Nature Centers for Kids in Chicago's North Suburbs

Updated November 2026. Hours and programs change, so check each website before you go.

Nature centers are some of the best outings for toddlers and preschoolers. Most are free, have warm visitor buildings with live animals, and offer short trails that small legs can handle. Many also run free programs just for young children. Here are our favorites in Chicago's north and northwest suburbs.

River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook

3120 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook. Forest Preserves of Cook County.

Close to Glenview, Wheeling and Park Ridge, River Trail has a visitor center with live animals and an indoor discovery area where children can climb into an eagle nest, crawl through a fox den and put on puppet shows. Outside there is a nature play area, and about 1.7 miles of unpaved trails wind through the woods near the Des Plaines River.

Free programs have included Small Serendipity, with nature stories, crafts and activities for ages 3 to 6 with an adult, plus feeding times for the outdoor animals. The building is open 9 am to 4 pm from November through February and 9 am to 5 pm from March through October, and it is closed on Fridays. Details are on fpdcc.com.

Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington

3 Stover Road, Barrington. Forest Preserves of Cook County.

A good pick for Palatine families. Crabtree's renovated nature center reopened in 2023 and has ambassador animals, an outdoor nature play area and about 3.4 miles of unpaved trails through woods, wetlands and prairie. Free programs for little ones have included Baby Buds, with nature songs and stories for children up to 23 months, and Wee Wandering Wednesdays for ages 3 to 6 with an adult. Tickets for both are usually first come, first served, so arrive a little early.

Heller Nature Center, Highland Park

2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. Park District of Highland Park.

A 97-acre preserve with woods, prairie and wetlands, about 3 miles of trails, a nature play space called Wander Woods, a self-guided story trail and beehives. The trails are open daily from 7:30 am to dusk. The building has shorter hours and is closed Sundays and Mondays. The park district runs nature programs and camps throughout the year.

Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods

21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Lake County Forest Preserves.

Quiet woodland trails along the Des Plaines River, free nature backpacks families can borrow, and seasonal family programs from the forest preserves. Pets are not allowed, which makes it calm for small children. See our Lincolnshire guide for more.

North Park Village Nature Center, Chicago

5801 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago. Chicago Park District.

A free city nature center with a preserve of about 46 acres of woodland, prairie, savanna and wetland, close to families on the Northwest Side. Inside, younger children can explore nature books, art supplies and puppets. The building is generally open 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays. See our guide to things to do with toddlers on Chicago's Northwest Side.

Why nature centers work so well for little kids

• Free or low-cost, so a short visit still feels worth it.
• Indoor and outdoor in one place, which helps in unpredictable weather.
• Live animals at child height, such as turtles, snakes and fish.
• Short loops that fit a toddler's attention span.
• Programs made for young children, often with songs, stories and crafts.

Tips for visiting with toddlers

• Check trail surfaces. Many nature center trails are unpaved, which is fine for a carrier or a sturdy stroller.
• Dress for mud. Rain boots make puddles part of the fun.
• Bring a small bag for "treasures" like leaves and pinecones, where collecting is allowed.
• Use bug spray in summer and check for ticks afterward.
• Follow the rules about staying on trails and leaving plants and animals alone.
• Check building hours. Several centers close one or two days a week, and trails may be open when the building is not.

Frequently asked questions

Are Cook County nature centers free?

Yes. Forest Preserves of Cook County nature centers are free to visit.

Which nature center is best for toddlers?

River Trail in Northbrook is a favorite for its indoor discovery area and short trails. Crabtree is great if you also want a program for a baby.

Do nature centers have programs for babies?

Some do. Crabtree Nature Center offers free Baby Buds sessions for children up to 23 months.

Outdoor time at Children's Land

Children go outdoors every day at Children's Land when the weather permits, and children in our preschool program start going on field trips. Our thematic units often bring nature and science into the classroom. Find a location or contact us.

Related reading: Indoor Play Places for Toddlers in Chicago's North Suburbs.