Take a hike! See some waterfalls! Temper your expectations regarding the latter. This isn't Niagara…read moreFalls we're talking about, but once you reach the falls, it's a nice respite from all the noise in the world. Depending on the season and time of year you visit, you can walk across this small waterway, trek through some woods, hear pleasing bird calls, but be sure to wear some good shoes. The path is dog-friendly and I see dogs enjoying the water more than the owners. So what are you waiting for?

Well maintained. Not too crowded…read more Challenging enough on a bike for me. Beautiful and well maintained trails that are well marked. Love it. If you're out of shape this place can whip you back into shape if you let it.

Underrated and beautiful. It's got a fantastic view of the city skyline and there's a whole…read moreindustrial vibe going on but I don't mind it. It's serene and if it wasn't so warm I'd go to it more often. It's good for a long walk but there's no trees along that walk so I'll be frequenting more in the fall va the summer.

Check out this incredible transformation of a quarry into a park in Bridgeport. In between it was a…read morelandfill. Palmisano Park has went through a lot of changes to be sure. A lot of nature of course. There's trails and an interpretive wetlands among the many things to come across while going through. Best to know about the transformation before going. It used to be the Stearns Quarry. The city purchased it in 2008, cleaned it up, and opened it the next year. Has lots of nature to see and more to do. There's more than a mile of paths, including recycled timber boardwalks, and walkways. At first this was the site of a coral reef if you can believe it. Limestone was formed, and there's been fossils discovered here that are now in the Field Museum. In the 1830s it became a quarry, and operated until 1970 when it became a landfill. There's a fishing pond that still has the old quarry walls. After opening this park there was cause for celebration. The community before this had a lack of green space. Have to go here if you like parks that have been restored from abandoned areas. It's quite impressive. There's all kinds of plants and wildlife.

Want a free workout that will kick your butt? Head over to the Swallow Cliff stairs. There are…read morepeople of all fitness levels that make the trek here. Stay to the right and keep your own pace. The forest preserve has done a nice job maintaining the area. There are tables to have a picnic, clean bathrooms, and seasonal café. There is a decent amount of parking too. It does get packed if weather is nice. People like to use rocks to track their loop numbers. Signs say no dogs allowed on the stairs.

The stairs start out widely spaced and then desend as a normal staircase . There is and opening in…read morethe middle where you can rest or turn around. It maybe a bit strenuous for old geezers like me , but I played off the rest stop like I didn't to use my phone . Some long shaded benches greet you on top or choose from four pavilion benches ( see picture )

Loved visiting Garfield conservatory! It's huge and has multiple different themes rooms. I loved…read morethe fact that the entry is free for Chicago residents. They have a great variety of plants, a small horticulture room and even a room dedicated to desert plants. I loved the lily pond area the most. I was also amazed to see the fern room and the small koi pond. Such a great place to visit, regardless of the weather.

Beautiful conservatory, but don't trust any of the online maps. They're super outdated!…read more Be sure to check out the Fern Room :]

The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a scenic walk alongside Lake Michigan. The lake is so large and…read moreexpansive, you forget it's a lake. It feels like you are looking out at the ocean, except that it's so filthy, with no sand. You're reminded it's freshwater because there are so many geese along the trail, on the grass, and in the water. Bird doo doo everywhere, too. The waters are choppy. I even saw a sunken boat. Someone's not going to be happy finding out that their boat sank. Since I visited during the fall season, even though it was cold and windy, the skies were blue with fluffy white clouds in the sky. Handful of joggers and a few tourists taking selfies by the water.

Chicago Lakefront Trail is, as advised, the trail that follows the Lake Michigan Shoreline. It's…read morebeen around forever. This walkway covers a nice section of the lakefront. What you get to see is not only a great view of Lake Michigan, but stunning views of the city, as well. In the summer, you can find a few places to grab a quick drink or a snack. During the winter months, pretty much all of those places are closed down for obvious reasons. But, no matter what time of the year you go there, what you can experience is a great place to get your steps in, as well as a really beautiful view of the lake and the city. The overall maintenance on this lakefront walk is a bit sketchy. In some places, it's really well maintained, whereas other places, not so much. But, as long as you keep your eyes open, you should have no trouble, and you won't fall flat on your face as I have seen some people do due to the concrete either being cracked, risen, or just a little too old to be where it exists. The type of people you encounter along this walkway are as expected: the joggers, the power-walkers, those that are taking a stroll, and a few of the, for lack of better term, less desirable. Yes, occasionally you'll see somebody smoking some crack out along the shoreline, or perhaps having a little too much alcohol to drink. But, that's just all pardoned parcel of the city. Overall, it's a fun place to take a walk, to get between two destinations, and/or just to enjoy nature flanked by the city of Chicago.

I love Chicago. I also love finding new things to see and do. Heard about this trail and took…read moreadvantage of this beautiful day. This flat paved trail was a safe easy walk. Lots of flowers and trees in the midst of the city. Its about 2.5 miles 1 way or 5 round trip. Whether you are walking, biking, or pushing the kiddos in a stroller. Very nice walk.

The 606 is such a fun concept. My daughter and I visited last week and had a fun walk…read more I was a bit worried about visiting with a four year old but we made it fun. The trail is clean and pretty. We only would have asked for a bathroom or two available on the trail. I saw a local race advertised and would love to participate if we were local, but alas we are not. This is a great trail for runners or bikers too. I would frequent this trail if I were a resident. The 606 is worth a visit but to best get enjoyment from your time, it's best to be a walker, runner, or bike it.

Enter near the Trailside Museum, in the parking lot on the south side of Chicago Avenue, then…read morefollow the trail south. There is a large field across Chicago Avenue, around the parking lot north of Chicago Avenue, but that area of Thatcher Woods is much less interesting. Go south instead. Along the path going south, I saw deer, ducks, chipmunks, and loads of birds. Local children have been building structures on the woods, so it is fun to grab some branches and add to those creations. The deer cane up so close, within 10 feet at times. Wear shoes that can get muddy. It was a bit soggy today, but the trails are definitely still passable.

Haven't been here in a while but I love this first preserve! Been here for a few events. It's a…read morelittle of country within the city limits. Great little place to get you in touch w nature. Check it out when you need to get away but stay close.

A beautiful tranquil place to zen out…read more Adjacent to the lincoln park zoo. It has its own entrance and exit On any day you can see pretty flowers and wildlife. Please don't disturb either and don't leave any garbage.

This is probably one of my favorite hidden gem spots in Chicago. It's such a beautiful and tranquil…read morearea to relax and enjoy the nature. There's a trail that loops around the pond, so you can walk around a few times and meditate. There's so many options to sit too. It's a great spot to bring a book or a snack. Amazing spot for photos too! There's always a bride and groom here taking photos.

Beautiful nature park for walking alone or with family. Fantastic events for families and children…read moreyear round.

Come here to learn about nature and natural areas. It certainly is a good place for children…read morewanting to know more. North Park Village Nature Center has a long and interesting history through the years. A lot of after school programs. There's also day camps in summer among other things. A kind of hidden place surrounded by the North Park Village campus. It's over 58 acres of natural area and educational facility. There's trails going through prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands. Before this was a nature center, this used to be a sanitarium for tuberculosis patients to get care and live. The city chose this site in 1909, and it operated until the 1970s when tuberculosis was eradicated mostly. It was saved from being demolished for commercial property, and this park was created. Learn more in the Discovery Room, which is located in the middle of it. There's also plenty to explore outside, with the trails and woodlands of the Walking Stick Woods. Has programs for children, families, and adults. The Eco-Explorers summer day camp has nature themed activities and games. Bigger area than it seems to be. It's located at Peterson and Pulaski. This is a good place for exploring nature whether adults, children, or whoever wants to know about this kind of stuff.

Nice spot along side Lake Michigan. It has a nice scenery during winter too with the ice buildup on…read morethe shore. You will still see some hardcore runner run past you on the trail. Near Museum of Science, just walk underneath Lake Shore Dr and it will take you there.

Great spot to photograph and get great views of Chicago. Definitely a good trail to enjoy nature…read moreand weather.