Hidden Oaks Nature Center — Attraction in Bolingbrook

UPDATE: second time here to do a paint your rain barrels event. Loved it! This center puts together some really nice programs.

First time here, I came to see hummingbirds on the roof top garden and not a one showed up. But I stayed on the roof for a little while because it was peaceful. (I arrived when they first opened so no one else was there). The quiet went away when a number of kids showed up. This is a nice nature center, plus the staff is very helpful. There are trails, and behind the center they have a very rustic kids area in the woods. There are trails that take you to the trout ponds or lakes, but I chose to drive there. Many people were fishing, riding bikes, and walking. There is a bait store to buy anything...

Informative little museum on the inside, and a great set of trails around the center. Ask politely and you'll be allowed to go on the vegetated roof! They sell fresh honey during the season and have a sweet playground in the woods that is shared with Camp Kata Kani next door. Interesting art installations are all around the trails, and parking is easy to access. Fully handicap accessible. Picnic benches and a large glen are just in the back, and it's accessible either from the road access (off of Boughton) or a small hike up via trail access (DuPage River Trail, just before the...

Looking for something free to do? Go explore the land at Hidden Oaks. Great paths for hiking & can usually see some type of wildlife. Inside you can learn more information about native plants and animals here in IL. Also inside, see the turtles, snakes, and lizard. Go explore down the hill to Hidden Lakes to find more paths which can also lead you to Whalen Lake. So much to do in that area. Pack a picnic and explore your day away. For those with kids, Hidden Oaks also offers many educational classes for youth and adults. I highly recommend checking into the...