My Top 7 Crunchy Nature Outings in Chicagoland
Like many crunchy folks, I’m happiest when I’m outdoors! I’m also a runner who hates treadmills, and a mom to a high-energy pup and toddler, so sometimes I find it’s easier for us to just live outside. I’ve made it my mission to seek out outdoor adventures for my family and I. While we still have a lot of ground to cover, we’ve scoped out many…many…parks, nature centers, gardens, forest preserves, trails and arboretums in the Chicago area.
It was tough, but I managed to narrow it down to my top 7…Why 7?…Because you now have my permission to take a week off work and check out one of these gems each day of the week. I included an itinerary with favorite nearby crunchy cafes, shops and restaurants at each destination so you can make an entire crunchy day of it. And you’ll find kid- and dog-friendly tidbits if your family looks anything like mine. You’re welcome…
1. Elawa Farm
The historic Elawa Farm building houses the market, cafe and special event space.
Nestled in the beautiful Middlefork Savanna forest preserve lies Elawa, a north suburban farm with a rich history and an important modern day mission. Elawa has something for everyone: You’ll find goats, chickens and ducks sauntering around the farm animal area (the only place on the farm where dogs aren’t allowed). There’s also a beautifully rustic farm-to-table cafe that serves seasonal breakfast and lunch options; it’s the only cafe where I’ll ask for a splash of milk in my cold brew since the milk comes directly from a farm.
OF NOTE: I love Elawa so much, I decided it was meant to be the location for our first Crunchy Culture meetup! Join us on Saturday September, 20th for the inaugural Crunchy Culture “Meet, Greet and Eat” picnic.
The farm’s programming serves crunchy folks young and old with kids music classes, a summer day camp, adult cooking classes, farm education, yoga and more. There is a market filled with local food and other local goods; it’s open Friday-Sunday and it’s even open through the winter. My toddler and I made it a tradition to go to Elawa on average once per week. First I load him in the jogging stroller and run along the Middlefork trails; we pick up my (much needed) cold brew from the cafe; head to the market for eggs and sourdough; then he demands to play at the playground.
A farm-to-table meal at the Elawa cafe.
Make a Crunchy Day of It: Visit the Elawa cafe for coffee and a farm-to-table brunch, check out the market (Friday-Sunday), hike Middlefork Savanna, then head to downtown Lake Forest, stop at LF Juice Shop for an all-natural pick-me-up, and grab a farm-to-table dinner from Everett Farms in Lake Forest.
Location: Lake Forest, IL
Crunchy highlights: Scenic location adjacent to trails, farm-to-table cafe, farm-to-table dinners, cooking classes and special events, regenerative farming practices and education, dog-friendly.
For the kids: Music classes, nature camps, goat experiences, playground
Cost: Free to visit; fees for classes and events
Dogs Allowed? Yes, with the exception of the barn animal area.
2. Chicago Botanic Gardens
My son was walking here before he could walk.
I grew up going to the Chicago Botanic Gardens nearly every week as a kid, and I still fondly remember all the adventures I had. I found a new appreciation for this year-round crunchy gem having moved within a couple-mile radius when my husband and I bought our house (not entirely a coincidence). Crunchy folks can easily spend a whole day exploring the diverse gardens, taking a tram or walking tour and grabbing a snack from the main cafe or beer garden adjacent to the fragrant rose garden.
I like to run along the paved path by the prairie and the garden connects to the entrance of the North Branch Trail. It’s especially scenic in mid-summer when the prairie is in full bloom, flaunting its wildflower goods. The Botanic Gardens host a variety of nature-focused events and even brings Chicagoans out of hibernation to see the Lightscape show during the holiday season.
Crunchy kids will love the nature play area with its rolling hills and a wading stream; there is also a model train exhibit and seasonal butterfly exhibit for the crunchkins (crunchy munchkins).
Magic to be found in every season.
Make a Crunchy Day of it: Explore the gardens by foot or take the tram tour, let the kids play in the nature area and stop by the model railroad (it’s even fun for a 30-something kid like me!). Head to Prairie Grass Cafe in neighboring Northbrook for dinner where you’ll find a menu with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
Location: Glencoe, IL
Crunchy highlights: Beautiful and accessible in all seasons, nature education, peaceful escape on weekdays and in the winter months.
For the kids: Large nature playground, model railroad, Butterflies and Blooms exhibit.
Cost: Varies depending on age, residence and day of the week; parking $10/car; free with membership.
Dogs Allowed? No
3. Green Bay Trail
Our go-to for a long stroller run.
Being an avid distance runner, the Green Bay Trail has become my home away from home, especially when I’m training for a longer race. It’s also a favorite destination for hikers, bikers and dog-walkers. The trail runs from Wilmette to Highland Park, and because it runs along the Metra Union Pacific North, there are plenty of local gems that you can find if you take a short detour.
In mid-summer, you’ll find an assortment of native flowers and plants framing the trail. Even on the hottest summer days, the trees create a canopy providing much needed refuge from the blazing sun. If you run or walk with your 4-legged friends like we do, the dirt surface is easier on the paws for those hot days.
What will you find en route? The famous Ravinia Festival and plenty of local coffee shops and cafes to grab a drink or quick bite: Tala and Hometown (Winnetka), Astra Coffee Roasters and Mil Colibris Bakery + Cafe (Ravinia District); and That Little French Guy (Highland Park). For crunchkins, there are many playgrounds to explore: Duke Park in Glencoe and Hubbard Woods in Winnetka are local favorites.
If you love the trail as much as I do, check out Friends of the Green Bay Trails trail restoration days for a crunchy volunteer opportunity.
Make a Crunchy Day of It: Hike, bike or run the trail, stop for coffee and a snack at one of the local coffee shops mentioned above, bring the kids to Duke Park in Glencoe.
Location: Runs from Wilmette, IL to Highland Park, IL
Crunchy highlights: Great for trail running, biking and hiking; green and shaded, scenic with native plants and wildflowers; easy to park or access via Metra; many local cafes along the route.
For the kids: Parks and playgrounds along the route.
Cost: N/A
Dogs allowed? Yes
4. The Morton Arboretum
Go hug a tree at the Morton Arboretum.
Located in Lisle, the Morton Arboretum is the go-to nature escape for the crunchy tree-hugger…I may or may not have hugged a few. While you’ll find some flowers accessorizing the beautiful trails and gardens, this crunchy spot is all about our “barked” friends with a wide variety of species to discover.
Like the Botanic Gardens, crunchy folks can block out an entire day to explore everything the Arboretum has to offer: miles and miles of hiking trails, nature and wellness workshops, special events focused on wellness (yoga, tai chi, even tree yoga).
Speaking of “barked” friends, one of my favorite things about the Arboretum is that it allows dogs on designated days including Tails on the Trails events. There are events throughout the year including the famous Illumination winter lights show.
My first furry soulmate, Mollie, always enjoyed “Tails on the Trails”.
Make a Crunchy Day of It: After a long day of exploring (and tree-hugging), head over to Lombard - less than a 15 minute drive - for dinner at locally-owned Babcock’s Grove House. If you need to wait for a table, check out Lilacia Park located around the corner.
Location: Lisle, IL
Crunchy Highlights: Many species and varieties of trees, shaded walking paths, outdoor events and festivals, dog admission days
For the kids: Nature play area, creative and nature workshops, rotating art exhibits, family-friendly tram tour
Cost: General admission rates vary, parking free
Dogs allowed? Yes, on designated days only
5. Cantigny Park
Each garden is unique and stunning at Cantigny.
I recently discovered this gem in the western burbs, and I have no clue why it took me so long! We have family and friends in the area, but when we meet up it has always been at the aforementioned Arboretum (#4) if we want a nature outing. A festival first brought us out to Cantigny park, and I realized all the natural beauty it had to offer.
The park is not just fun for nature enthusiasts, history buffs will also get a kick out of the First Division museum located on-site. Kids enjoy seeing (and climbing) on the museum’s collection of history tanks and artillery pieces. There’s a cafe and beer garden with live music, along with many special events including a vintage baseball game (no gloves, no called balls and strikes). We took our 2-year-old son to watch the game and he had a blast! Four-legged friends can accompany you on Mondays for the designated dog days.
Put me in coach, I’m ready to play (vintage) ball.
Make a Crunchy Day of It: After exploring this natural oasis, head to neighboring Wheaton and stop for a cup of coffee or tea at Five and Hoek, then pop into Mion Artisan Soap for all-natural, handmade soaps and skincare essentials (and the most amazing smells).
Location: Winfield, IL
Crunchy Highlights: A wide variety of garden spaces, walkable trails, outdoor museum.
For the kids: Nature play area, playground, special events like vintage baseball and nature themed crafts.
Cost: Admission by vehicle, varies by day.
Dogs allowed? On designated days only,
6. Sunberry Orchard
An apple a day, but only when in season.
Looking for a crunchy apple, veggie, or berry picking adventure? Head to one of two family-owned orchards at Sunberry Orchard in Woodstock. My family and I went apple and raspberry picking last September and appreciated the quiet and peaceful picking experience, a refreshing change from some of the kid-centric orchards near Chicago (cough…Apple Holler).
Sunberry claims they use sustainable farming practices and don’t spray chemical-based pesticides. They offer pasture-raised meats and a variety of produce at their markets in Woodstock and Mundelein.
A hard day’s work.
Make a Crunchy Day of It: After all your hard work picking (and snacking) on the fruit, you probably think you deserve to treat yo’ self. At least make it crunchy with a stop at Ethereal in Woodstock. It’s a “bean-to-bar” chocolate and coffee shop that smells…well…ethereal.
Location: Woodstock, IL
Crunchy Highlights: Apple, berry and veggie picking; peaceful escape from the city; market with responsibly-raised meat and veggies.
For the kids: Kids will enjoy getting their hands dirty with all the U-Pick options, some barn animals, picnic areas.
Cost: Admission is free, pay for what you pick.
Dogs allowed? In select areas and they must be on-leash.
7. Independence Grove Forest Preserve
We’ll take the scenic route.
This one holds a special place in my heart: It was the location of my first half marathon back when the Prairie State race was held here. The race was in October and the foliage was drop dead gorgeous. Unfortunately, I did not train well for that race, and wanted to drop dead at the finish line. I’ve since had much more successful runs, hikes and adventures here.
Crunchy folks can explore the preserve by foot, bike or kayak (they offer kayak, paddleboat and paddle board rentals). There are 7.5 miles of walking trails and 6.4 miles of biking trails with a combination of paved and gravel surfaces. After all the hiking, biking and boating, the beer garden situated on a small makeshift beach is a nice spot to relax. If you choose to imbibe, there are some local brews to choose from. And if you visit with littles, you’ll need to stop at the Children’s Grove play area which includes playgrounds for toddlers as well as older crunchkins.
He may have been a little small for that swing, but the children’s Grove was a hit.
Make a Crunchy Day of It: After an active morning exploring Independence Grove by foot, bike, paddleboard or kayak (rentals-only), head to downtown Libertyville for a cup of crunchy-conscious tea or coffee at Conscious Cup, walk around the quaint downtown, then grab lunch at Hewn where you’ll find organic sourdough and more! Don’t forget to stop at Murphy’s Health Foods store for all your crunchy pantry essentials.
Location: Libertyville, IL
Crunchy Highlights: Trails for hiking, biking and jogging, boat rentals, kids play area
For the kids: Children’s Grove Play Area
Cost: By car; varies by day and residency.
Dogs allowed? No, but check out nearby Prairie Wolf.
Crunchy footnotes: The rates for admission and parking are accurate as of this writing, and may be subject to change; check websites for the most updated information. Many of the gardens have membership reciprocity (i.e. if you’re a member of the Chicago Botanic Garden, you can show your membership card at Cantigny and Morton Arboretum for free admission). All photos are my own taken by my husband or I on our crunchy adventures through the years.
Our first meetup will take place at Elawa Farm’s Park on 9/20/25. Come early to take the farm tour, or do a self guided tour of the farm and trails, then meet us at the park shelter by 11:30am to meet fellow crunchy folks and Crunchy Culture’s partners. Let us know you’re coming by RSVP’ing here!
