Get a change of scenery and enjoy a walk at one of our beautiful neighborhood parks! We scoped out parks for walking; these paved paths with fairly smooth surfaces are perfect for strollers, rollerblading, and more.
All of these parks have playgrounds along the paved trail, so you can stop along the way and let your kids play too. We think these make for a perfect after-dinner outing, with a walk followed by plenty of playtime.
Phillips Park in Aurora
Mastodon Island Peninsula at Phillips Park
Ray Moses Drive
Aurora, IL 60505
You can easily spend the day at Phillips Park. On the grounds, there are sunken gardens, the free Philips Park Zoo, and Mastodon Island, which has a one-mile trail around the island and playground.
Patriots Park in Downers Grove
Patriots Park
501 55th Place
Downers Grove, IL 60515
This beautiful path winds its way around the pond with trees overhanging for some shade. My kids love running over the little bridges and picking up sticks in the small wooded portion.
Willow Pond Park in Willowbrook
Willow Pond Park
Adams Street off Plainfield Road
Willowbrook, IL
Willow Pond Park has two small playgrounds that kids can discover during a walk around the pond’s paved pathway, as well as a splash pad that’s perfect for tots. Read Annie’s article on Willow Pond Park for more details.
Four Seasons Park in Lombard
Four Seasons Park
Finley Road & 16th Street
Lombard, IL 60148
This park has a fishing pond, playgrounds including a ninja-style obstacle course, a log cabin, and a 0.66 mile trail.
Eldridge Park in Elmhurst
Eldridge Park
363 W Commonwealth Lane
Elmhurst, IL 60126
This park has a 1.5 mile paved trail around the perimeter, which serves as a link to Salt Creek Greenway Trail. There is also a lagoon and two playgrounds!
Harvester Park in Burr Ridge
Harvester Park
15W400 Harvester Drive
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Harvester Park doesn’t just have one of the coolest playgrounds around… they have winding paths! They lead you all around the park and main recreation building.
Castaldo Park in Woodridge
Castaldo Park
3024 71st Street
Woodridge, IL 60517
From the park entrance, you can walk down paved paths to enjoy the scenery or try your hand at disc golf. There is a covered area with picnic benches by the playground, and also a water fountain along the way.
Central Park in Oak Brook
Central Park
1510 Forest Gate Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
There are multiple loops of paths in this park, with the longest being 1.29 miles. Take a look at the map before you go to plan your walk along one of the best paved trails provided by a park district.
Walker Park in Burr Ridge
Walker Park
7425 S. Wolf Road
Burr Ridge, IL 60480
The grounds of Pleasant Dale Park District are great for walking. Thereโs even a gazebo and small bridge along the way. You also wonโt want to miss the newly renovated playground.
Berens Park in Elmhurst
Berens Park
493 N Oaklawn Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
The paved path at Berens Park weaves around the sports fields, with legs leading to The Hub, splash pad, and playground areas.
Countryside Park in Countryside
Countryside Park
6030 Kensington Avenue
Countryside, IL 60525
Walk down tree-lined paths and get some fresh air at this great park near Brainard and north of Joliet Road.
Ebersold Park in Downers Grove
Ebersold Park
5923 Main Street
Downers Grove, IL 60516
This 0.75 mile path winds around the perimeter of the park.
Spring Rock Park in Western Springs
Spring Rock Park
4400 Central Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
The inner loop of paths around the playground is paved and winds up and down hills as well as through garden areas, while the outer loop is a combination of compacted, crushed gravel and paved surfaces.
Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn
Lake Ellyn Park
645 Lenox Road
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Take a walk along the winding sidewalks to enjoy the ducks, lake, and boathouse.
Ty Warner Park in Westmont
Ty Warner Park
700 Blackhawk Drive
Westmont, IL 60559
The grounds of this park are nicely landscaped with hills and a marsh area, which adds to the beauty of your walk. There are several forks in the path, enabling you to take a different route each time around, making it one of the best paved trails.
Mending Wall Park in Woodridge
Mending Wall Park
8406 Mending Wall Drive
Woodridge, IL 60517
You’ll find a playground with equipment for toddlers and elementary school-age kids and paved paths.
Hoopers Hollow Park in Downers Grove
Hoopers Hollow Park
Chicago and Cornell Avenues
Downers Grove, IL 60515
This nicely paved path winds around Hoopers Hollow Park and leads through a small wooded area. There is also a small bridge on the way to the playground.
Lisle Community Park in Lisle
Lisle Community Park
1825 Short Street
Lisle, IL 60532
The grounds of Lisle Community Park are huge! There are a few parking lots and you can jump onto the paved path from any of them. Walk along the East Branch of the DuPage River or cross over on the wooden bridge.
Briarcliffe Park in Lemont
Briarcliffe Park
13340 Briarcliffe Drive
Lemont, IL 60439
After your kids play at the new playground, you can enjoy a snack at the shady picnic table area or take a stroll on the paved nature path, which is located behind the playground.
Darien Community Park in Darien
Darien Community Park
7100 Clarendon Hills Road
Darien, IL 60561
There are two playgrounds at this park with paths connecting the two and a gazebo along the way, which makes it an enjoyable walk for everyone.
Northside Park in Wheaton
Northside Park
1300 N West Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
The Lincoln Marsh Waterway runs through this park with sidewalks that meander from the playground across the bridge.
More Great Places to Walk
Best Forest Preserve Trails for Kids
We also have a great list of trails that are perfect for families with locations and descriptions!
St. James Farm in Warrenville
St. James Farm is a free local destination to learn a little local history and enjoy the gorgeous outdoor landscaping.
Lake Arlington Park in Arlington Heights
A two-mile paved path winds around the park, with lanes marked for traffic both ways. Read more about Lake Arlington Park and what you’ll find there, including playgrounds, boat rentals, game tables, and more.
Cantigny Park in Wheaton
Your kids will love climbing on the giant tanks at Cantigny Park! The grounds are beautiful with winding paths and breathtaking landscaping. Be aware there is a parking fee most days at Cantigny.
Have another to add? We would love to hear your picks and explore those to add them to the list!
