busse Woods covers 3,558 acres of forest, meadow and water, making it one of the largest sites in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. At its center is Busse Lake, with a long paved trail looping around it. There is no entrance fee, and there are several parking areas around the preserve.
The highlight for most toddlers is the elk. A small herd lives in a fenced pasture in the preserve, and families can watch them from outside the fence. The Busse Forest Elk Pasture entrance is on N. Arlington Heights Road, just north of E. Higgins Road.
Busse Woods has a large paved loop around Busse Reservoir, with shorter paved segments branching off it. The Forest Preserves list the paved trail system at about 12.9 miles in total. The trail is popular with bikes, runners and walkers, so keep toddlers close and to the side.
You do not need to do the whole loop. With a toddler, a short out-and-back from a parking area to a lake view is plenty. A balance bike or a scooter can make the walk more fun for a preschooler, as long as they wear a helmet.
The Busse Lake Boating Center is on E. Higgins Road (Route 72), east of I-290. It rents boats from April to October, weather permitting, from 9 AM to sunset, and also sells food, drinks and fishing supplies. Rentals include rowboats and kayaks, priced by the hour.
A short rowboat ride can be a big adventure for a preschooler. Make sure every child wears a properly fitted life jacket, and call the boating center before you go, since rentals depend on weather and staffing.
Busse Woods has many picnic groves, and some can be reserved with a permit for parties. Shoreline fishing is popular around Busse Lake. Anyone 16 or older generally needs an Illinois fishing license, while young children can fish alongside an adult.
Busse Woods pairs well with other nearby outings. See our guides to Schaumburg, Arlington Heights and nature centers in the north suburbs.
Yes. There is no entrance fee. Boat rentals and some picnic grove reservations cost extra.
At the Busse Forest Elk Pasture, with its entrance on N. Arlington Heights Road, north of E. Higgins Road. The elk stay inside a fenced pasture.
Yes. The Busse Lake Boating Center rents rowboats and kayaks from April to October, weather permitting.
Yes. Much of the trail system is paved and fairly flat, which works well for strollers and balance bikes. Watch for fast cyclists.
Children's Land has locations near Busse Woods in Palatine, at 1293 N. Rand Road, and in Mount Prospect, at 621 N. Main Street. Both are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and serve hot breakfast and lunch. Children spend time outdoors every day when the weather permits. Learn about our preschool program, find a location, or contact us to schedule a tour.
Related reading: Nature Centers for Kids in Chicago’s North Suburbs.
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