The neighborhood parks of Chicago are some of the city’s finest amenities. As you move out of the city and into the suburbs, you’ll still find plenty of parks to explore and enjoy. From quiet walking paths and wooded areas to playgrounds and splash pads, these suburbs have some of the best parks in Chicagoland.

Bison’s Bluff - Schaumburg

Schaumburg has plenty of indoor attractions—like LEGOLAND and Woodfield Mall—that put it on the map, even for full-time city dwellers. But residents of this suburb know there’s just as much opportunity for fun outdoors.

Thousands of acres of Busse Woods span across both Schaumburg and neighboring suburbs. The suburb is also home to Bison’s Bluff, a nature-inspired park. The children’s playground is created from natural materials to engage children with the world around them. The park also has a flowing stream and climbing areas made from logs and boulders.

Cantigny Park - Wheaton

Wheaton is a wealthy Chicago suburb known for its attractive real estate. Residents who settle here have access to one of the most unique parks in the suburbs. Cantigny Park sprawls across 500 acres of land that once served as the estate of Chicago Tribune editor Colonel Robert R. McCormick (a name familiar to all Chicagoans). The expansive grounds include more than two miles of nature trails, McCormick’s former home, gardens, picnic grounds, places to eat, and a golf course.

Cantigny is also a magnet for history buffs. The First Division Museum, located on the park grounds, is dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. After walking through the museum, you can step outside into the tank park and touch actual pieces of history.

Harvester Park - Burr Ridge

Burr Ridge is a large southwestern suburb with plenty of open space in the form of nature preserves and parks. Harvester Park, located in the northern half of Burr Ridge, has a combination of preserved natural land and recreational space for visitors. Nearly half of the park (17 acres) is covered by wetlands and prairie. Trails snake through the wetlands, where people can also fish and observe wildlife.

For those who want to spend some time playing, Harvester Park has a playground, baseball fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a soccer field. Families can pack a picnic or take advantage of the park’s concessions stand.

McCollum Park - Downers Grove

Downtown Downers Grove is a major attraction for this southwestern suburb. A library branch, an independent bookstore, restaurants, bars, and a historic movie theater make the heart of this suburb a popular place. But Downers Grove is more than its Main Street attractions. The suburb’s parks offer space to enjoy the outdoors.

McCollum Park, the flagship park of Downers Grove, covers 50 acres and offers a wide variety of amenities for visitors. Families and friends can compete on the 18-hole mini golf course or play pick-up games on the basketball and volleyball courts. The park also has a wooded spot for picnicking. In the colder months, a parking lot becomes an ice skating rink.

Riverwalk Park - Naperville

A trail and building in Riverwalk Park in suburban Naperville Illinois
Riverwalk Park is one of Naperville's most identifiable features.

Established in the early 1980s, Riverwalk Park has become a defining feature of Naperville. Near the restaurants of Downtown Naperville, this park is a popular spot for after-dinner strolls.

The Riverwalk hugs the banks of the DuPage River for nearly two miles and leads walkers to some of the best amenities in the suburb. The Naperville Park District organizes events at the Grand Pavilion, which is also a popular spot for picnics. The Riverwalk also connects to a quarry for paddle boating, a pier for fishing, and a beach with diving boards and a waterslide. The Riverwalk Café serves food not far from the beach, and the Riverwalk’s amphitheater hosts performances for the community.

Ty Warner Park - Westmont

Ty Warner Park, named after the Beanie Babies magnate, is one of the highlights of Westmont. The 36-acre park is an all-season staple for family fun. When the weather is warm, families come to watch kids play baseball, couples play tennis, friends picnic and play volleyball, and kids clamber over the equipment on the playground. Plus, Ty Warner has a spray park for cooling down.

During the winter, a hill in the park becomes a sledding hotspot. No matter the season, the paved path that winds through and around the entire park attracts people who want to go for a run, enjoy a walk with their dogs, or just stretch their legs.

Wilder Park - Elmhurst

A natural archway in Wilder Park in suburban Elmhurst Illinois
Wilder Park's beautiful scenery attracts visitors all year long.

With its own art museum and history museum, Elmhurst is considered a suburban center for culture. If you’re looking for some greenspace in this western burb, Wilder Park is at the top of the list. The expansive park has playground equipment, gardens, sports fields and courts, and a running trail. Plus, the Elmhurst Public Library, Wilder Mansion, and the community’s art museum are located on the park’s land. Park visitors can also step inside to get in touch with nature. Thousands of plants grow under the glass of the Wilder Park Conservatory.

Visitors can enjoy the park any time of year on their own, but Wilder Park also hosts a number of seasonal events, like concerts and movies in the park during summer and a tree lighting during the holiday season.