Best Kid-Friendly State Parks Near Chicago

 
Photo courtesy of the Starved Rock Lodge

1. Starved Rock State Park

1.5 hours from downtown Chicago. Open daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free for all ages.

Starved Rock State Park is located in Utica, Illinois. It’s about an hour and a half hour drive from Chicago but it feels a world away. With incredible canyons, hikes, and waterfalls, Starved Rock is beautiful in the summer and fall months. Reservations are required to camp. The campground does fill up, so it’s recommended to place your reservations early. In addition to tent and RV camping, there is also a lodge for those looking for a little more coverage. In addition to hiking, other activities include fishing and kayaking. Swimming is prohibited in Starved Rock State Park. 

2. Illinois Beach State Park

2 hours from downtown Chicago. Open daily, 24 hours. Free for all ages.

The Illinois Beach State Park features six miles of coastline. The campground at Illinois Beach State Park is located in the southern portion of the park. Camping sites are open on a first come first serve basis for tent and RV camping. Reservations are accepted May 1- September 1. Enjoy the huge swimming beach on Lake Michigan, a short drive from the campsites. There are also 5 miles of hiking trails including a 2.2-mile loop with a graveled surface. 

 
Chain O' Lakes State Park photo by Erika Mendelke, courtesy of the Illinois DNR Facebook page.

3. Chain O’Lakes State Park

2 hours from downtown Chicago. Open daily from 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free for all ages. 

The Chain O’Lakes State Park has biking and hiking trails that stretch for 6 miles. With water all around, this state park offers plenty of summer recreation. There are campsites available at Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Mud Lake East. There are cabins, tents, and RV campsites available. Boats and kayaks are also available to rent. You can fish at various locations, and horses are also available for trail rides. 

4. Apple River Canyon State Park

3 hours from downtown Chicago. Open daily, 24 hours. Free for all ages. 

Apple River Canyon State Park is located in the hills of northwest Illinois. The deep ravines and large limestone bluffs were all once part of the sea bottom that stretched to the Rockies. The canyon area was formed by the Apple River. This all makes for some of the most scenic hikes in the state. There are five trails available for hiking. Year-round camping sites are available for tent camping. 

 
Kettle Moraine Fire Pit photo courtesy of Friends of Lapham Park

5. Kettle Moraine State Park 

3 hours from downtown Chicago. Open daily from 6 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Vehicle sticker is required $20.50 for non-residents, and $15.50 for residents.

Hike, camp, swim, boat, paddleboard, and fish at Kettle Moraine South in Wisconsin. This massive state park offers 22,000 acres of glacial hills, kettle lakes, and 100 miles of hiking and nature trails. There are also trails for mountain biking and horseback riding. For families, there are three family-friendly campsites for tent and RV camping. There is also a nature center and Palmyra Environmental Learning Center for kids to explore. 

6. Devil’s Lake State Park

3 hours from downtown Chicago. Open daily from 6 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Vehicle sticker is required: $20.50 for non-residents, and $15.50 for residents.

Devil’s Lake State Park sits along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. With a 500-foot quartzite bluff overlooking a 360-acre lake, the hiking views here are incredible. With 30 miles of hiking trails, there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes with lakeshore picnic areas. After your hike, swim at the swimming beach, paddle board, and take the kids to the on-site nature center.  There are three campgrounds with 423 sites. Each campsite accommodates up to six people. 

 
Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

7. Indiana Dunes State Park 

1 hour from downtown Chicago. Open daily, 24 hours. $7 daily entrance for residents / $9 daily entrance for non-residents.

The Indiana Dunes State Park sits along 2,182 acres in Indiana. On Lake Michigan’s southern shore, the beach stretches three miles. There are several trails for hiking, ranging from 5.5 mile moderate hikes to family-friendly loops that are under a mile. Wednesday to Sunday the Nature Center is open for exploration. Campsites are available for groups of 6. Tent camping and RV campsites are available.