Hickory Hideout

Nature Play Area – FREE!

Open Daily ♦ Dawn to Dusk

HAVE FUN & BE SAFE

What are your favorite childhood memories? Did you ever dig holes to China, catch fireflies or frogs, or pretend you were climbing the highest mountain, just by standing on a boulder?

Spontaneous, self-guided nature play by children has a beneficial impact on their mental and physical health. Reconnecting children with nature is also proving critical to fostering a healthy conservation ethic for the future of our planet.

This outdoor space provides positive, hands-on experiences in nature where kids – and parents – can discover unstructured fun … find all sorts of critters, dig for buried treasure or maybe make some music with sticks and a hollow log.

Special thanks are extended to both the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association and the Park District Risk Management Association for their initial involvement in making this area accessible and safe for all users.