Champaign-Urbana is full of great places for your family to take a walk
We have rounded up our favorite options for walking through Champaign-Urbana
When you decide to go for a family walk, we know you probably just head out your front door and stroll the neighborhood. But if you’re looking for some options that might involve hopping in the car and driving a short distance, we have ideas for you. Because Champaign-Urbana is chock full of great places to go for a walk!
Chambanamoms thanks True North Counseling Center for presenting this list.
True North Counseling Center is a private practice counseling setting located in Champaign. True North has nine clinicians who provide individual and couples counseling to clients ages 3 and up and can accept most major insurance panels. Each clinician at True North is dedicated to providing exceptional mental health care to clients and bring a special skillset that makes them effective with clients of different ages, cultural backgrounds, etc. Some included specialties include: ADHD/neurodivergency, Trauma (including EMDR therapy), Child/adolescent counseling, Gottman Therapy, Mood disorders, etc.
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
It doesn’t matter what ages your kids are — with strollers/bikes/scooters or none of the above — there are paths and trails ready for you around town. Not to mention going for a walk is a wonderful activity that gives your family a chance to move your bodies and make memories together.
Champaign Trails and Paths
- Hessel Park, .63 miles
Between Kirby Avenue and Grandview Road, just east of Prospect Road - Ashland Park Subdivision Trail, 2 miles
East of Prospect Avenue and north of Interstate Drive, surrounding Toalson Park - Boulware Trail, 1.25 miles
North of Windsor Road, through Mattis Park and ending near State and Fox Drive - First Street Trail (University Park Trail), 1.48 miles
Along First Street from Gregory to Windsor Road - Greenbelt Bikeway, 1.6 miles
Begins on the north end at Dodds Park on Parkland Way Drive, extends south, crosses Bradley Avenue and through Heritage Park, passes under Interstate 72 into Kaufman Park - Greenbelt Connector Trail, .23 miles
Extends from Greenbelt Bikeway in Heritage Park to Country Fair Drive - Martin Luther King Trail, .25 miles
Begins at Wesley Park on 1001 N. 3rd St., and extends south to the corner of Washington and Fourth Street - North Champaign Trail, .34 miles
Begins east of Prospect Avenue at Interstate Drive and continues south to Moreland Boulevard - O’Malley’s Alley Trail, .5 miles
Between Kenwood Road and Duncan Avenue, just south of Springfield Avenue - Pipeline Trail, 1 mile
Between Kirby Avenue and Windsor Road, west of Mullikin Drive - Robeson Meadow Trail, 2 miles
South of Windsor Road and west of Duncan Road - Roby Trail, 1.43 miles
Begins in Robeson Park, extends northeast, ends at Mattis Avenue just south of Kirby Avenue - Simon Trail, .53 miles
Begins at Mattis Avenue just south of Kirby Avenue, continues east to Wisegarver Park and south to Devonshire Drive - Turnberry Ridge Trail, 1 mile
East of Staley Road between Kirby and Springfield Avenue
Urbana Trails and Paths
- Busey Woods trails, 2.5 miles
Start at Anita Purves Nature Center. Along the way you will find exhibits, seasonal ponds and wildlife. This is not a concrete trail, this is nature at its best. You may want to wear bug spray and be wary of poison ivy and ticks. Also, no bikes or domestic animals allowed in order to protect the environment. - Meadowbrook Park, 3 miles
Along Windsor Road and Race Street, pass an ornamental tree grove, massive sculptures, kids playing on the playground and many gardens - University of Illinois Arboretum and Japan House
Lincoln Avenue, just south of Florida Avenue - Crestview Park
Corner of Cottage Grove and Sunnycrest Drive and features an Asian-style garden with a walking path - King Park
Adjacent to King School, the park has paths to walk on among playgrounds, pavilions and plenty of open space - Leal Park
303 W. University Ave., short-hard path - South Ridge Park
In Myra Ridge Subdivision, the trail loops around the quiet neighborhood
Savoy Trails and Paths
- Harold E. Ruppel Bike Path, 1.8 miles long and connects to trail systems in Champaign
Access the path to the south of the Savoy Recreation Center at 402 W. Graham Dr.
Other noteworthy trails and paths beyond Champaign-Urbana
- Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve and Buffalo Trace Prairie, Mahomet, more than 7 miles
Begin at the Buffalo Trace Prairie trailhead on Crowley Road (County Road 250 E) and wander through the prairie before crossing Route 47 and into the Botanical Gardens at Lake of the Woods. Or, park anywhere in Lake of the Woods and head out to explore. - Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Homer more than 10 miles
A mixture of paved trails and unpaved trails of varying difficulty levels, head into the forest preserve located east of Champaign-Urbana for a nature escape - Riverbend Forest Preserve, Mahomet 2.2 miles
With one multi-use trail that could be biked and another trail known as the “nature trail,” these trails are nestled around a glistening lake and full of wildlife - Allerton Park, Monticello, more than 12 miles
Check out the trail map here so you can figure out exactly what you’re willing to embark on when you head to Allerton. The gardens are simply stunning.
More on all your favorite outdoor activities:
- Gardens and Flower Farms in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Where to Go Boating with Your Family Near Champaign-Urbana
- Camping with Your Family Near Champaign-Urbana
- Creek Stomping Your Way Around Champaign-Urbana
- Visiting Champaign-Urbana Area Parks and Playgrounds with your Family
- Walking Paths in Champaign-Urbana
- Hiking Trails For Families in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- Fishing Fun for Families in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- Find the Ultimate Outdoor Adventures with Kids in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- Avoid the Mud and Muck with Mulch-Free Playgrounds in Champaign-Urbana
- Family-Friendly Bike Trails in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- 6 Places to Experience Nature with Kids Near Champaign-Urbana
Top spots for outdoor recreation near Champaign-Urbana:
- Visit Friendship Grove in Urbana
- 9 Reasons You’ll Love Visiting Allerton Park with Your Family
- Dark Sky and More: Visiting the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve with Your Family
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting River Bend Forest Preserve in Mahomet
- Cool Off at the Homer Lake Natural Playscape
- Visiting Clinton Lake With Your Family
- Visiting Imagination Grove Near Bloomington-Normal
- Meet Me Halfway: Kankakee River State Park
- Hidden Treasure in Central Illinois: Weldon Springs State Park
- The Perfect Family Hike: Explore the Sangamon River Forest Preserve near Fisher
- Best Kept Secret: Buffalo Trace Prairie in Mahomet
- Getaway for a Day: Matthiessen State Park
- Best Kept Secret: Forest Glen Preserve
- Hiking the Sangamon River Corridor Reserve in Monticello with your Family
- What to Do at Kickapoo State Recreation Area
- What To Do At Turkey Run State Park With Your Family
- Everything You Need To Know about Visiting Homer Lake Forest Preserve with Your Family
- What To Do At Moraine View State Recreation Area With Your Family
- Visiting Lake of the Woods in Mahomet with Children
- Parent’s Guide to Busey Woods in Urbana
Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana:
- Fall Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
- End of Summer Pool Closings and Hour Changes
- Champaign County Fair Fun for Families: Preview, Highlights, Tips and Ways to Save
- Where to Go Boating with Your Family Near Champaign-Urbana
- Summer Parades in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- Blueberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Fourth of July FIREWORKS!
- Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
- Best Midwest Summer Road Trips for Champaign-Urbana Families
- 7 Great Summer Festivals in Central Illinois
- Beaches Within a Short Driving Distance of Champaign-Urbana
- 50+ Ways to Have Summer Fun on a Budget In and Around Champaign-Urbana
- Visiting Champaign-Urbana Area Parks and Playgrounds with your Family
- Splash Pads Around Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Fairs and Festivals
- Celebrate the Fourth of July in Champaign-Urbana
- Strawberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Reading Programs
- Summer Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Farmers Markets in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Swim Teams in Champaign-Urbana
- Free and Cheap Outdoor Movies in Champaign-Urbana
- Outdoor Concerts in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Free Kids Movies Return to Savoy in Summer
- Champaign-Urbana Area Swimming Pools
- Where to Take Swim Lessons in Champaign-Urbana
- Season Pool Passes On Sale in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Summer Camps for Kids