The Best Things to Do Outside Near Oak Park, Illinois

We made it! The sun is back, the air smells like rain and fresh mulch, and everyone’s mood just got a little bit better (maybe even more). After months of bundling up and sprinting from car to door, it finally feels good to go outside again. And what better way to celebrate than by exploring all the fresh-air fun the Oak Park area has to offer?

From zoo days and patio brunches to downtown strolls and garden center wanders, this is your official cheat sheet to springtime adventures just due west of Chicago. Ready to swap your winter coat for sunglasses?

Let’s go.

There’s nothing quite like that first warm-weather walk with no gloves, no puffy coat — just you and the sunshine. Whether you're out for a quiet solo stroll or trying to burn off some kid (or dog) energy, local trails are the perfect excuse to get outside.

The Oak Park area has more variety than you might expect when it comes to walking trails. You’ve got stroller- and wheelchair-friendly paved paths, shady wooded loops, and peaceful scenic routes that make you forget you're still in the 'burbs. Thatcher Woods in River Forest feels like a little escape into the forest, and you might even spot some birds while you're there. Over in Brookfield, Salt Creek Trail winds right past the zoo and is perfect for tacking on a little nature time. For a step back in time, check out the paved trail in Riverside that hugs the Des Plaines River. It’s especially magical around golden hour.

Bring water, slap on some sunscreen (yes, even now), and maybe plan a reward stop at a local café afterward. You earned that iced latte.

View Our Complete List of Trails

You don’t need hiking boots to enjoy a good walk because our downtowns were basically made for it. Riverside, La Grange, Brookfield, Oak Park, and Forest Park all have that perfect mix of charm and walkability, with wide sidewalks, pretty architecture, and independent shops that make you want to slow down and explore.

In Riverside, you can follow the winding streets laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted (yes, the guy behind Central Park), then swing by Aunt Diana’s for some old-school candy. La Grange is a shopper’s dream showcasing boutiques, gifts, and plenty of little finds you didn’t know you needed. Over in Brookfield, the downtown is low-key and welcoming, with cozy cafés, family-run businesses, and spots that are perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Downtown Oak Park has a little of everything: indie bookstores, art galleries, and ice cream shops worth the detour. And Madison Street in Forest Park? It’s packed with vintage shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants just starting to open up their patios again.

Each spot has its own personality, so you can pick your favorite, or make a whole weekend out of hitting them all. Keep your eyes peeled for murals and public art along the way. Instant photo op.

View Our Complete List of Public Art

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a staple for good reason, but it really shines on a warm spring day. With over 235 acres and more than 3,500 animals, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend the entire day and still not see everything. That’s not a bad thing, either. It just means you’ll have an excuse to come back!

Some seasonal highlights include the big cats basking in the sun, the playful bears emerging from their winter slumps, and the lush walkways between exhibits finally waking up with greenery. Don’t skip Tropic World, where you’ll feel like you've landed in a rainforest, or the dolphin show, which never fails to wow kids and adults.

If you're visiting with little ones, the Hamill Family Play Zoo is a must. Designed for hands-on exploration, it lets kids play zookeeper, build animal habitats, and explore nature at their own pace. Think mud, bugs, and sensory play—aka everything a toddler dreams of.

Pro tip: weekdays in spring are less crowded, and zoo memberships more than pay for themselves if you plan to go more than twice.

Cold weather never stopped us from brunching but now we get to do it right: in warm weather, hopefully outside, maybe even under a striped umbrella, and beverage in hand. Whether you're craving sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, our local brunch spots are ready for you, and a lot of them have their patios already set up for the season.

In Oak Park, grab a seat at Citrine’s stylish patio, or head to Maya Del Sol for Latin-inspired brunch with serious flavor (and serious margaritas, if that’s your vibe). Craving something sweet? Crêpas is your go-to for cozy crepes and strong coffee. Over in Forest Park, Caffe DeLuca brings big city energy with its elegant outdoor seating, while Beach Avenue BBQ and Babygold serve up hearty, smoky comfort food that’ll keep you full until dinner.

So yes, planning your spring weekends around brunch is not just acceptable, it’s encouraged.

View Our Complete List of the Ultimate Brunch Spots

Nothing says spring quite like a trip to the garden center, even if your planting plans are still more dream than reality. The smell of fresh soil, rows of blooms, and racks of herbs and veggie starts just waiting for a new home? Instant mood boost.

Good Earth Greenhouse in River Forest has been a local favorite since 1965, packed with annuals, perennials, and all the tools and advice you need, whether you’re planting a backyard garden or just trying to keep a windowsill herb alive. Their staff is super knowledgeable and always ready to help you find the right fit for your space.

In Forest Park, Empowering Gardens is a true gem. This nonprofit nursery employs adults with disabilities and offers a beautiful selection of plants, handmade gifts, and sunny garden decor. It’s the kind of place that lifts your spirits while you shop.

And hey, even if you’re not buying anything yet, it’s worth going just for the stroll, the scent of basil, and the hopeful feeling that this might be the year your houseplants thrive.

View Our Complete List of Nurseries and Garden Centers

There’s something magical about packing up snacks, grabbing a blanket, and finding the perfect spot under a big shady tree. Picnics are the ultimate low-pressure, high-reward spring activity, and lucky for us, this area is full of great places to pull one together on the fly.

Austin Gardens in Oak Park is perfect for a peaceful midday break, surrounded by greenery and just steps from downtown. Over in River Forest, Keystone Park gives you plenty of space to spread out, toss a frisbee, or just lounge in the sun. And if you’re the type who prefers to picnic with a proper spread, there are plenty of places in the Oak Park area for artisan cheeses, fresh bread, and all the fancy snacks you didn’t know you needed until now. Instant picnic upgrade.

View Our Complete List for Picnics and Provisions

No matter how you're spending your spring days, you’ll want to kick things off—or wrap them up—with some fuel, and maybe even something sweet. Lucky for us, we’re basically surrounded by incredible bakeries and coffee shops that make adventuring even more delicious.

Swing by Spilt Milk in Oak Park for a slice of pie that feels like a reward. Head to Kribi Coffee for a cold brew that will change your life. Or grab a seasonal cookie and espresso from Counter Coffee in Forest Park before your downtown walk.

And yes, we’re officially declaring it iced coffee season. Go ahead, make the switch!