Outdoor movie night photo courtesy of Canva
Spring Festivals, Outdoor Movies, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend with Kids
Lilac Time in Lombard. Photo credit: Canva
23 Best Things to Do in Chicago May 2024 with Kids
People enjoying the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Photo by Joseph Gage via Flickr
Visiting the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, WI with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Catch all three seasons of Bluey–plus the show’s biggest episode ever–right now on Disney+.
  VIDEO
Best Bluey Episodes, Themed Snacks and Games for a Memorable Family Night In
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
GUIDE
Chicago Summer Camp Guide
Enjoying Flyover Chicago. Photo courtesy Flyover Chicago
Flyover Chicago: Experience the City from Navy Pier
Try an outdoor festival this spring in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Mole de Mayo Festival
35 Spring Festivals and Fairs in Chicago for Families
Photo courtesy of Pioneer Farm, Facebook
12 Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos Near Chicago
Teen performers. Photo courtesy of CircEsteem
Best Summer Camps for Teens in Chicago
The lion cubs; Pesho, Lomelok and Sidai! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
What's New at Chicago Zoos: Cute Cubs and a Primate Forest at the Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos
Kids at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins
Springfield with Kids: Best Things to Do in Springfield, IL
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
Three boys having fun at an arcade. Photo courtesy of Laser X in Addison
Top Spots for Laser Tag and Paintball Fun for Kids in Chicago
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Rides, a children's museum, and more on Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Things to Do with Kids on Navy Pier in Chicago
Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.
The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Families
Birthday Party fun! Photo courtesy of POW! Gym
The Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Chicago Kids
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Butterfield Park is one of several great outdoor spots in Elmhurst. Photo courtesy of the Elmhurst Park District
Elmhurst with Kids: The Best Things to Do in Elmhurst, Illinois
Starved Rock State Park
Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More
Batter up! There are classes for kids of all ages and interests in Chicago.
GUIDE
Guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago
Adler Planetarium photo by Chris Rycroft via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Chicago's Adler Planetarium with Kids: Top Things to See and Do
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Chicago has many great swim schools in the area. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Swim School
Best Swim Schools and Swimming Lessons in Chicago for Kids
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
Checking out CAMP's new immersive experience in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins
Doodles X CAMP: Chicago's Exciting New Immersive Experience for Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
Try one of these Chicago salons for baby's first haircut. Photo courtesy of My Kids Place
Best Places for Kids Haircuts in Chicago For Baby or Toddler’s First Cut
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva
Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Chicago
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
​Chicago History Museum located in Old Town. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Old Town with Kids: What to Do Just North of Downtown Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
Climb and play all day no matter the weather, at Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago for Kids
Have some fun in the water even in the winter at one of these indoor water parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks Near Chicago
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes
Top Bat and Bar Mitzvah Venues in Chicago
Family-friendly and voted one of the top 5 escape rooms in the USA! Photo courtesy of Escape Factor in Forest Park
Best Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Chicago
Top 10 Best Hotdogs in Chicago to Try with Kids
Take pregnancy classes from a birth center or doula if you choose. Photo courtesy of Chicago Family Doulas
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Chicago
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs
Bright Horizons operates more than 1,000 nurturing, enriching, and convenient early education centers across the globe.
How to Find the Right Chicago Daycare or Preschool for Your Kid
Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago: 18 Cool Party Places for Teens
Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Photo by @zoblue, Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood with Kids
John G Shedd Aquarium photo by Ajay Suresh via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Best Things to See and Do at the Shedd Aquarium with Kids
Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.
10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago for a Family Vacation
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop
Chicago's museums are some of the top attractions in the city. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
Top Attractions in Chicago: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Semicolon is a Black-owned bookstore in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Semicolon
Black-Owned Businesses to Discover in Chicago
Kids will have a hard time deciding between all the delicious treats at Dinkel's, the 100 year old Bavarian bakery
Favorite Things To Do with Kids in Roscoe Village and North Center
The iconic ConAgra mural in Chicago, created by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is visible from the 606 elevated Bloomingdale Trail. Photo courtesy of jazim.com
Our Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Bucktown and Wicker Park
Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.
The Best Things to Do In Chicago's River North and Gold Coast Neighborhoods with Kids
The Field Museum is home to some of the country's most complete dinosaur skeletons.
The Land Before Time: How to Do Chicago's Field Museum with Kids
Calling all Chicago Cubs fans! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Things To Do in Wrigleyville with Kids
See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids
Take your little one for a splash in the Crown Fountain. Photo by Sandor Weisz
19 Things To Do with Chicago Babies Before They Turn One
Dad and son having fun at the auto show. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show
Presidents Day 2024: 19 Things To Do In Chicago With Kids
GUIDE
Winter Activities Guide for Chicago Kids
Delight in an outdoor rink across Chicago. The Skating Ribbon is a popular destination. Photo courtesy of Maggie Daley Park
33 Things To Do in Chicago This Winter with Kids
Two girls at the art museum. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
Spring Break 2024: 39 Fun Things To Do in Chicago
Eclipse photo by Andrew Shirey. Courtesy of the National Park Service
20 Fun and FREE Things To Do in Chicago April 2024 With Kids

10 Zip Lines and Aerial Adventure Parks Near Chicago

Walk the bridges at Go Ape USA. Photo courtesy the park
Walk the bridges at Go Ape USA. Photo courtesy the park
10/14/20 - By Maureen Wilkey

A number of Chicago's outdoor adventure parks are open from spring into the fall. These parks offer zip lines, aerial ropes courses, suspended bridges, and sometimes climbing walls, too.

Many of these adventure parks could become part of a larger weekend trip or a special birthday trip, especially when your Chicago kid finally hits the height requirement! 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Take in the view from above at the Forge Lemont Quarries. Photo courtesy the park
Take in the view from above at the Forge Lemont Quarries. Photo courtesy the park

Adventure Parks within one hour of Chicago

Bison's Bluff Nature Playground

Part of the Vera Meineke Nature Center, this playground has play features designed out of nature or made to mimic nature such as a rock bluff, a cliff face, a flowing stream, and a beaver dam. Kids can also explore a 3-mile nature trail. READ MORE

Go Ape Bemis Woods

This nature center offers tours of its treetops via zip line, suspension bridge, obstacles, and Tarzan swings. Families can choose between the Treetop Adventure, featuring 43 obstacles at heights of up to 45 feet, or the Treetop Journey, with 21 obstacles up to 30 feet high. READ MORE

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

Ropes courses, zip lines, and climbing walls are just the beginning of the adventure at this outdoor adventure park. Families can also enjoy live music and outdoor movies near the Lemont Quarries. READ MORE

Deep River Aerial Park

Reopens in 2021
Kids and grown-ups can play at their own level on ladders, bridges, suspended climbs, tight ropes, canopy platforms, and zip lines at this Northwest Indiana adventure park. READ MORE
Zip-line or hit the aerial walkways at Boundless Adventures Wisconsin. Photo courtesy the park
Zip-line or hit the aerial walkways at Boundless Adventures Wisconsin. Photo courtesy the park

Adventure Parks within two hours of Chicago

Zip Rockford

Tour Rockford via air with Indiana Jones-style suspension bridges and zip lines. Families can also enjoy night zip-lining and seasonal zombie tours. READ MORE

Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures

Nine unique zip lines and a high ropes course take families on an adventurous exploration of Southeast Wisconsin. Outdoor education and team-building experiences are also available. READ MORE

Boundless Adventures Wisconsin

Kids ages 7 and up can challenge themselves through obstacle courses, low- or- high-speed zip lines, bridges, balance beams, and more at this aerial adventure park in Southeast Wisconsin. READ MORE

Rum Village Aerial Park

Ascend ladders, traverse bridges, balance across tight ropes, and cruise down zip lines at this South Bend, Indiana aerial park. Night climbs are also available throughout October. READ MORE

Long Hollow Canopy Tour

Thrilling canopy tours near Galena include a UTV ride, balance bridge, and zip lines that reach up to 40 mph at a length of 1,250 feet. Families can also enjoy the tree-based challenge course with unique elements to match different skill levels.  READ MORE

Zip Chicago

Zip down eight different zip lines 85 feet above the river valley at this central Illinois adventure park. Some tours include dual racing lines and suspension bridges. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: