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Arndt Park

The lighted hill provides hours of fun, but if your kids crave more, there’s an ice skating rink here, too. Dawn–10pm. 1990 White St, Des Plaines (847-391-5700).

Caldwell Woods

Soggy mittens and frosty temps can’t stop the fun at this Northwest Side hill—there’s a fire pit at the adjacent indoor warming center. 8am–10pm. 6380 W Devon Ave (800-870-3666).

Cricket Hill

With a lakefront view, this four-sided hill has a steep angle your daredevil tweens aren’t going to want to pass up. Just be sure to use the bathroom before you leave home, because there aren’t any nearby. Dawn–dusk. 601 W Montrose Ave (312-742-7726).

Dan Ryan Woods

This hidden gem is never too crowded, and it boasts a 200-foot-long slope. 8am–10pm. 87th St at Western Ave (800-870-3666).

Erie Park

Don’t grease up your sleds Clark Griswold style, or you may find yourself in the Chicago River, which lies adjacent to the park. Dawn–11pm. 630 N Kingsbury St (312-587-9245).

Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park

This garbage dump turned sledding hill, dubbed Mount Bridgeport by locals, prides itself on the magnificent southern view of Chicago’s skyline. Afterward, hop down the street to Jackalope Coffee (755 W 32nd St, 312-888-3468) to warm up over hot chocolate. Dawn–11pm. 2700 S Halsted St (312-747-6497).

Melas Park

The bowl-shaped valley at this suburban park means plenty of landing space to cruise. 5am–11pm. 1326 W Central Rd, Mount Prospect (847-577-3000).

Soldier Field

With a 220-foot-long slope covered in faux flakes, this hill makes football the last thing on anyone’s mind. Open so long as there’s snow. Dawn–11pm. 425 E McFetridge Dr (312-235-7000).

Swallow Cliff Woods (Calumet Sag Rd btwn Willow Springs Rd & La Grange Rd)

An infamous spot for suburban thrill-seekers. It’s lit after the sun goes down, so the fun doesn’t need to end early. 8am–9pm. Palos Park (800-870-3666).

Warren Park

Make this park an all-day family adventure. Try out its kiddy slopes, go ice skating, and then muster up your courage for the big hills. Dawn–11pm. 6601 N Western Ave (773-262-6314).

Indian Road Woods Sledding Hill

Central Avenue, half a mile south of Caldwell Avenue

The Indian Road Woods Sledding Hill is a part of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. It's open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and it provides a great sledding experience for both adults and children alike. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, the Indian Road Woods Sledding Hill can be crowded from time to time.

James Park Sledding Hill

Intersection of Oakton and Dodge in Evanston

Most of the sledding hills listed above have a smooth texture and riding surface, but sometimes a bumpy ride is in order. The James Park Sledding Hill has a 30-degree angle and lasts up to 300 feet, but one of its most ideal features is its both smooth and bumpy texture. 

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