Springbrook Nature Center — Attraction in Addison Township

Such a beautiful place to take the kids for a walk or to run off some steam. A great place to get outside safely and explore all that nature has in store here in the Chicago suburbs. Fall last throes of color, look like a painting along the waterways path. The park’s beautiful scenic and well landscaped walk paths are perfect for those not so in to nature but wanting to be outdoors. The mostly paved or raised planked walk paths go in and through all the beautiful Itasca Park Districts pristine nature preserve and marsh lands.

There some public transit options Metra stop not too far from it, is free parking available on site in a small lot and as an added treat, it’s also home to a small bird bird sanctuary / display Wings and Talons a fantastic volunteer organization for some amazing raptors. Plus, the park and group also offer lots of great family friendly events and party’s for kids as well for a fee. See their site, the Itasca park district does an amazing job with their family programs that we’ve seen.

The main barn building ( barn ) is normally open to the public the building is currently only open for restrooms during the daytime regular business hours. This park is just lovely, spacious and great for kids, but be advised that the raised path and uneven planks can be a tripping hazard in addition to many open points of access to the waterways it’s important to stay vigilant and not let them get too far ahead. Remember farts, to stay safe and smart when ever we play around...

I have a small day care in my home and for many years I've never been able to get inside the nature center. The afternoon hours prevent my preschoolers from seeing it because they nap in the afternoon. I've requested maybe "one morning a week" (or month), that the nature center might be open for anyone with only morning availability. I am willing to work around ANY morning, M - F, that could be arranged.

I would think anyone passionate about nature would welcome the opportunity for children to come explore, and enjoy the nature center. The current hours are prohibitive of that.

Just a side note...the director of Hawthorne Nature Center in Elgin gave me her cell # so I could arrange future visits on mornings they are not officially open. Dedicated nature lover!!!

I hope to see changes in the near future to include everyone who would like to visit the nature center.

Karen Nelson Elk...

This is a great place to go for a walk in nature. There are several trails, some short and some longer, along boardwalks and paved paths, through a prairie and along the river. We took one trail to a hill overlook with a free viewer and there was a small arboretum with an orchard and other unique trees. We walked past a train caboose and a water park too. The Nature Center was closed but we were still able to see an owl, a falcon, and a turkey vulture in their cages. We went on a Saturday morning and there were hardly any other people there. Make sure to followup your walk at Kean's...