The 30 Best Outdoor recreational areas in Des Plaines, Illinois

North Riverside Parks & Recreation is a vibrant park institution located at 2401 Des Plaines Avenue in North Riverside, Illinois. This park offers a wide range of recreational activities for individuals and families of all ages. From playgrounds and sports fields to walking trails and picnic areas, North Riverside Parks & Recreation provides a beautiful and inviting space for the community to enjoy outdoor activities and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to play a game of basketball, have a relaxing picnic with loved ones, or simply take a leisurely stroll, this park has something for everyone. Visit North Riverside Parks & Recreation today and experience the beauty and tranquility of this beloved community space.

Des Plaines Apartments is a modern and comfortable residential community located at 510 Seegers Road in Des Plaines, Illinois. Our apartments offer spacious floor plans, premium amenities, and a convenient location near shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Residents can enjoy on-site features such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and community room. With easy access to public transportation and major highways, Des Plaines Apartments is the perfect place to call home in the bustling city of Des Plaines, Illinois.

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area is a serene park and tourist attraction located at 24621 North River Road in Wilmington, Illinois, United States. This beautiful area offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature and wildlife in a peaceful setting. With its scenic views, hiking trails, and fishing spots, Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're a birdwatcher, angler, or simply looking to relax in nature, this institution has something for everyone to enjoy.

Des Plaines Dolomite Prairies Land And Water Reserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 24621 North River Road in Wilmington, Illinois, United States. This park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, offering a unique blend of dolomite prairies, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the tranquil surroundings, go birdwatching, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk along the winding trails. The reserve is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of Des Plaines Dolomite Prairies Land And Water Reserve.

Westfield Gardens is a serene park located at 955 South Warrington Road in Des Plaines, Illinois. This beautiful green space offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor gatherings. With well-maintained walking paths, lush gardens, and plenty of open space, Westfield Gardens is an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet afternoon in nature or host a family get-together, this park provides a tranquil setting for all to enjoy.

Prairie Lakes Park is a picturesque tourist attraction located at 515 East Thacker Street in Des Plaines, Illinois. This beautiful park offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its sprawling green spaces, serene lakes, and scenic walking trails. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely picnic, go for a relaxing stroll, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings, Prairie Lakes Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. With its convenient location and abundance of outdoor activities, this park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Centennial Park is a beautiful and expansive park located at 1395 Oakwood Avenue in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States. This park is a perfect place for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a day of relaxation and recreation. With its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities, Centennial Park offers something for everyone. Whether you want to go for a leisurely stroll, have a fun day out with the kids, or play a game of basketball or tennis, this park has it all. Come and experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Centennial Park for yourself.

Sesquicentennial Park is a beautiful tourist attraction located at 239-245 Grove Avenue in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States. The park features a new playground with areas designed for different age groups, swings, slides, and climbing structures. The park is ADA accessible and has benches, a picnic table, and a rebuilt gazebo. The park also has a large open field for games and leisure activities. Additionally, there are various other facilities nearby such as the Administrative & Leisure Center, Golf Center, Lake Park Golf Course & Marina, Mountain View Adventure Center, Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center, and Prairie Lakes Community Center. Come out and enjoy a fun day at Sesquicentennial Park!

Buckingham Place is a premier institution located at 750 East Northwest Highway in Des Plaines, Illinois. Residents love the convenient location, just minutes away from O'Hare International Airport and close to the best dining, shopping, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the area. Situated in the Des Plaines School District, Buckingham Place is also near Lake Park Golf Course, Arlington Racetrack, Via Roma, Club Casa Café, and Fashion Outlets of Chicago. This central location puts residents right in the middle of all the action. Come discover the best in Des Plaines apartment living at Buckingham Place.

Lake Park is a picturesque tourist attraction located at 2200 Lee Street in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States. This beautiful park offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its tranquil lake, lush greenery, and scenic walking paths. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, enjoy a picnic with family and friends, or simply take a leisurely stroll, Lake Park provides the perfect setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Come and experience the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance of Lake Park today!

Chippewa Pool is a popular recreational facility located at 197 North 8th Avenue in Des Plaines, Illinois. This family-friendly institution offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat with its sparkling swimming pool and spacious sun deck. Visitors can enjoy swimming laps, taking water aerobics classes, or simply lounging by the poolside. Chippewa Pool also features a children's play area, making it the perfect destination for families looking to have fun in the sun. With its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere, Chippewa Pool is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a relaxing day of aquatic enjoyment.

Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center is a state-of-the-art facility located at 515 East Thacker Street in Des Plaines, Illinois. The center offers a variety of amenities for swimmers of all ages, including an 8-lane, 25-yard competition and lap pool, a wellness pool for aqua exercise classes, and a splash pad for kids aged 2-12. The lap pool is open for swimming from Monday to Sunday, with varying hours each day. The wellness pool offers a warm water environment for classes such as aqua cycling and Aqua Zumba, while the splash pad features fun slides and water activities for children. The center also provides locker rooms and family changing rooms, with free lockers available for use. Parking is always free at the Community Center lot on Thacker Street or the Aquatic Center Main Entrance lot. Additionally, Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center is the new home of the park district's Warriors Swim Team and hosts local and regional swim competitions.

Ballard Point Swimming Pool is a popular recreational facility located in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States. This state-of-the-art swimming pool offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including lap lanes, diving boards, a children's play area, and a spacious sun deck for lounging. The pool is meticulously maintained and staffed by certified lifeguards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. Whether you're looking to swim laps, soak up the sun, or simply cool off on a hot summer day, Ballard Point Swimming Pool is the perfect destination for aquatic fun in Des Plaines.

Channahon Dam, located in Channahon, Illinois, United States, is a popular tourist attraction known for its picturesque views and recreational opportunities. This historic dam on the Des Plaines River offers visitors a chance to enjoy fishing, boating, and picnicking in a serene natural setting. The dam also provides a glimpse into the area's industrial past, as it once powered a nearby quarry. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water or a bit of local history, Channahon Dam is a must-visit destination in the heart of Illinois.

McKinley Woods, located at 26932 River Bluff Drive in Channahon, Illinois, is a 531-acre park and tourist attraction that offers a variety of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. The preserve features two access areas, Frederick's Grove and Kerry Sheridan Grove, both located in Channahon. McKinley Woods is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, conserving over 2,400 acres of diverse habitats including forest, prairie, wetland, and a portion of the Des Plaines River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fishing at the preserve.

McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 25055 South Walnut Lane in Channahon, Illinois. This 531-acre preserve is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, offering diverse habitats including forest, prairie, wetland, and a portion of the Des Plaines River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, birdwatching, fishing, and more at this stunning natural area. Frederick's Grove and Kerry Sheridan Grove are two access areas within McKinley Woods, each offering unique trails and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature education.

Arndt Park is a popular park located at 1990 White Street in Des Plaines, Illinois. Just five blocks south of Oakton Street, this park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. During the winter season, visitors can enjoy a sled/snowboard hill that will be available for use in Winter 2022/23. In addition to the park amenities, Arndt Park is also home to the Administrative & Leisure Center, Golf Center Des Plaines, Lake Park Golf Course & Marina, Mountain View Adventure Center, Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center, and Prairie Lakes Community Center. These facilities offer a range of activities and services for the community, including golfing, water sports, and fitness classes.

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, located on Division Street in Lockport, Illinois, is a 320-acre park and tourist attraction that is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system. The preserve protects a variety of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna, wetland, and a portion of the Des Plaines River. Visitors can explore 0.43 miles of natural surface trails for hiking and running, while enjoying the diverse wildlife and plant species that call the preserve home. The site is managed with invasive species control, prescribed burning, and monitoring activities to protect and enhance its natural resources. Due to the sensitivity of the site's natural resources, dogs are not allowed in the preserve. Visitors can stay updated on news and upcoming programs at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve by following their Facebook page. Additionally, donations to the Nature Foundation of Will County and the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation help support the Forest Preserve District's education, conservation, and recreation programs.

Dee Park is a beautiful park located at 9229 West Emerson Street in Des Plaines, Illinois. This peaceful oasis offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including walking paths, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, get some exercise, or spend quality time with family and friends, Dee Park is the perfect place to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With its convenient location and well-maintained facilities, Dee Park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Come and explore all that this wonderful park has to offer!