Discover Nature on Chicago’s South Side: Two Family Gems

Forest Preserves of Cook County's Southland Nature Centers

If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and outdoorsy outing with your family — without leaving the city region — the south side of Chicagoland hosts two outstanding nature centers that deliver in spades. With trails, exhibits, wildlife, and programs galore, these spots give kids (and grown-ups) a chance to unplug, explore, and learn while having a good time. Let’s take a visit.

1. Sand Ridge Nature Center — South Holland

Location & Hours:

• 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL 60473. 

• Summer (approx): open daily ~9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Winter: ~9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

• Building may be closed Fridays in some seasons.

• The preserve itself opens at sunrise and closes at sunset (general rule for the forest preserves). 

• Admission: There is no general fee noted for entry of the nature center/trails (standard for forest preserves).

• Parking: Free (based on visitor reports). 

Why Families Will Love It:

• The building includes exhibits that tell the story of the Calumet region: from wetlands and prairies to woodlands. You’ll find live animals, interactive displays and a welcoming space for kids. 

• Outdoor trails (e.g., 3.75 miles of self-guiding hiking trails) give you options: short walks with small children or longer hikes for older kids.

• The mix of ecosystems means children can see a variety of habitats and possibly animals, insects, plants unique to the south suburban area. For example, the “Long Beach Trail” and “Redwing Trail” are great for families.

• Special programs and events: From owl prowls to nature-craft activities, there’s something year-round that can appeal to children and their adults. 

Pro Tips for a Visit:

• Arrive early in the day to make the most of the trail system before little feet get tired.

• Bring water, snacks, and dress for the weather — the outdoors is the star.

• Check ahead for any Friday closures of exhibits or building access.

• Use the interpretive signage on trails as a mini scavenger hunt for the kids: “Find the tree species with this symbol,” or “Spot the wetland sign.”

• Even if you only have an hour, spending it in the exhibit room + one short trail gives the family a meaningful nature break.

2. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center — Lemont

Location & Hours:

• 12545 West 111th St, Lemont, IL 60439. 

• Visitor Center hours generally ~9 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day).

• Grounds hours: ~8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (in some seasons) for trails. 

• Admission: Free to enter nature center/trails. Some specialized programs (e.g., ski rentals) have fees.

Why Families Will Love It:

• Unique geology: Sagawau is home to the only natural canyon formation in Cook County. Kids who love rocks, nature, and discovery will see something unusual and exciting. 

• Trails suitable for walking/hiking each season and, in winter, cross-country skiing for a change of pace. Even if you only visit in warmer months, the trails offer birding, nature play and discovery. 

• Visitor center exhibits teach about geology, natural history, and habitat management, so the indoors complement the outdoors well. 

• The combination of indoor learning + outdoor adventure makes it an engaging family outing beyond just “walk in the woods.”

Pro Tips for a Visit:

• If your kids like exploring, bring binoculars or a simple nature-journal: the canyon and trails offer plenty of visual surprises.

• Dress in layers if you visit during cooler months; the canyon can feel different.

• In winter, if you’re adventurous and the snow permits, check ski-trail availability. Otherwise stick to walking trails.

• As with any nature outing, wear sturdy shoes and check trail status ahead (the website lists closures/alerts).

• Combine your visit with a picnic in nearby preserves (there are picnic areas nearby, though not necessarily inside the nature-center grounds) to make the outing last half a day.

Putting Both on Your Family Nature List

• Choose Sand Ridge for a strong combination of indoor exhibits + adaptable hiking in the South Holland area — great for younger children or those new to nature outings.

• Choose Sagawau for a bit more adventure: canyon trails, unique habitats, learning center plus possibility of seasonal skiing — ideal for curious kids and families who want to stretch into something slightly more exploratory.

Both locations are free for general access, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County system, and designed to welcome families looking for nature, learning and fun just minutes from the city.

Final Wrap

Our communities are richer when we take time to reacquaint ourselves with the natural world. The two nature centers on the south side are not just “nice places” to visit — they’re gateways for our children to connect with the outdoors, explore, ask questions, learn, and play. And for the grown-ups? They’re much-needed resets.

So pack the snacks, lace up the shoes, gather the family, and head out. Whether you’re noticing the whisper of a prairie grass at Sand Ridge or peering into a canyon at Sagawau, you’re making a memory — and investing in the village that nurtures us all.

Make It a Village Plan: Turning Family Outings into Community Memories

Exploring nature isn’t just about getting fresh air — it’s about reconnecting as a family and as a community. Visiting the Forest Preserves’ nature centers can become part of a simple “village plan” that feeds the body, mind, and spirit.

Bring the generations.
Invite grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins to join the trip. The trails are gentle enough for all ages, and elders often bring rich stories that help kids see nature through history — how our parents and grandparents gardened, fished, or gathered in open spaces long before screens and schedules ruled our lives.

Extend the learning at home.
After your visit, let the kids draw what they saw — a bird, a tree, a rock formation — and talk about what surprised them most. Turn the experience into a mini “show and tell” over dinner or in a family group chat.

Cook a nature-inspired meal.
Bring the day full circle with a simple picnic or dinner that celebrates the outdoors — fresh veggies, cornbread, or grilled food inspired by the land we just explored. It’s a fun way to connect nature, nourishment, and heritage.

Combine nature with culture.
On your next visit, bring a small speaker and play soft jazz, gospel, or African drumming during lunch. It transforms a picnic into an impromptu celebration of Black joy in natural spaces — a reminder that we belong here too.

Capture and share the story.
Take photos and tag them #BronzecommVillageDay or #SouthSideNature. Sharing your experiences encourages other families to visit and builds the sense of community connection that Bronzecomm celebrates every week.