The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education — Local services in Calumet Township

If I could give 10 stars, I would! Here’s the key info: during the summer of 2024, the pedestrian bridge is under repair, so the center is only open on weekends (despite Google Maps saying it’s temporarily closed, which isn’t entirely accurate). It’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the South Shore Line’s Miller station, and the route takes you past some interesting little shops. Even with the bridge construction, the parking lot is still accessible, and pedestrians can enter the trailhead and education center, though wheelchair access is a bit limited. The staff have put together some simple and fun activities for kids, and you can also explore the environmental education classroom, which is set up with tables, chairs, and teaching tools. The animal room, featuring snakes and other small creatures, is a real highlight—just imagining the lessons they hold there is exciting! There’s an outdoor platform where you can sit and enjoy your packed lunch, and it also connects to a loop trail and a path leading down to the beach. This place is an absolute gem for both kids and...

Free, free, free! The Rangers are friendly and helpful. The walking trails are beautiful with educational stops built-in. This is one of my favorites places to take little ones because the center encourages them to touch everything they come in contact with. The center is self-guided but the Rangers are always near to address any questions or share tidbits of information. There is a outdoor deck with tables for your packed lunch. The building is well maintained and bsthrooms are always clean. This place is truly a hidden gem. The parking lot requires a park pass if you are...

Do not let your children RUN on the metal elevated trails! My child 4 year old fell and the metal surface cut open both of her hands, both knees, and she got a scrape on her stomach! Not a very good surface choice to put in for a kid-centered part of the park. Kids love running on it. But it is dangerous if they fall. I'm only glad my kids' faces didn't get a scrape too! If you have small children, stick to the gravel paths or encourage walking slowly on the metal.

The building was nice for kids. But it was pretty empty when we were there. No programming from rangers...