Waterfalls are such a calming, beautiful sight to see. We’re fortunate to have a nice collection of these hidden gems right here in the suburbs of Chicago. Arriving at a breathtaking waterfall is such a treat after a nice hike. Of course, part of the fun is the adventure of finding these peaceful parts of nature.
There are loads of picturesque, kid-friendly wooded trails to explore on your quest that lead to truly beautiful, unique waterfalls. We’ve found the very best ones locally!
Remember to bring those water shoes. Pack the sunscreen and bug spray, too. A towel and change of clothes for the car ride home might also be helpful to bring in case the kids (or you!) want to cool off in the water.
Phillips Park in Aurora
Phillips Park
1000 Ray Moses Drive
Aurora, IL 60505
What a great place Phillips Park is to visit with a lake trail, colorful tulip garden in the spring and gorgeous waterfall! You’ll also find a zoo, tennis courts, playground, skate and dog parks here. The park map will help you to better navigate around this fun-filled area.
Waterfall Glen: Rocky Glen Waterfall in Darien
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Cass And Northgate Roads
Darien, IL 60561
There’s a reason this is a favorite of our team as it’s surrounded by lots of fun stuff to do in the great outdoors and is also just breathtaking! Read our article with insider visiting tips for Waterfall Glen from several Kidlist contributors that includes where to park, how to find the waterfall, and neat areas of interest to enjoy along the way.
Peck Farm Park
Peck Farm Park
4038 Kaneville Road
Geneva, IL 60134
Peck Farm Park, home to Hawks Hollow Nature Playground has a small waterfall inside the playground area where children can explore. Peck Farm Park is a large nature playground with a play structure, slides, swings and walking trail. There is also a Butterfly house (opening in May). Take a peek at Katie’s article about Peck Farm for all the info before you head out.
Lisle Community Park
Lisle Community Park
1825 Short Street
Lisle, IL 60532
This little hidden waterfall can be found off one of the bridges on the north side of Community Park, near the ponds. The approximately 2 mile paved-loop path circling the pond is great for scooters and strollers, and also has a large hill great for running down. The best place for parking to check out this waterfall, is near the back of Lisle High School. Off the path, closest to the high school and sled hill, you will see a smaller bridge where you can find the small waterfall.
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
The Children’s Garden at the Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
Although only a small waterfall, there is big water play inside the Children’s Garden at the Morton Arboretum. Small play exhibits offer a large water fountain mister and old-fashioned water pump for those hot days. The Wonder Pond, known by kids as the ‘tadpole pond’ has large rocks you can step across to get closer to the tadpoles. Tadpoles are most prevalent in the late spring. Continue walking up the path to find the stream that will cool you off as you play on a hot day. There are a number of shorter trails that surround the Children’s Garden for a nice hike as well. A change of clothes, towel and water shoes are a must when you visit the Morton Arboretum Children’s Garden.
Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby
Matthiessen State Park
2500 IL-178
Oglesby, IL 61348
Not only will you find pretty waterfalls here, but also bright sunflower fields to explore (no picking) from mid-July – early August. These are located on the back side of the Matthiessen Vermillion River Area. Please note: Matthiessen Dells and Vermillion River areas tend to shut down on weekends May-October when the parking lots are full. Matthessen is roughly an hour from the western Chicago suburbs.
Lake Katherine Waterfall in Palos Heights
Lake Katherine Botanic Gardens
7402 Lake Katherine Drive
Palos Heights, IL 60463
You’ll find a small, lovely waterfall near the entrance of the gardens, not far from the parking lot. It’s a really easy one to get to without much walking or hiking required to enjoy the view. The grounds at Lake Katherine are also perfect for exploring wildlife and hiking and includes a great little nature center, too! Learn more about visiting this spot including additional photos and helpful tips here!
Blackhawk Waterfall in South Elgin
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Route 31
South Elgin, IL 60177
This is a natural waterfall that is a bit off the beaten path in comparison to most waterfalls around the Chicagoland area that are made from dams. Annie wrote a fantastic article about this beautiful waterfall that cascades down into a shallow creek, including helpful tips on where to park for Blackhawk Waterfall.
Delnor Woods Waterfall in St. Charles
Delnor Woods Park
517 IL-25
St. Charles, IL 60174
There are several paved paths that circle the park and a fun spot to cross the creek is right by this waterfall! A restoration project happened here to restore the dam (originally built in the 1930s) and is now fully functional allowing visitors to fish and bird watch.
Starved Rock State Park in Utica
Starved Rock State Park
Route 178 and Route 71
Utica, IL 61373
Even though there a few waterfalls at Starved Rock, we recommend St. Louis Canyon for families with younger kids as the hike to the waterfall is 3 miles round trip and it’s also the least muddy trail. Rachel put together great tips for your trip, so be sure to check those out before you go.
Note: The Fullersburg Woods waterfall is now gone.
Please note that the man-made dam that once created the waterfall at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook was removed in December 2023.
Want to see where the waterfall was? Park in the lot off of York Road, slightly north of Ogden Avenue, then walk the paved trail under the bridge and past the giant waterwheel on the Graue Mill Museum.
Interested in learning more about why the dam was removed? DuPage Forest Preserve put together a Q&A.
Want more nature?
Inspired by nature’s beauty and ready to explore beyond waterfalls? We have tons of ideas for you! Here are just a few:
- Best Forest Preserve Trails for Kids
- The Brightest Sunflower Fields
- Parks with Paved Paths
- Our Guide to Nature Places
- Guide to Family Bike Rides: Trails, Bike Shops and More
