Are you looking for an entertaining *and* educational outing for the whole family in the great state of Illinois? A place where you can make a connection with nature and learn about the local wildlife, all while having fun doing it? These three Illinois nature centers make excellent family day trip destinations and will have you marveling over the Great Outdoors.

The Grove, in Glenview, features a nature center filled with interactive exhibits. Spend some time here admiring the resident fish, turtles, and snakes.
The Grove National Historic Landmark/Facebook
The nature center can be found inside the Interpretive Center. Be sure to make your way to the log cabin, the blacksmith shop, the chicken coop, and the Native American village as well.
The Grove encompasses 150 acres, with three miles of hiking trails. You never know what you might find in your travels.
The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL 60025, USA
The Grove National Historic Landmark/Facebook
For more information, visit The Grove website or Facebook page, or download the visitors guide and map. If you have time to spare, check out two other places nearby: Heller Nature Center in Highland Park, for cross-country ski rentals and trails in the winter and other programs year-round, and Wagner Farm, also in Glenview.
Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm in Schaumburg offers three miles of accessible trails with a frog pond along the way, a log cabin, a children’s vegetable garden, a Monarch butterfly area, and more.
Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm/Facebook
Climb the two-story silo. Play at Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground for a nominal fee. Stop by during Maple Fest, Frosty Fest, or other events.

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Costumed volunteers recreate the scene of an 1800s farm for you. Visit with the cows and pigs, and help with farm chores if you like.
Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194, USA
Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm/Facebook
For more information, visit the Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm website or Facebook page.
Adventure abounds at Red Oak Nature Center, on the banks of the Fox River in Batavia. Your family will delight in exploring Devil’s Cave, and the natural playground at Lippold Park.
Red Oak Nature Center/Facebook
You will be captivated by the goings on at the nature center’s beehive, and by the animal exhibits and hands-on activities. Keep your eyes open for deer and eagles, and be sure to rent a pair of binoculars while you're here!
Walk the trails through the forest and down to the river. In the winter, rent snowshoes at Red Oak Nature Center before your hike.
Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S River St, Batavia, IL 60510, USA
Red Oak Nature Center/Facebook
Follow the trail to the cave! For more information, visit the Red Oak Nature Center website or Facebook page, or view a map.

Pack up the car and head out for a day trip chock full of outdoor fun and learning. Visit with animal ambassadors, hike, explore playgrounds, or participate in a scavenger hunt or seasonal festival. These day trip destinations offer endless possibilities.

Which Illinois nature center is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us!

For related content, be sure to read our other articles about Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs, the Forest Park Nature Center trails in Peoria Heights, and Fullersburg Woods Education Center and Graue Mill in Oak Brook.

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