Late-Summer outings around Naperville, Lisle, Warrenville, and Wheaton

Summer might be winding down in Chicagoland, but there are still plenty of warm, sunny days ahead! Our real estate agents are here to share some of their favorite ways to spend time outside in Chicago's Western Suburbs of Naperville, Lisle, Warrenville, and Wheaton.

Outdoor fun in the Western Suburbs

Chicagoland's unique neighborhoods in the Western Suburbs offer no shortage of beautiful green spaces and family outdoor activities. Here's where you can enjoy fresh air and fun before summer ends!

Naperville Riverwalk – Naperville, IL

Address: 188 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540

Spanning 1.75 miles of brick paths and trails alongside the West Branch of the DuPage River, the Naperville Riverwalk is one of the crown jewels of the park system in Naperville. It's a beautiful place to take a relaxing stroll surrounded by fountains, bridges, memorials, outdoor sculptures, and artwork. Established in 1981 to honor Naperville's 150th anniversary, the Riverwalk is also just steps from Naperville's vibrant downtown shopping and dining district.

Knoch Knolls Nature Center – Naperville, IL

Address: 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, IL 60540

One of Naperville's premier destinations for outdoor discovery, the Knoch Knolls Nature Center offers an opportunity for visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the natural world. The nature center is home to two rivers, a creek, and miles of hiking trails that meander through woodlands and prairie habitats. Be sure to check their upcoming programs and events.

The Morton Arboretum – Lisle, IL

Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532

One of the most stunning green spaces in all of Chicagoland, the Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre botanical garden and outdoor museum of living trees in Lisle. Home to a library, herbarium, and dedicated tree research program, the arboretum's living collections include more than 100,000 specimens representing more than 4,000 different kinds of plants. With 16 miles of trails and a wildly diverse landscape, the Morton Arboretum offers much more than can be explored in a day, making it a rewarding place for repeat visits. 

Blackwell Forest Preserve – Warrenville, IL

Address: Butterfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555

DuPage County offers an incredible array of wild forest preserves, and the 1,366-acre Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville is consistently among the most popular. Encompassing ponds, creeks, and dense woodlands, the preserve provides a setting for an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, including:

• 9 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
• Fishing for bass, bluegill, pike, and catfish
• Canoe and kayak rentals
• Off-leash dog areas

Cantigny Park – Wheaton, IL

Address: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189

Nestled in the community of Wheaton, about 30 miles west of Chicago, Cantigny Park is the former estate of Joseph Medill and his grandson, Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publishers of the Chicago Tribune. The park spans 500 acres of lovely gardens, forests, and picnic areas, and it abuts the equally beautiful Cantigny Golf Course.

Cosley Zoo – Wheaton, IL

Address: 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187

Though it may be less famous than the iconic Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, the charming Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is no less enjoyable for family outings. Built around a former train station, the zoo focuses primarily on domestic farm animals and native North American wildlife. Kids can visit and discover unique native creatures from raccoons and red foxes to box turtles and great horned owls.

Questions about outdoor fun in Chicago's Western Suburbs

What are some good places to spend time outdoors in Chicago's Western Suburbs?

Naperville Riverwalk, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, The Morton Arboretum, Blackwell Forest Preserve, Cantigny Park, and Cosley Zoo all offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Naperville, Lisle, Warrenville, and Wheaton.

Which Western Suburbs destinations are good for families?

Families have plenty of options, including Cosley Zoo, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Cantigny Park, and The Morton Arboretum. Depending on the destination, visitors can enjoy walking trails, gardens, wildlife, playgrounds, and educational activities.

Where can I go hiking or walking in the Western Suburbs?

Naperville Riverwalk offers a scenic paved route through downtown Naperville, while Knoch Knolls Nature Center, The Morton Arboretum, and Blackwell Forest Preserve offer trails through more natural surroundings.

Learn more about the suburbs of Chicago

Contact us today to discover more about life in Naperville, Lisle, Warrenville, and Wheaton, IL. Known for small-town charm and some of the most family-friendly vibes in Chicagoland, these Western Suburbs are lovely places to call home.