Best Nature Spots for Kids Near Champaign-Urbana

Get outdoors and experience nature as a family

The area surrounding Champaign-Urbana offers great opportunities for families to get outdoors and experience nature together

No matter what time of year it is, there are a long list of benefits to spending time in nature with children. This “unplugged” time is valuable for deepening connections among parents and children, encouraging creative thinking with unstructured play and improving physical and mental well-being for adults and children alike. Champaign-Urbana is full of areas to safely explore nature with children, and with just a short drive outside of town there are even more options.

Here is a list of our six favorite places to experience nature with children near Champaign-Urbana year-round.

1. Busey Woods, Urbana

There are many things to love about Busey Woods, tucked away in the north end of Crystal Lake Park in Urbana. You may recognize it as sharing a parking lot with Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center and the Anita Purves Nature Center. The elevated boardwalk makes the walking path through the woods perfect for navigating a stroller or two, as well as handicap accessible. Kids will love the bridge over the creek, the chance to see deer up close and many opportunities to hop off the beaten path and climb logs or gather sticks. Stop by Friendship Grove to continue a nature exploration outing before or after a walk through the woods.

2. Hessel Park, Champaign

Hessel Park isn’t just a playground and a splash pad. It features a 0.6-mile paved walking path, a quiet, tree-lined stroll towards the back of the park away from Kirby. Add the beautiful trees to the fact that this park is located right in the center of Champaign-Urbana and footsteps away from the University of Illinois and you have a winning place to enjoy the outdoors. Pack a picnic for the kids and don’t even start down by the playground. Just pull in to the lot off of Grandview Drive to park, sit at the edge of the pavilion with snacks and take in the view.

3. Lake of the Woods, Mahomet

This destination in Mahomet is a popular place for all kinds of outdoor outings among families, U of I students and more. Just a short drive along I-74, the expansive lake and beautiful views make Lake of the Woods what it is. There are multiple entry points; the Route 47 entrance is near the Botanical Gardens and Museum of the Grand Prairie; the main entrance on Lake of the Woods Road will take you to the Bell Tower and a great playground; the peninsula entrance on Lake of the Woods Road will give you a good spot to fish, rent paddle boats in the summer or walk across the bridge; and the lesser-known entrance to the woods (technically Stidham Woods at this entry point) is the start of the walking trails/bike path and located north on Prairie View Road right where it bends into Fogel Road.

4. River Bend Forest Preserve, Mahomet

A second Mahomet location on our list, River Bend is a favorite when it comes to fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. River Bend also features a universally accessible fishing pier, truly one of the best accessible fishing experiences around. There’s no place to rent kayaks or anything out here, so its best to bring your own. Thanks to the inflatable variety, kayaks and paddle boards are an option for even more Chambana families than ever before, with much of the logistical trouble out of the equation.

5. Homer Lake, Homer

Another Champaign County Forest Preserve destination, Homer Lake is a beautiful example of a natural area with some areas intentionally designed with families in mind. The Homer Lake Playscape may be what many families know it for, but there are also some great walking trails — be ready to go “off the beaten path” with kids — and some wonderful fishing spots. Homer Lake has kayak rentals now, too. Drive around the lake to the side opposite of the playscape for some scenic docks and plenty of quiet space to explore as a family. It’s a perfect place for a picnic.

6. Allerton Park, Monticello

The farthest drive from C-U on our list, Allerton Park is worth the travel time. Wandering the Allerton grounds offers an adventure that just happens to be set among some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. The massive sculptures, Formal Gardens, and beautiful plantings could take hours to explore. (Tip: the Peony Garden is amazing in May!) It’s best to make a plan before arriving as it would be difficult to explore all the grounds in one visit with kids in tow. The Fu Dog Garden and Sunken Garden are two favorites among our kids. Visit during the holiday season and you’ll see gorgeous light displays in the evenings.

Best Nature Spots for Kids Near Champaign-Urbana

Get outdoors and experience nature as a family

The area surrounding Champaign-Urbana offers great opportunities for families to get outdoors and experience nature together

More on all your favorite outdoor activities:

Top spots for outdoor recreation near Champaign-Urbana: