Best Sledding Hills in the Fox Valley & Western Suburbs of Chicago (2025–2026 Guide)

Top Sledding Spots Near St. Charles, Geneva, Naperville, Aurora & More

Looking for the best sledding hills in the Fox Valley or Western Suburbs of Chicago? Whether you're in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Elgin, Elburn, Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, or anywhere in Chicagoland, this updated 2025–2026 sledding guide highlights all the top hills near you, from the best family-friendly slopes to steep, fast runs for thrill-seekers.

Winter in the western suburbs of Chicago transforms the region into a snowy playground, perfect for families, adrenaline junkies, and anyone eager to enjoy some fresh winter air. The Fox Valley and suburbs of Chicago offer an impressive variety of sledding hills suited for every age and adrenaline level.

Whether you’re searching for gentle, family-friendly sledding hills, heart-pounding steep slopes, or beautifully scenic runs near forest preserves, this guide highlights the top destinations locals return to year after year. Packed with amenities, stunning views, and well-maintained hills, these spots offer some of the best sledding experiences in Chicagoland.

Use this updated, complete guide to plan your next winter adventure across The Fox Valley and Western Suburbs of Chicago, discover hidden gems, and explore the region’s most beloved cold-weather activities.

Easy to Moderate Family-Friendly Hills

These locations offer gentle slopes perfect for beginners, younger children, or anyone who prefers a relaxed winter day sledding.

1. Sannauk Forest Preserve – Sandwich

   Best For: Families of all ages seeking a gentle, spacious slope.

   • Highlights: Family-friendly, wide gentle sledding hill, warming center, free, & bathrooms.

   • Location: 15250 US-34, Sandwich, IL 60548

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

     
     

   Sannauk Forest Preserve provides a balanced winter experience with its roomy family-friendly sledding hill, on-site restrooms, and warming area, making it ideal for longer outings. As one of the most accommodating sledding locations in the western suburbs, it’s a go-to spot for families looking for hassle-free winter fun. This location combines outdoor thrills with essential amenities!

   
   

   Details: DeKalb County Forest Preserve 

   
   

2. Caldwell Woods – Chicago

   Best For: Safety, well-lit, staffed hills, and beginner-friendly sledding.

   • Highlights: Gentle slopes, evening lighting, staffed hills, bathrooms, and free.

   • Location: W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

   • Hours: Sun–Thurs: 10 am–7:30 pm; Fri–Sat: 10 am–8:30 pm

   
   

   Caldwell Woods on Chicago's Northwest Side is one of the safest sledding destinations near Chicago thanks to its gentle hills, lighting, and daily staffing when there’s at least three inches of snow, allowing for evening sledding that’s both convenient and secure. It 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. Cross country skiing is also available. The combination of safety features, well-maintained slopes, and family-friendly amenities makes Caldwell Woods a winter favorite.

   
   

   Details: Cook County Forest Preserve

   
   

3. Lincoln Park – Aurora

   Best For: Small children and first-time sledders

   • Highlights: Gentle slope, ideal for beginners or young kids, & free.

   • Location: 259 S Russell Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

     
     

   Lincoln Park offers a mild sledding hill that’s perfect for young kids, first-time sledders, or those looking for an easygoing sledding experience. Families can enjoy a more relaxed and simple sledding experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a calm and safe spot for their children to play. With its gentle incline, it's a great beginner hill for families in the Aurora and Fox Valley area.

   
   

   Details: Fox Valley Park District 

   
   

4. Phillips Park – Aurora

   Best For: Sledders of all ages, gentle hills, and ample space.

   • Highlights: Wide hills, spacious layout, & free.

   • Location: Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL 60505

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

     
     

   Phillips Park features multiple hills with plenty of room for sledders to spread out, making it a great destination for sledders of all ages. With a variety of wide, easygoing hills, this family-friendly park ensures everyone can enjoy their time on the slopes. It’s a welcoming, budget-friendly option for families wanting a full day of snow play.

   
   

   Details: Phillips Park

   
   

5. Wing Park – Elgin

   Best For: Relaxed sledding with large, not-too-steep slopes.

   • Highlights: Big sledding hill, ice rink, free, & bathrooms.

   • Location: 1010 Wing Street, Elgin, IL 60123

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

     
     

   Wing Park’s sledding hill is a perfect spot for families, featuring a big, spacious, and less-steep slope in a peaceful setting. It'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.

   
   

   Details: Elgin Parks and Recreation

   
   

6. Randall Oaks Park – West Dundee

   Best For: Wide, gentle hill, room to spread out, ideal for families and younger kids.

   • Highlights: Spacious hill, free, & access to bathrooms.

   • Location: 750 Randall Road, West Dundee, IL 60118

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

     
     

   This popular local park provides a peaceful and safe sledding environment with its broad, gradual slope, perfect for families looking for a relaxed day outdoors. The hill is not very steep and offers a more low-key sledding experience. The hill's wide layout also allows groups to spread out and enjoy without feeling crowded. Randall Oaks Park is a beloved local spot for winter fun!

   
   

   Details: Dundee Township Park District 

   
   

7. Ebersold Park – Downers Grove

   Best For: Families with younger children.

   • Highlights: Wide, gently sloping hill, rich history, & nearby parking.

   • Location: 5923 Main St., Downers Grove, IL 60515

   • Hours: 8:30 am to 10:00 pm

   
   

   Formerly a private family property lovingly used for winter sledding, Ebersold Park remains a favorite spot for families. The previous owners, Marguerite and Fred Ebersold, generously allowed local children to sled here in the winter and enjoyed watching children have fun outdoors in the snow. The park was later acquired by the Downers Grove Park District and was named in honor of the Ebersolds. The park is easily accessible with nearby parking and provides a safe, enjoyable environment. Ebersold Park remains a family favorite, featuring a wide, gently sloping hill perfect for younger children. The Downers Grove park district also operates other conveniently located sledding spots with large and spacious hills for snowy fun. Nearby O’Brien Park and Concord Square Park also offer great sledding options from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

   
   

   Details: Downers Grove Park District

   
   

8. Wright Avenue Park – Elgin

   Best For: A calm, less crowded sledding experience for all ages.

   • Highlights: Moderate incline, quieter, good for kids all ages, & free.

   • Location: 676 Wright Ave., Elgin, IL 60120

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, minimum of 4 inches of snow required

   
   

   Elgin’s Wright Avenue Park is a community favorite, offering fun for all ages with a slope that sits perfectly between easy and moderately challenging. This hill is a great mix 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.

   
   

   Details: Elgin Parks and Recreation

   
   

9. Langum Park – St. Charles

   Best For: Night sledding, families and individuals seeking a moderate incline.

   • Highlights: Lighted sled hill, close parking, free, & bathroom availability.

   • Location: 7th Ave. & Madison Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174. Sled off of 7th Ave facing Rt. 25. St

   • Hours: Sunrise to 9 pm

   
   

   Langum Park is a fantastic option night sledding option and one of the most popular Fox Valley sledding hills. 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 both younger and older children. Parking is conveniently located nearby, adding to the park’s family-friendly appeal. 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.

   
   

   Details: St. Charles Park District 

   
   

10. Timber Trails Park – St. Charles

    Best For: Kids of various ages, moderate incline slope

    • Highlights: Family friendly, moderately fast, safe hill, free, & access to bathrooms.

    • Location: North end of 17th St., St. Charles, IL 60174

    • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

    
    

    Timber Trails Park is another excellent option in St. Charles. 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. Perfect for families wanting a little more speed, while still being suitable for a variety of ages. It's a safe and moderately steep slope that all can enjoy!

    
    

    Details: St. Charles Park District 

    
    

11. Cricket Hill – Chicago

    Best For: City views, tall hill, all ages and skill level

    • Highlights: Lake Michigan views, four-sided hill, options for all skill levels, & free.

    • Location: 4500 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60607

    • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

    
    

    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. It’s a beloved destination for families and sledders seeking both fun and a beautiful urban backdrop.

    
    

    Details: Chicago Park District

Fast and Steep Sledding Hills

Looking for thrilling runs? These hills offer steeper slopes and fast runs, exhilarating rides that draw thrill-seekers from across the Chicago western suburbs. Best for: Steep, fast sledding with scenic lake views. With one of the fastest slopes in Kane County, Oakhurst is the go-to for adrenaline lovers.

1. Oakhurst Forest Preserve – Aurora

   Best For: Thrill-seekers, steep inclines, and fast runs with lake views.

   • Highlights: Fastest sledding in the area, steep slope, & free.

   • Location: 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora, IL 60504

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, minimum of four inches of snow

   
   

   If you’re an adrenaline junky, Oakhurst Forest Preserve is the place for you. The big hill, offers the fastest and steepest sledding in the area. The steep incline delivers high-speed runs ideal for more experienced sledders. Located next to a 55-acre lake, you'll enjoy serene views while experiencing the thrill of the slope. 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.

   
   

   Details: Kane County Forest Preserve

   
   

2. Johnson’s Mound – Elburn

   Best For: Advanced sledders seeking elevation and panoramic views

   • Highlights: 200-foot hill, highest point in Kane County, scenic views, & free.

   • Location: 41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL 60119

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, minimum of four inches of snow

   
   

   Johnson’s Mound offers one of the most unique sledding experiences in the region with panoramic countryside and prairie views and thrilling downhill speed. Rising 200 feet, this hill provides an exhilarating ride, launching from one of the highest points for several surrounding miles in the Kane County area. While the hill is suitable for all ages, it’s particularly popular among older kids, teens, and young adults. So, if you're looking for a thrill, Johnson’s Mound is the place to go and don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery!

   
   

   Details: Kane County Forest Preserve

   
   

3. Wolf’s Crossing Community Park – Naperville

   Best For: Older kids seeking faster, more adventurous rides.

   • Highlights: Large, newer hill, modern features, free, & bathrooms.

   • Location: 3252 Wolf’s Crossing Rd., Naperville, IL 60564

   • Hours: Sunrise until one hour after sunset

   
   

   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 better suited for older kids and thrill-seekers who want more speed. The hill isn’t lit, but it is open one hour after sunset. The park also features sand volleyball courts that transform into a skating rink when temperatures drop, adding extra 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.).

   
   

   Details: Naperville Park District

   
   

4. Illinois Park School – Elgin

   Best For: Easy access to the top, speed and convenience, quick-paced hill

   • Highlights: Steep hill, quick runs, convenient stairs, & free.

   • Location: 1350 Wing Street, Elgin, IL 60123

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

   
   

   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. The convenient stairs make it easy to climb back up to the top of the hill for another run and helps maximize your time on the slope. This spot is ideal for those who want a quick-paced sledding adventure with steep drops and fast runs.

   
   

   Details: Illinois Park School

   
   

5. Soldier Field Sledding Hill – Chicago

   Best For: Urban sledding with skyline views and space for sledders of all ages

   • Highlights: A 220-foot hill, Chicago skyline views, artificial snow, & free.

   • Location: 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

   
   

   Soldier Field Sledding Hill offers a unique and thrilling urban sledding experience with the iconic Chicago skyline as your backdrop. This 220-foot man-made hill 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. This iconic Chicago sledding hill uses snowmaking equipment to make artificial snow, ensuring sledding is available even during lighter winters. Whether you’re an urban adventurer, a family looking for winter fun in the city, or want to enjoy breathtaking Chicago skyline views, this hill is a must-visit destination.

   
   

   Details: Soldier Field Hill

   
   

6. Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago

   Best For: Large, lit, staffed urban sledding hill, and skyline views

   • Highlights: A 200-foot hill, lighting, staffed, separate snowboarding area, free, & bathrooms.

   • Location: S Western Ave & W 87th St, Chicago, IL 60620

   • Hours:  Sun-Thur: 10 am - 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 am - 8:30 pm

   
   

   One of Chicago’s best maintained hills, Dan Ryan Woods offers long evening hours and safe, supervised sledding. Sledders can take in the Chicago skyline before plunging down a spacious, 200-foot hill (one of the largest slopes in the entire city). The Cook County Forest Preserve lights up the hill and keeps it staffed seven days a week when there's at least three inches of snow on the ground, making it a safe and enjoyable option for sledding enthusiasts. For those seeking variety, there’s even a designated area for snowboarding to mix up the snowy fun. Dan Ryan Woods is a standout sledding destination on Chicago's South Side!

   
   

   Details: Cook County Forest Preserve

   
   

7. Waubonsie Lake Park – Aurora

   Best For: Semi-steep hill for mixed ages

   • Highlights: Near playground, free, & access to bathrooms.

   • Location: 998 Kautz Road, Aurora, IL 60504

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

   
   

   This popular Aurora sledding spot provides a great balance between moderate and steep slopes. The hill’s semi-steep slope provides an exciting ride, making it a popular destination for thrill-seekers. However, it's also a great spot for mixed-age groups looking for a combination of winter fun and safety. Waubonsie Lake Park’s sledding hill is a popular destination and the nearby playground makes it a convenient choice for families wanting to keep younger children entertained.

   
   

   Details: Aurora Parks

   
   

8. Alpine Hills Adventure Park – Rockford

   Best For: Tubing enthusiasts

   • Highlights: Tubing lanes, snowmaking, conveyor lift, & restrooms

   • Location: 4402 Larson Ave, Rockford, IL 61108

     
     

   If you prefer tubing over sledding, this dedicated winter park offers professional lanes and consistent snow. 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.

   
   

   Details, fees & hours: Alpine Hills Adventure Park

   
   

9. Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports – Lisle

   Best For: Skiing, tubing, and sledding at one location

   • Highlights: Multiple winter sports & activities, snowmaking capabilities, & restrooms

   • Location: 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle, IL 60532

   
   

   Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports is the go-to destination for those looking to combine sledding other winter sports for a day full of winter adventures. While it’s best known for its ski runs, Four Lakes also offers sledding and tubing, making it a versatile choice for winter enthusiasts. Whether you're hitting the slopes or taking a 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. With multiple winter activities in one place, it's great for groups wanting variety!

   
   

   Details, fees, & hours: Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports

Scenic + Nature-Focused Sledding Spots

Beautiful settings with natural surroundings, ideal for those who love combining sledding with stunning views.

1. Fabyan Forest Preserve (Fabyan Windmill) – Geneva

   Best For: Sledding with historic and river views

   • Highlights: Fox River views, historic windmill, extended hours, moderate slope, & free

   • Location: 1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva, IL 60134

   • Hours: Mon-Thur: Sunrise to Sunset; Fri, Sat, & holidays: Sunrise to 9pm; 4 inches of snow

   
   

   Fabyan Forest Preserve is one of the most picturesque sledding hills in Geneva and Kane County, and 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 scenic winter backdrop. It’s also perfect for evening sledding under the stars. History buffs and nature lovers alike will appreciate the beautiful scenery.

   
   

   Details: Kane County Forest Preserve

   
   

2. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area – Yorkville

   Best For: Sledding with warming barrels and river views

   • Highlights: Large hills, Fox River views, warming barrels, extra winter activities, free, & bathrooms.

   • Location: 13608 Fox Road, Yorkville, IL 60560

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

   
   

   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. Enjoy a peaceful wooded sledding experience in this activity-packed winter park.

   
   

   Details: Illinois Parks

   
   

3. Campton Forest Preserve – St. Charles

   Best For: Quite, countryside sledding with panoramic views nature views

   • Highlights: Serene forest preserve, winter activities & free.

   • Location: 4N379 Town Hall Road, St. Charles, IL 60175

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset; four inches of snow required

   
   

   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. In addition to sledding, the park provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling when conditions allow.

   
   

   Details: Kane County Forest Preserve

   
   

4. Northside Park – Wheaton

   Best For: Charming winter atmosphere with lake views and scenic bridges

   • Highlights: Warming shelter, sled/tube/toboggan friendly, other winter activities & free.

   • Location: 1300 North West Street, Wheaton, IL 60187

   • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

   
   

   A postcard-worthy winter setting with a well-maintained sled hill and plenty of family amenities.

   Northside Park is a postcard-worthy winter setting with a well-maintained sled 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 alongside scenic bridges and lake views, the park provides multiple winter recreation options including cross-country skiing, ice skating, hockey, ice fishing, and snowshoeing when weather conditions permit.

   
   

   Details: Wheaton Park District

   
   

5. Riverwalk Sled Hill at Rotary Hill – Naperville

   Best For: Lit and fast sledding with views of Downtown Naperville

   • Highlights: Lighted hill, open late, tall slope, & free

   • Location: 443 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540

   • Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm

   
   

   Riverwalk Sled Hill at Rotary Hill is a true winter favorite and one of the most iconic sledding spots in the Western Suburbs. Towering over the Riverwalk and Millennium Carillon, this hill offers impressive height, giving riders thrilling runs and panoramic views of Downtown Naperville. Due to its size, speeds can pick up quickly (especially on icy days), so thrill-seekers will feel right at home. The slope is lit until 10 p.m., making it the perfect place for nighttime sledding under the winter sky. Families also love the wide hill and the festive atmosphere that comes with sledding in one of Naperville’s most scenic outdoor spaces.

   
   

   Details: Naperville Park District

   
   

6. Gilbert Park – Downers Grove

   Best For: Views of passing trains and an illuminated baseball field

   • Highlights: Beautiful slope, lit for evening sledding, train viewing, & restroom access

   • Location: 1500 Gilbert Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515

   • Hours: 8:30 am to 10:00 pm

   
   

   Gilbert Park offers a unique and scenic sledding experience in the heart of Downers Grove. Set on a hill that rises sharply on the west side of the park, the hill boasts a pretty decent decline down to the brightly lit baseball field. One of the best features is the constant backdrop of trains. With Amtrak, Metra, and freight lines nearby, kids and train lovers get an extra dose of excitement as the trains rumble past during their sledding runs. The park is well-lit for evening use, giving families extra time to enjoy the hill after school or work.

   
   

   Details: Downers Grove Park District

   
   

Night Sledding Locations

Enjoy sledding under the stars at these well-lit hills.

1. Riverwalk Sled Hill at Rotary Hill – Naperville

   • Best for nighttime thrills, with lighting until 10 p.m. 

2. Gilbert Park – Downers Grove

   • Best for views of passing trains and a well-lit baseball field until 10 p.m.

3. Langum Park – St. Charles

   • Best for family night sledding, with a moderate incline and lighting until 9 p.m.

4. Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago

   • Best for staffed city sledding, with lighting until 7:30-8:30 p.m. and a 200-foot slope.

5. 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.

1. Northside Park – Wheaton

   • Best for diverse winter activities, including sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, hockey, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and a warming shelter.

2. 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

3. Oakhurst Forest Preserve – Aurora

   • Best for fast and steep slopes with additional activities like ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

4. Langum Park – St. Charles

   • Best for families looking to pair sledding with outdoor ice skating or cross-country skiing in a lit area.

5. Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago

   • Best for urban sledding with staffed slopes, lighted amenities, sled rentals, and snowboarding.

6. Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports – Lisle

   • Best for versatile winter fun, including sledding, tubing, and ski runs with snowmaking equipment.

7. Sannauk Forest Preserve – Sandwich

   • Best for families seeking a warming shelter and convenient restrooms.

8. Campton Forest Preserve – St. Charles

   • Best for a peaceful winter day with opportunities for sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

9. 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.

1. Cricket Hill – Chicago

   • Best for views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

2. Soldier Field Sledding Hill – Chicago

   • Best for skyline views in an urban setting.

3. Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago

   • Best for the largest lit and staffed slope in the city, with spectacular skyline views.

4. Caldwell Woods – Chicago

   • Best for urban families, offering staff, lighting, and a safe environment.

FAQ: Best Sledding Hills in the Fox Valley & Western Suburbs

What are the best sledding hills in the Fox Valley?

Popular favorites include Oakhurst Forest Preserve and Lincoln Park in Aurora, Johnson’s Mound in Elburn, Fabyan Forest Preserve (Fabyan Windmill) and Wheeler Park in Geneva, Langum Park and Campton Hills Forest Preserve in St. Charles.

Where can I go sledding in the Western Suburbs of Chicago?

Top choices include hills in Naperville, Downers Grove, Aurora, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Elgin, Wheaton, and more.

Which sledding hills are open at night?

Many park districts keep hills open until 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., including:

• Rotary Hill – Naperville

• Langum Park – St. Charles

• Gilbert Park – Downers Grove

Which sledding hills are best for young kids?

Gentler, family-friendly slopes are typically found at:

• Recreation Center hills

• Smaller community parks

• Fox Valley forest preserves with gradual declines

Which sledding hills are the steepest or fastest?

Thrill-seekers should try:

• Oakhurst Forest Preserve – Aurora

• Johnson’s Mound - Elburn

• Wolf’s Crossing Community Park – Naperville

• Soldier Field Sledding Hill – Chicago

• Dan Ryan Woods – Chicago

• Steeper park district hills after a freeze

Map Coming Soon

A map showing all sledding hill locations across the Fox Valley & Western Suburbs will be added to this guide for easier planning.

Discover Winter Fun and Your Dream Home in Chicago’s Western Suburbs

Whether you're looking for fast, steep sledding hills, family-friendly slopes, or scenic winter sledding spots in the Fox Valley and Chicago western suburbs, this guide has every top sledding hill near you. Bookmark this page and enjoy winter fun all season long across Chicagoland, Kane County, DuPage County, Tri-Cities, and beyond. And if you’re looking for even more local activities, don’t miss our other guides featuring The Best Things to do in St. Charles IL, The Best Things to do in Geneva, and The Best Things to do in Batavia throughout the year.

If you live in or are considering moving to  St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Elburn, South Elgin/Elgin, Wayne, or the surrounding Fox Valley area, The McKay Group is here to guide you every step of the way. Plus, these winter destinations are just one of the many reasons the western suburbs offer such a vibrant and active lifestyle.

Contact Roger and Debora today as your next meaningful step toward life in the western suburbs.