Free This Week

Take a self-paced downtown walk beside the West Branch of the DuPage River. The Riverwalk’s brick paths, bridges, fountains, and outdoor art make this a flexible before-or-after-errands reset.

Time

Flexible; choose your own route along the 1.75-mile Riverwalk

Cost

Free (DuPage Well verified profile; official city page does not list a day-use admission)

• The City of Naperville says the Riverwalk has 1.75 miles of brick paths along the West Branch of the DuPage River.
• The city lists fountains, bridges, meeting and event places, outdoor sculpture and artwork, and recreational facilities.

Choose a trail, lake-side nature break, picnic, or wildlife-watching outing at this large preserve. Use the District’s map for the trail and entrance that fit the time available.

Time

Flexible; choose a route using the official trail map

Cost

Free (DuPage Well verified profile; official preserve page does not list a day-use admission)

• The Forest Preserve District identifies Herrick Lake as an 887-acre preserve with trails, boating, fishing, and picnicking.
• The preserve is open one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.
• The official page identifies accessible flush restrooms at the east end of the main parking lot and accessible portable toilets in other areas.

Pair Salt Creek woodland time with Graue Mill’s historic setting. The preserve supports trails and picnicking; when the mill is open, its official page lists free admission and weekend milling demonstrations.

Time

Flexible; allow more time if visiting Graue Mill

Cost

Free (Graue Mill admission is free; official preserve page does not list a day-use admission)

• The Forest Preserve District describes Fullersburg Woods as a 220-acre wildlife haven with trails, picnicking, and Salt Creek fishing and boating.
• The preserve page warns that habitat-improvement work may cause temporary trail closures; check posted signs on arrival.
• Graue Mill and Museum’s official page states admission is free and lists mid-April through mid-November Wednesday–Sunday hours; confirm before traveling.

Plan a self-directed walk or run through a large preserve known for Rocky Glen waterfall, Sawmill Creek bluff overlook, and extensive trails. Start with the official map and choose the waterfall lot when that feature is your priority.

Time

Flexible; route length varies

Cost

Free (DuPage Well verified profile; official preserve page does not list a day-use admission)

• The Forest Preserve District identifies Waterfall Glen as 2,503 acres with Rocky Glen waterfall, a Sawmill Creek bluff overlook, and extensive trails.
• The preserve is open one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.
• The official page provides a waterfall parking-lot location and an individual trail map.

Set your own mileage on the Elmhurst segment of this non-motorized regional trail. It is a solid low-pressure option for walking, running, or cycling; use an official listed Elmhurst parking location rather than assuming parking is free everywhere.

Time

Flexible; choose your own distance

Cost

Free (DuPage Well verified profile; official organization page does not list a trail-use fee)

• The Illinois Prairie Path organization describes the route as an approximately 61-mile multi-use nature trail for non-motorized public use across Cook, DuPage, and Kane Counties.
• The route is primarily crushed limestone and is used on foot, by bicycle, and by horseback.
• The official page lists several specific free parking locations in Elmhurst; parking terms vary elsewhere.

Use the Medinah Park District’s Adult Outdoor Fitness Court for a no-cost, fresh-air movement break. The district describes an easy-to-learn seven-minute full-body movement system; choose the pace and exercises that suit you.

Time

About 7 minutes for the district-described movement system; visit length is flexible

Cost

Free

• The Medinah Park District locates the Adult Outdoor Fitness Court at Thorndale Park, 22W130 Thorndale Avenue.
• The district states that it is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk and costs FREE.
• The official page describes a seven-minute full-body movement system for adults of all ages and fitness levels.

For a modestly priced outdoor family outing, stroll a working 1890s farm and meet historic interpreters. The official page also lists farmhouse tours on the hour; confirm the day and holiday status before you leave.

Time

Allow 1–2 hours; farmhouse tours are offered on the hour from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Cost

Suggested admission donation: $5 per person ages 3 and up

• The Forest Preserve District lists Kline Creek Farm at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago.
• The farm is open Thursday–Monday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and is closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and select holidays.
• The official page lists a suggested $5 admission donation per person ages 3 and up and farmhouse tours at the top of the hour from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

This week’s dated market choice: browse a changing outdoor mix of produce, flowers, specialty foods, crafts, baked goods, and more at the downtown pavilion. Treat the vendor mix and any purchases as variable, and rely on the city listing for this date.

Time

Saturday, September 5, 2026, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Cost

No entry price is stated on the official listing; purchases vary by vendor

• As of 2026-08-30, the City of Wheaton calendar lists the Wheaton French Market for Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
• The city lists the location as the pavilion near Liberty Drive and Main Street, just south of the railroad tracks.
• The city says Bensidoun USA runs the outdoor market and that vendors often change throughout the season.