Small in size but big in fun, pony rides are always a major hit! A ride on a pony is a memorable, active experience your kids will never forget. Even if your child is hesitant to go for a ride, just the sight of a pony trotting around leaves a lasting impression. Pony rides help kids develop a healthy respect for these animals while teaching confidence, patience, and empathy.
There are a few options for types of rides: carousel style (where the ponies walk in a circle), hand-led, and even trail rides. We’ve rounded up places where kids can go for rides. A few of these spots will bring pony rides to your party or event, too.
Jaynesway Farms in Bartlett
5N080 Route 59
Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 483-1827
Jaynesway Farm offers pony rides in their Ponyland where a parent or guardian leads the pony through the path. Rides take place rain or shine on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am until 4:00pm. You can also host birthday parties or events in Ponyland, or they can bring the ponies to your location of choice.
Jaynesway Farm also offers riding lessons and summer camps.
Palatine Stables in Palatine
1510 W. Northwest Highway
Palatine, 60067
(847) 359-0009
Run by the Palatine Park District, Palatine Stables takes reservations by phone for 10-minute pony rides for kids for children ages 1-10 (under 4’6″ and less than 75 pounds). They also offer pony parties.
The park district has announced plans to end programming at the conclusion of summer 2024. Check here for closing updates from the park district.
New Traditions Riding Academy in Palos Hills
10100 S Kean Avenue
Palos Hills, IL 60465
(708) 598-7718
Pony parties are offered for up to sixteen kids for two hours with two ponies. This includes an hour of pony rides, then a walk to the barn for grooming and brushing. For an additional cost, more children can be added to the total number of attendees. For older children, consider their two hour session with riding, barn time, and access to the party room (minimum of seven children). Visit their website for deposit requirements and booking fees.
New Traditions Riding Academy also offers lessons and summer camps.
Normantown Equestrian Center in Plainfield
12151 S. Normantown Road
Plainfield, IL 60585
(815) 254-1950
Normantown Equestrian Center is a six-acre facility run by the Plainfield Park District facility. They offer specialty pony rides around the holidays: Haunted Pony Rides in the fall, and Holiday Pony Rides in the winter. Be sure to check out their website for updates and more details.
Forest View Farms in Tinley Park
16717 Lockwood Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 560-0306
Pony rides are offered on the Forest View Farms property daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm, weather permitting, at this longtime destination for local pony rentals. These rides are available for children under the age of 9. Pony rides are hand-led by a parent or guardian. For pricing and more details about rentals (including unicorn ponies and donkeys), check out their website.
Memory Lane Stables in Willow Springs
8290 Kean Avenue
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Kathy: (708) 845-0865
Bill: (708) 372-6472
Trail rides on ponies are available to children under the age of 10 every day of the week. Make sure to phone ahead to reserve your scheduled time. All rides must be escorted by a staff member. Their pony rentals include onsite parties, as well as offsite rentals.
Sarah’s Pony Rides in Willow Springs
8220 S. Kean Avenue
Willow Springs, IL 60480
(630) 802-1316
Sarah’s Pony Rides offers guided trail rides on ponies, pony camps onsite, and pony rentals for parties and events anywhere in the Chicagoland area.
Other Places to Find Pony Rides
Summer Festivals and Fall Festivals! Our festivals guides include details about what will be at each event, so click on whatever season you are interested in and scroll through to find more opportunities for your kids to ride a pony.
Have a horse lover on your hands? Check out places where kids can go horseback riding in Chicagoland!
