LaBagh Woods

If your kids are ready to trade concrete for canopy, LaBagh Woods delivers one of Chicago's most surprisingly wild outdoor experiences. Tucked into the Northwest Side, this Chicago Forest Preserve sits along the North Branch of the Chicago River and offers nearly 90 acres of mature woodland, meadows, and river-edge habitat.

For families, LaBagh is best suited for older kids and tweens who can handle uneven, unpaved trails through dense forest. The North Branch Trail runs through the preserve, making it a popular stop for family bike rides that connect to other forest preserves further north. On foot, the trails offer enough variation to keep curious kids engaged — fallen logs to balance on, birds to spot in the canopy, and frogs hiding along the riverbank in wet seasons.

Bring the iNaturalist app and turn the hike into a nature identification challenge: LaBagh hosts a surprising variety of migratory birds in spring and fall, and the riverside habitat draws herons, sandpipers, and the occasional kingfisher. Older kids who are into wildlife photography or birding will find this spot genuinely rewarding.

The preserve is completely free and open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are no facilities on site — no restrooms, no concessions, no playgrounds — so come prepared. Pack water, snacks, bug spray in summer, and sturdy shoes for uneven terrain. The flip side of the no-amenities situation is the solitude: on a weekday morning you can have the trails nearly to yourself.

LaBagh also connects to a broader system of Chicago Forest Preserves, so it's easy to extend a trip north toward the Skokie Lagoons or combine it with a stop at nearby Chicago Botanic Garden for a full day in nature. For families who want to show kids that Chicago is more than skyscrapers, LaBagh Woods is the quiet proof.