We looved the plenty of parking, shaded walk to the cave, and playing near the lake. We didn't get to see the animals so will have to come back! There are a lot of bikers in the pathway to the cave so I highly recommend holding your kids hands and staying to one lane because we almost had an incident. The cave is small but definitely something unique. The lake is dirty but cool that you can be so close to both! Would definitely come back here and explore more. read more

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Recently came here to enjoy a walk with my wife. We are happy to see that there is plenty of parking here. I enjoy that there is a main trail and there are Spurs that create their own small Trail as well. This place has plenty of Scenic views to observe. Please be cautious that there are many bikers along the main trail, I do feel like there are not enough public restrooms so you may have to walk all the way down to the south side of the trail to find a porta potty but thankfully they were brand new and squeaky clean. Plenty of people can be observed kayaking, and just having fun Outdoors. I personally enjoyed coming here and having fun on a fully paved path. Solid recommendation! read more

Cute trails and plenty of parking. read more

Red Oak Nature Center - Parks Near Me - Aurora, Illinois

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We love Red Oak Nature Center. We walked over on the trail from Lippold Park. Red Oak nature center is free to enter. They do take donations. There is so much to see here Turtles, snakes, trancula, honey bees and much more. We easily spent 45 mins here with 6 kids (ages 2-12) . From here there are several trails to go around Red Oak. We choose the trail that leads to the cave. It's about a 5 minute walk from the nature center. The nature center has clean restrooms and a gift shop area to purchase snacks and drinks as well. The facility is clean and well maintained. We will be back! read more

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Lovely and huge place. You need to come here during the fall, the colors are precious and breathtaking. I was so stoked to see the Devil's Cave and it's this tiny little cave lol Still pretty cool though. read more

Red oak nature center is one of the hidden gems in the Chicago area. I took my children here on a regular basis when we lived in the area. It's beautiful, has easy hikes and lots to discover. I recommend you check this place out. The nature center it's self is a beautiful old home with interactive displays. We enjoyed watching for birds and animals out the large picture window. There's a beehive As well and that's interesting to watch. Love this place!! read more

I probably passed this place a million times while biking and likely stood on one their riverside balcony a few times. It wasn't until I took my son here for scouts and other events that I really started to appreciate what they have to offer though. Last month I took my son to 'Bugfest' on a Saturday morning. Free event, basically kids have a checklist of items they get to see and more importantly DO, which lasts for hours. We've also been here twice for Cub Scout walks & events. Both have gone well and the people who work here do a nice job keeping the kiddo's entertained. The Nature Center itself has informative and educational displays and animals specific to the area. Red Oak also has several wood chip paths and the Fox River Trail dissects it for access to nearby areas and other parks. Children of all ages will like the riverside cave and views of the Fox River. If you're interested in more, be sure to check out all of the programs they have to offer. Happy trails! read more

Red Oak Nature Center - Parks Near Me - Aurora, Illinois

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My biker gang and I stopped in here mid-ride on our Memorial Day cruise down the Fox River Path. We viewed some bees in their honeycomb, some turtle shells, wasp nests, snakeskins, and pelts in one room. In a few moments I forgot all about this crap when we entered the wildlife room. There were snakes, spiders, turtles, and fish. There were even two turtles who fought for my love. One turtle kept kicking the other turtle in the face to win my affections. He didn't succeed. I felt bad for the other turtle. Plus the turtle who got kicked was much weirder looking. The very helpful front desk guy made my roomie sad b/c he told us that the owls in residence had since passed away (ok, like 8 yrs ago). I was sad that they died, but relieved that they couldn't hoot at me and make me relive some serious childhood trauma. I'd come back with little kids, or to check on my turtle friends. Plus, just around the bend is a murder cave. Seriously it's haunted. It's called Devil's Cave, I mean, really. Don't drink the water in the drinking fountain. It tastes odd. read more

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With summer approaching I've been on the lookout for outdoor areas to bring my toddler to. I loved playing in the dirt and mud when I was little and I feel my daughter should be doing more of that. This place has a nice parking area and you can walk right up to the welcome center. The building has some classrooms set aside for, I'm assuming, field trips and kid groups. But there are also some reptile and fish exhibits as well as a large play area for little ones. There is also a bee hive that you can see through that is indoors but has a little entry/exit for the bees to go gather their honey. There were two outdoor picnic tables near the building where we decided to have lunch. There were numerous signs along the paths not to eat/leave garbage around for the animals to get into. So we made sure to clean everything up and not leave a mess. The trails are perfect for a little nature get away and perfect for little ones to discover and enjoy nature. My daughter and her friend each had their walking stick, we saw so many kinds of birds, toads, and tons of bugs. We went in mid-May and the mosquito season hadn't picked up yet, but once it does I would suggest you bring a ton of bug spray. If I lived closer I would try to stop by here every other week or so since it has a lot to offer - for free. But I live pretty far so I will probably only make the trip if I will be out in the area for another reason as well. A great afternoon for kids and adults in the fresh air. read more

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This place was unexpectedly nice. We have passed by it for 3 years kinda wondering whats inside. There are both paved and dirt hiking and running rails within the park. We took our dogs and kids, and it made for a very nice outing. Most of the trails are very covered by overhanging tree shade, so even though the temps were in the 80s it was very cool. It is a nature education center, so we did encounter groups of kids on guided tours, but no problem there. We all enjoyed this facility, and we will be regulars. read more

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Park your car and take a short walk across the railroad tracks to explore a great nature center. Young kids can get an up close view of local wildlife. Hike a 1/4 mile down the path and there is a small cave or enjoy the view of the Fox River right outside the nature center. read more

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Great area to take a peaceful walk in the woods. Love the new bugs painted on the paved trail. Interesting nature center to come in from the rain. read more

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The forest around Red Oak is magnificent. The trees are so beautiful. Attended an event here with my family to watch the Maple trees get tapped and then took a stroll through the woods and down to the dock. The sound of the birds and watching the fox river, was so relaxing. We can't wait to get back. Free and Fun for Kids, and Adults. read more

Red Oak Nature Center is awesome! The park offers hiking trails & a cave (Devil's Cave), plus nature programs & events. I have been going there for years! read more