Brezina Woods is located in west suburban Cook County…read more There are so many ways to enjoy this beautiful piece of nature. There are paved paths that are accessible. They are great for biking, rollerblading, pushing a baby stroller or wheelchair, walking your dog, or simply taking a stroll. If you prefer a more rugged trail, there is a smaller foot path that runs along the creek. The rugged trail is not accessible and is best for walking. It can get muddy and sometimes small parts of the path can be a tad challenging to walk past. I mostly enjoy walking the rugged path with my dog. She absolutely loves walking along the creek and even wades in the water for little breaks. It's really nice to see that other patrons who enjoy these trails are mostly respectful and courteous. Keep in mind that these trails are shared by walkers, runners, bikers, babies in strollers, people in wheelchairs, and also dogs. Always stay to the right. Bikers will either ring a bike bell or call out "on your left" before passing you on the left side. This system is basic trail etiquette and it works well. Brezina Woods has free parking and limited port a potties. Hours: year-round: sunset to sunrise There are three picnic groves that you can reserve on fpdcc.com Grove #1 Capacity: 150 people Grove #2 (with shelter) Capacity: 350 people Grove #3 (with shelter) Accessible Capacity: 200 people Note: Please respect other patrons by not blaring your music loudly or talking loudly on your phone while walking near people on the trails. Dogs must be leashed and owners must always clean up after their pets. And please be a respectful human being and clean up your liter. My dog recently tried eating a McDonald's cheeseburger because someone left their bag of left overs disbursed near the creek. Most people do a great job of cleaning up after themselves, but unfortunately there are those who don't. I'm sharing lots of pics. (Most of them got posted separate from this review.) I hope it gives you an idea of what to expect when you visit the trails. Bonus: Along the trail, there is a little outdoor station to get water for you and your pup. You can also air up your bike tires! It's a cute little set up on the outside of a local resident's backyard fence. I just love this! Such a kind thing to do.

All family functions are here! We've going to this park for years for our family reunion. Plenty of…read morespace to play for the kids and adults to play adult games. They also have a splash pad right next door to the park for her kids to cool off and play water games.

What a nice County park in the city of Chicago. This is a large park, and has portions on both…read moresides of 87th Street. South of 87th Street you enter the parking lot at about 88th Street on Western Avenue ... north of 87th Street you enter the parking lot right on 87th Street just east of Western. The north portion runs all the way down to the train tracks at about 83rd Street, about four blocks. The south portion runs up to 90th Street and partially - on the east side - over to about 91st Street. Either way you are in for a treat. This expansive park has loads of room to spread out, whether a summer picnic group or a small family gathering with a cookout. In fact, during the pandemic, just visiting and sitting in the parking lot with your friends in lawn chairs is a way to keep active socially. There are a couple of shelters on each side of the park, but these undoubtedly require reservations. There is enough room for a pickup family flag-football game. The south section is mostly flat, while the north end is hilly, and they used to have toboggan slides there. The parking lots also hold scores of cars. Give this place a try and you'll enjoy.

I've gone to this forest preserve since I started living in Chicago. It used to be fairly quiet,…read morean occasional bike rider here and there, but mostly empty, and the trails had funky color coded trails that we seriously got lost on the first time I went here. I used to be able to allow my dog to walk off leash (she's very well behaved) ...but alas, this is not true anymore. We hadn't been in about a year, and went back to get some fresh air, and it was disappointing. They had an animal control unit present so we couldn't let our dog off leash, which is really the primary reason we would go out there...so she can be independent and have fun exploring. We felt we were being watched like hawks, so its no longer peaceful, but has fallen under big brother's ever watchful gaze. Time to find a new place to walk.

I did the vast majority of my marathon training on this trail system, and my boyfriend and I bike…read morethese trails about once a week. This is a great trail system in the south burbs if you're looking for a paved trail for running or biking. The trail system is well maintained. The scenery is lovely, and the trails are generally pretty empty too which I particularly enjoy when I just want to zone out during a long run.

Egger's Grove is a Forest Preserve in Hegewisch. There aren't paved trails here--or at least the…read moreone we were on was not. There's no services here--you won't find nature center or anything, but there are lots of benches, some picnic areas, and bathrooms. Birding is a popular activity here. In fact, I was here for a program called Owl Prowl because it's starting to become a particularly good time of year to hear them (not see). I think it was the Great Horned Owl and the Screech Owl that we were on the prowl for. I learned that screech owls kind of sound like a horse when they neigh; that was unexpected. Eggers Grove has varying terrain and that is welcoming to birds that don't stop around here in other places, and it's a good place for migratory birds. I was here after dusk so I'd like to visit sometime when it is light out to see the area. It's popular for hiking. There is a humongous parking lot, so you shouldn't have a problem finding a place if you venture out here. Humongous parking lot so many spaces you can park here with your friends family your high school senior class.

Family and I always enjoy having a nature reserve this close to home. We go hiking there often…read more Wish they would put a platform by the small lake on the southeast side so it easier and more comfortable to view the migrating birds that stop there.

This is a great gathering place all year long . Today was a fire and ice event. As I walked in the…read morepark area I was greeted with a big gas fed bonfire . The stage had blocks of ice ready to be transformed into clever and stunning art . The setup in the small parking lot flowed smoothly . Great job by all the restaurants that participating in the chili cook-off . The samples were so diverse , who knew chili could be so different ? Hot chocolate was available at the front and s'mores trimmings in a baggy was being distributed by local police in the back . Small wood burning fire pits were putting out the heat to toast those marshmallows . There was a very well built bags board game from ice . It was fast and slick , the challenge was fun. Two other Photo Op ice pieces were in the lot and on the stage . The event ran from Noon until 3:00 . Just the right amount of time to sample ten specialty chili's and vote for your favorite . We stayed for the award ceremony , three trophy's we're given out . The people voted fat Rosie's as the best. If you missed it try restaurant week during Feb 17 - 27 . Although the fire and ice event will remain very special to me and my fiancee . The outdoor dance in the brisk weather with radiant heat from the bonfire was epic . And thanks to the little girl who took our picture. Great community spirit during less social times .

Breidert Green is the heart of Frankfort and many of its activities. Depending on the time of…read moreyear, there are so many diverse actitivities that occur here. There are Sunday concerts in the summer and Arts and Crafts fairs in the fall. There are ice sculpting events, chili cook offs, runs and out door movies. The Green is maintained beautifully with the stage set inside a replica of the former train station. It is located along the Old Plank Trail which runs on the old railroad path. There is even a magnificent public washroom which is always spanking clean. If you come to Frankfort, you will probably see the Green. It is at its best in the summer bloom or under the sparkling holidays lights. I just love it, however corny that sounds!

If you find yourself in the Southwest side of Chicago, come visit McKinley Park. You can't even…read moretell you're in the city anymore because it's so calm and serene. Add to it all the lush greenery complete with a nearby lagoon and it's the ideal place for fun and relaxation. A friend of mine introduced me to this nice little oasis. It's the perfect stomping grounds for leisure and exercise. There are plenty of trails to partake in a walk, run, bike or rollerblade. This park is huge and there is plenty of space for outdoor picnic and sport. While walking with my friend, we came across folks taking part in tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, football and fishing. There is something for everyone here and you can make an entire day out of it. They also have a large public outdoor pool with splash pad for the kids. Another plus is the plentiful street parking within the park's perimeter with a dedicated parking lot near the pool grounds. In the wintertime, I think they have an outdoor ice rink too. Check out McKinley park. It's a gem of a park in the city's southwest side.

we are only allowed 45 min to swim and the don't even give us the full 45 min . the kick is out…read morealmost 10 min before the time is up. I believe we should have the full 45 min then we wait 15 for them to open again for 45 min. as I asked why we getting out early they because people take long to get dressed. like that not my fault

This is beautiful national historical land. It's located off the I-55 and Harlem Ave. Easy to…read moreaccess. It's for the education and enjoyment of the community and visitors. Very nice picnic area with tables. Many benches located throughout the area. Very nice Trails to enjoy for a healthy way to relax and enjoy nature. Beautiful statues and maps tell the history/timeline. Great place for the individual, couple, groups , children and animals as well. Wonderful spot to enjoy and soak up history.

We walked the outer path around the water. Some of it is paved but then it turns into a rock path…read morefor a while. There is a pavilion with some tables to sit & eat. We saw lots of different kinds of flowers. Several different butterfly species & few dragonflies. It took us about 25 minutes to walk around but we were stopping a lot so I could take pictures. If you're looking for a beautiful walk I definitely suggest going to Chicago Portage National Historic Site!

Mills Park is a lovely park that's fairly close to the business district in the city of Oak Park…read more The park's well landscaped, with a nice winding sidewalk, as well as lots of trees and a cast-iron fence all around it. Tip: This park is quite dog friendly :-) In the North East corner of the park stands the Pleasant Home mansion, which is a National Historic Landmark designed in 1897 by architect George W. Maher for John W. Carson. Both the park and mansion are a delight to experience, and the docent-led mansion tour is very interesting. A number of parks in the area have playgrounds for small children, but Mills Park doesn't have one. For me, that's a plus because it makes this place just a bit more peaceful and relaxing. I enjoying visiting to read a book or just to relax. In the evening, this is a nice place to stroll after dining out on Marion Street :-)

Dr. Reid is amazing !…read more Absolutely love this dentist! Dr. Reid is the sweetest and super knowledgeable! Love the hygienist Andrina also! Very thorough and gentle while she cleans your teeth. Highly recommend