Winter in the western suburbs of Chicago offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor fun, and sledding is one of the most cherished seasonal activities for families and adventurers alike. Whether you're seeking a gentle slope for young children or an exhilarating ride for adrenaline junkies, the region boasts a variety of sledding hills that cater to every preference. In this guide, we’ve curated a selection of the best sledding spots across the western suburbs, from family-friendly hills with amenities to steeper slopes for those in search of more excitement. No matter your sledding style, there’s a perfect hill waiting for you to enjoy.
Photograph: Shutterstock
Easy to Moderate Family-Friendly Hills
Perfect for younger kids, beginners, or anyone seeking a relaxed sledding experience.
Sannauk Forest Preserve – Sandwich
Best for families of all ages, featuring a warming center and a gentle, spacious slope.
Location: 15250 US-34, Sandwich, IL 60548
Highlights: Family-friendly sledding hill, warming area, free, & access to bathrooms.
Details: DeKalb County Forest Preserve
Sannauk Forest Preserve is a perfect destination for families seeking a well-rounded winter adventure. Its popular sledding hill offers plenty of fun for all ages, while the warming area and on-site restrooms make it convenient for longer outings. This location combines outdoor thrills with essential amenities, making it an easy choice for a day of sledding and winter fun. Great for families looking to spend a longer amount of time sledding since it has amenities.
Caldwell Woods – Chicago
Best for safety, with well-lit, staffed hills and gentle slopes perfect for children.
Location: W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
Highlights: Gentle slopes, lighting for evening sledding, staffed for safety, free, & access to bathrooms.
Details: Cook County Forest Preserve
Caldwell Woods on Chicago's Northwest Side is a fantastic sledding destination for families and beginners. The gentle slopes are perfect for young sledders and those new to the sport, offering a safe and welcoming environment. The hill is lit and staffed daily when there’s at least three inches of snow, allowing for evening sledding that’s both convenient and secure. Cross country skiing is also available. Operating hours are Sunday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the fun. Located within the Cook County Forest Preserve, this sledding spot is easily accessible from the entrance at W Devon and N Nagle Avenues. The combination of safety features, well-maintained slopes, and family-friendly amenities makes Caldwell Woods a winter favorite.
Lincoln Park – Aurora
Best for younger kids, first-time sledders, or those looking for an easygoing sledding experience.
Location: 259 S Russell Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506
Highlights: Gentle slope, ideal for beginners and young children, & free.
Details: Fox Valley Park District
Lincoln Park, managed by the Fox Valley Park District, offers a mild sledding hill that’s perfect for young kids or first-time sledders. With its gentle incline, families can enjoy a more relaxed sledding experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a calm and safe spot for their children to play. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, providing plenty of daylight hours for family fun.
Phillips Park – Aurora
Best for sledders of all ages with its wide, gentle hills and ample space.
Location: Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL 60505
Highlights: Wide hills, plenty of space for all ages, & free.
Details: Phillips Park
Phillips Park offers a variety of wide, welcoming hills, making it a great destination for sledders of all ages. With plenty of room to spread out, this family-friendly park ensures everyone can enjoy their time on the slopes. The park is open during regular hours with no admission fee, making it a budget-friendly option for a fun winter outing.
Wing Park – Elgin
Best for a relaxed sledding day with big, less steep slopes in a peaceful setting.
Location: 1010 Wing Street, Elgin, IL 60123
Highlights: Big sledding hill, less steep slope, free, & access to bathrooms.
Details: Elgin Parks and Recreation
Wing Park’s sledding hill is a perfect spot for families, featuring a big, spacious, and less-steep slope that’s ideal for younger kids or those who prefer a more relaxed sledding experience. The park also includes an ice skating rink, offering a great combination of winter activities for a fun day out. The city of Elgin also has another sledding hill at Lords Park located at 100 Oakwood Blvd, Elgin, IL 60120.
Randall Oaks Park – West Dundee
Best for families who want gentle, spacious slopes to spread out and have fun.
Location: 750 Randall Road, West Dundee, IL 60118
Highlights: Wide, not very steep hill, free, & access to bathrooms.
Details: Dundee Township Park District
Randall Oaks Park is a beloved local spot for winter fun, featuring a spacious sledding hill that’s perfect for a relaxed day outdoors. The gentle slope makes it a great choice for younger kids and families looking for a safer, more low-key sledding experience. The hill's wide layout also allows groups to spread out and enjoy without feeling crowded.
Ebersold Park – Downers Grove
Best for families with younger children who prefer a wide, gently sloping hill.
Location: 5923 Main St., Downers Grove, IL 60515
Highlights: Wide, gently sloping hill, rich history, & nearby parking.
Details: Downers Grove Park District
Ebersold Park is a family favorite, featuring a wide, gently sloping hill perfect for younger children. The park’s history adds charm; it was once privately owned by Marguerite and Fred Ebersold, who generously allowed local children to sled here in the winter and enjoyed watching children have fun outdoors in the snow. After the park was acquired by the Downers Grove Park District, it was named in honor of the Ebersolds, and it remains a beloved spot for sledding. The park is easily accessible with nearby parking and provides a safe, enjoyable hill for families. Sledding is available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Downers Grove park district also operates other conveniently located sledding spots with large and spacious hills for snowy fun. Sled hills that are open from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at O’Brien Park (6909 S. Dunham Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60516) and Concord Square Park (Springside Ave. and Concord Dr., Downers Grove, IL 60516).
Wright Avenue Park – Elgin
Best for a calmer, less crowded sledding experience with a moderate incline for all ages.
Location: 676 Wright Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
Highlights: Quieter, good for kids all ages, & free.
Details: Elgin Parks and Recreation
Elgin’s Wright Avenue Park is a community favorite. With a slope that strikes a balance between steep and moderate, this hill provides fun for all skill levels. It’s a more relaxed environment compared to some of the busier sledding spots, making it a good choice for families seeking a quieter outing. Sledding is permitted from sunrise to sunset when there is a minimum of four inches of snow on the ground.
Langum Park – St. Charles
Best for kids and families who want a moderate incline and an option for night sledding
Location: 7th Ave. and Madison Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174. Sled off of 7th Ave facing Rt. 25. St
Highlights: Lighted sled hill, free, & bathroom availability.
Details: St. Charles Park District
Langum Park is a fantastic option for families. The hill is lighted until 9 p.m., making it one of the few spots for safe night time sledding. Its moderate incline makes it ideal for children or those who prefer a more leisurely ride. Sledding here is free, and parking is conveniently located nearby, adding to the park’s family-friendly appeal. Open daily from dawn until 9 p.m. St. Charles Park District also offers outdoor ice rinks for hockey and ice skating as well as trails for cross-country skiing, weather & conditions permitting, at designated sled hills.
Timber Trails Park – St. Charles
Best for kids of various ages with its moderately steep slope.
Location: North end of 17th St., St. Charles, IL 60174
Highlights: Family friendly, moderately fast, safe hill, free, & access to bathrooms.
Timber Trails Park is another excellent option in St. Charles. Although it lacks lighting for evening sledding, its natural slope and spacious layout make it a great daytime destination. This hill is slightly steeper than Langum Park, offering more of a challenge while still being suitable for a variety of ages. Free sledding, safe, fun hills that all can enjoy! Open from dawn to dusk. Sled off of 17th Street.
Cricket Hill – Chicago
Best for all ages, offering gentle slopes for beginners and steeper areas for thrill-seekers, all with breathtaking views in the heart of the city.
Location: 4500 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60607
Highlights: Stunning Lake Michigan views, four-sided hill with options for all skill levels, & free.
Details: Chicago Park District
Cricket Hill, located in Lincoln Park near Montrose Beach, is a prime sledding spot for urban adventurers. This 45-foot-tall, perfectly round hill provides plenty of space for sledding enthusiasts of all ages. Its four-sided design accommodates various skill levels, offering gentle slopes for beginners and steeper areas for thrill-seekers. Perched on the northern end of Lincoln Park, this hill boasts incredible views of Lake Michigan, making every sledding run a scenic adventure. As one of the few elevated areas in the city, it’s a beloved destination for families and sledders seeking both fun and a beautiful urban backdrop.
Photograph: Shutterstock
Fast and Steep Hills
For adrenaline junkies, these hills offer steeper slopes and faster runs.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve – Aurora
Best for thrill-seekers looking for steep inclines and fast runs with lake views.
Location: 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora, IL 60504
Highlights: Steep slope, fastest sledding in the area, & free.
Details: Kane County Forest Preserve
If you’re looking for a thrill, Oakhurst Forest Preserve is the place to go. The big hill on Fifth Avenue, just west of Kautz Road, offers the fastest and steepest sledding in the area. Known for its steep incline and fast runs, this hill is perfect for adrenaline junkies. The hill’s location, near a 55-acre lake, adds a serene touch to the excitement. Sledding is permitted from sunrise to sunset when there is a minimum of four inches of snow on the ground. This sledding spot is maintained by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, which is allowed at all Kane County forest preserves.
Johnson’s Mound – Elburn
Best for older kids and young adults, with a 200-foot hill offering panoramic views from one of the highest points in Kane County.
Location: 41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL 60119
Highlights: Highest point in Kane County, panoramic views, & free.
Details: Kane County Forest Preserve
Johnson’s Mound offers sledders the unique experience of launching from one of the highest points for several surrounding miles in the area. Rising 200 feet, this hill provides stunning panoramic views along with an exhilarating ride. While the hill is suitable for all ages, it’s particularly popular among older kids and teens. Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery! Sledding is permitted from sunrise to sunset when there is a minimum of four inches of snow. Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve is one of the first three forest preserves in Kane County!
Wolf’s Crossing Community Park – Naperville
Best for older kids seeking faster, more adventurous rides.
Location: 3252 Wolf’s Crossing Rd., Naperville, IL 60564
Highlights: Large, newer hill, better suited for older kids, free, & access to bathrooms.
Details: Naperville Park District
For those willing to venture just outside Kane County, the sled hill at Wolf’s Crossing Community Park in Naperville is worth the trip. Debuting in 2021, this large slope is ideal for older kids and thrill-seekers. The hill isn’t lit, but it is available for use from sunrise until one hour after sunset. The park also features sand volleyball courts that transform into a skating rink when temperatures drop, adding an extra layer of winter fun. The Naperville park district operates several other unlit sled hills that are open from sunrise until one hour after sunset at Arrowhead Park (711 Iroquois Ave.), Brook Crossings (1015 95th St.), Country Lakes Park (1835 N. Aurora Rd.), Gartner Park (524 W. Gartner Rd.), May Watts Park (804 S. Whispering Hills Dr.), and Weigand Riverfront Park (2436 S. Washington St.).
Illinois Park School – Elgin
Best for speed and convenience, with a steep incline and stairs to the top for quick runs.
Location: 1350 Wing Street, Elgin, IL 60123
Highlights: Steep hill, easy access with stairs, & free.
Details: Illinois Park School
The sledding hill at Illinois Park School is perfect for those seeking a fast and thrilling ride. The steep incline provides an exhilarating experience for adrenaline junkies, while the convenient stairs make it easy to climb back up for another run. This spot is ideal for those who want a quick-paced sledding adventure. Open from sunrise to sunset, sledding is allowed when conditions are suitable.
Soldier Field Sledding Hill – Chicago
Best for a thrilling urban adventure with a 220-foot slope, skyline views, artificial snow, and space for sledders of all ages.
Location: 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Highlights: 220-foot slope, breathtaking Chicago skyline views, & free.
Details: Soldier Field Hill
Soldier Field Sledding Hill offers a unique urban sledding experience with the iconic Chicago skyline as your backdrop. This 220-foot man-made hill, located along the south side of the stadium near Burnham Harbor, is perfect for a thrilling yet family-friendly outing. The hill offers plenty of excitement, offering slopes steep enough for thrills, but not too steep that kids are unwelcome. Only plastic sleds are allowed, ensuring safety on this unsupervised slope. No snow? No problem! The Chicago Park District makes artificial snow to keep the hill ready for action, regardless of the weather. Whether you’re an urban adventurer or a family looking for winter fun in the city, this hill is a must-visit destination.
Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago
Best for city sledding, a 200-foot hill, complete with lighting, staff, and skyline views.
Location: S Western Ave & W 87th St, Chicago, IL 60620
Highlights: 200-foot lit hill, staffed daily, separate snowboarding area, free, & access to bathrooms.
Details: Cook County Forest Preserve
Dan Ryan Woods is a standout sledding destination on Chicago's South Side. Gaze at the distant Chicago skyline before plunging down a spacious, 200-foot hill—among the largest, if not the largest, slope in the entire city. The Cook County Forest Preserve lights up the hill and keeps it staffed seven days a week (Sunday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.) when there's at least three inches of snow on the ground, making it a safe and enjoyable option for sledding enthusiasts. The hill is well maintained! Easy to reach and ready for action after every snowfall, this urban gem draws happy crowds on snowy days. For those seeking variety, there’s even a designated area for snowboarding to mix up the snowy fun.
Waubonsie Lake Park – Aurora
Best for mixed-age groups looking for semi-steep hills that offer a balance of fun and safety.
Location: 998 Kautz Road, Aurora, IL 60504
Highlights: Semi-steep hill, near playground, free, & access to bathrooms.
Details: Aurora Parks
Waubonsie Lake Park’s sledding hill is a popular destination for thrill-seekers. The hill’s semi-steep slope provides an exciting ride, while the nearby playground makes it a convenient choice for families wanting to keep younger children entertained. Open from sunrise to sunset, it’s a great spot for mixed-age groups looking for winter fun.
Alpine Hills Adventure Park – Rockford
Best for groups looking for a tubing-focused winter adventure in a well-maintained park.
Location: 4402 Larson Ave, Rockford, IL 61108
Highlights: Tubing lanes, snowmaking, conveyor lift, & restrooms available .
Details, fees & hours: Alpine Hills Adventure Park
The Snow Park at Alpine Hills Adventure Park is a 5-acre winter wonderland that caters to tubing lovers. Its snowmaking system keeps the lanes fresh and ready all season, and a convenient conveyor lift brings you back to the top for more runs without the hike. The park is designed with separate tubing and terrain park sections, making it ideal for riders of all abilities. Whether you’re tubing with family or enjoying other snow activities, Alpine Hills offers a fun, fast, and efficient experience.
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports – Lisle
Best for those who want to combine sledding other winter sports for a day full of adventure
Location: 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle, IL 60532
Highlights: Snowmaking capabilities, sledding, tubing, ski runs, & restrooms available.
Details, fees, & hours: Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports is the go-to destination for those looking to enjoy a full day of winter sports. While it’s best known for its ski runs and snow-making facilities, Four Lakes also offers sledding and tubing, making it a versatile choice for winter enthusiasts. Whether you're hitting the slopes or enjoying a relaxing ride down the sledding hill, there's something for everyone at Four Lakes. The snowmaking capabilities ensure that the area stays open and fun throughout the season, even during warm spells. The park provides a great opportunity for a variety of activities, so you can easily switch from sledding to tubing or even skiing without leaving the venue.
Photograph- Shutterstock
Scenic and Nature-Focused Locations
Beautiful settings with natural surroundings, ideal for those who love combining sledding with stunning views.
Fabyan Forest Preserve (Fabyan Windmill) – Geneva
Best for history buffs and nature lovers, with views of the historic windmill and the Fox River.
Location: 1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva, IL 60134
Highlights: Towering historic windmill, scenic Fox River views, & free.
Details: Kane County Forest Preserve
The sledding hill at Fabyan Forest Preserve is not only one of the most picturesque in Kane County but also one of the most popular. The hill’s moderate slope offers enough speed for thrill-seekers while being manageable for younger kids. The nearby historic windmill and the Fox River make for a beautiful winter backdrop. Open until 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, it’s perfect for evening sledding under the stars. Monday - Thursday opens from sunrise to sunset. Keep in mind that at least 4 inches of snow is required for the hill to be operational. Enter off Route 25 or Route 31, north of Fabyan Parkway.
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area – Yorkville
Best for sledding with Fox River scenery and cozy warming barrels.
Location: 13608 Fox Road, Yorkville, IL 60560
Highlights: Large sledding hills, scenic Fox River views, warming barrels, activity-packed winter park, free, & access to bathrooms.
Details: Illinois Parks
Silver Springs offers a serene winter escape with its rarely crowded sledding hills and beautiful views of the Fox River in the snowy setting. The hills are large and spacious, making it a fun and safe option for families. The park also features burning barrels to keep you cozy and warm between sledding runs. In addition to sledding, the park provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling when conditions allow.
Campton Forest Preserve – St. Charles
Best for serene countryside sledding with panoramic views of the surrounding fields.
Location: 4N379 Town Hall Road, St. Charles, IL 60175
Highlights: Serene forest preserve, stunning countryside views, & free.
The sledding hill at Campton Forest Preserve is a peaceful and scenic destination. Surrounded by the forest preserve’s beauty, the unlit hill offers a quieter, natural sledding experience. The park’s hillside overlooks the playing fields and the surrounding countryside, making it ideal for nature lovers. Sledding is open from sunrise to sunset in the winter when there is at least four inches of snow on the ground. In addition to sledding, the park provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling when conditions allow.
Northside Park – Wheaton
Best for sledding alongside scenic bridges, a frozen lake, and a warming shelter for added comfort.
Location: 1300 North West Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
Highlights: Charming winter atmosphere with a warming shelter, & free.
Details: Wheaton Park District
Northside Park is a picturesque winter destination featuring a well-maintained sledding hill that welcomes sleds, toboggans, and inner tubes. Bridges and a frozen lake make Northside Park quite the wintry scene, but it’s the sled hill that draws crowds after a snowfall. The park also includes a warming shelter for those taking breaks from winter activities to warm up. In addition to sledding, the park provides multiple winter recreation options including cross-country skiing, ice skating, hockey, ice fishing, and snowshoeing when weather conditions permit.
Riverwalk Sled Hill at Rotary Hill – Naperville
Best for stunning views of downtown Naperville from one of the tallest and fastest hills in the area.
Location: 443 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540
Highlights: Lighted, tall hill, closes at 10 pm, & free.
Details: Naperville Park District
This iconic hill is one of the tallest in the area, offering incredible views of Downtown Naperville and the Millennium Carillon. The sledding hill is lit until 10 p.m., making it a perfect choice for evening fun. Be prepared for some fast runs, especially when the hill is icy, so thrill-seekers will love it here. It's great for families and those looking for a fun, fast-paced experience under the lights.
Gilbert Park – Downers Grove
Best for views of passing trains and a well-lit baseball field
Location: 1500 Gilbert Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515
Highlights: Scenic hill with views of passing trains and a lit baseball field, & restrooms available.
Details: Downers Grove Park District
Gilbert Park offers a unique sledding experience with its scenic hill boasting a pretty decent decline down to a lit baseball field. For train enthusiasts, the nearby Amtrak, Metra, and freight trains zipping by add an exciting backdrop to the winter fun. The hill is located on land in the park that rises sharply toward the west, providing a solid decline for sledders. The park features lighting for evening sledding, allowing for extended hours of fun. Sledding is available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at all parks.
Photograph- Shutterstock
Night Sledding Locations
Enjoy sledding under the stars at these well-lit hills.
Riverwalk Sled Hill at Rotary Hill – Naperville
Best for nighttime thrills, with lighting until 10 p.m.
Gilbert Park – Downers Grove
Best for views of passing trains and a well-lit baseball field until 10 p.m.
Langum Park – St. Charles
Best for family night sledding, with a moderate incline and lighting until 9 p.m.
Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago
Best for staffed city sledding, with lighting until 7:30-8:30 p.m. and a 200-foot slope.
Caldwell Woods – Chicago
Best for safe, gentle slopes with lighting until 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Amenities-Enhanced Locations
These hills feature more than just sledding, offering warming shelters, bathrooms, and additional winter activities.
Northside Park – Wheaton
Best for diverse winter activities, including sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, hockey, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and a warming shelter.
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area – Yorkville
Best for a full winter experience, with sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and a warming barrels
Oakhurst Forest Preserve – Aurora
Best for fast and steep slopes with additional activities like ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Langum Park – St. Charles
Best for families looking to pair sledding with outdoor ice skating or cross-country skiing in a lit area.
Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago
Best for urban sledding with staffed slopes, lighted amenities, sled rentals, and snowboarding.
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports – Lisle
Best for versatile winter fun, including sledding, tubing, and ski runs with snowmaking equipment.
Sannauk Forest Preserve – Sandwich
Best for families seeking a warming shelter and convenient restrooms.
Campton Forest Preserve – St. Charles
Best for a peaceful winter day with opportunities for sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Alpine Hills Adventure Park – Rockford
Best for tubing enthusiasts, with tubing lanes, a conveyor lift, and snowmaking capabilities.
Urban Hills
Sledding with a cityscape backdrop.
Cricket Hill – Chicago
Best for views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
Soldier Field Sledding Hill – Chicago
Best for skyline views in an urban setting.
Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago
Best for the largest lit and staffed slope in the city, with spectacular skyline views.
Caldwell Woods – Chicago
Best for urban families, offering staff, lighting, and a safe environment.
Discover Winter Fun and Your Dream Home in Chicago’s Western Suburbs
With so many diverse sledding options in the western suburbs, it’s easy to see why this area is a winter wonderland for sledders of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're looking for a relaxing family outing or a thrilling adventure, these sledding hills provide the perfect setting for unforgettable memories. Bundle up, grab your sled, and experience the joy of winter in the heart of the suburbs. If you're ready to make a move to the area, contact The McKay Group for expert real estate guidance in St. Charles, Geneva, and beyond!
Contact Roger and Debora today as your next meaningful step toward life in the western suburbs.
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