Let’s Walk!

Guided Walk-and-Talks in Our Parks

Chicago Parks Foundation’s Wellness Walks are an invitation for community members to get outside and enjoy free guided park walks.

From April through October, Wellness Walks are hosted at a number of participating parks in partnership with local institutions. Each 45-minute walk is guided by a designated “pro” and focuses on a topic related to big-picture wellness, ranging from sleep and nutrition with our medical experts to local biodiversity with our naturalist guides.

Parks are good medicine! Wellness Walks are a free, low-pressure way to get moving, connect with fellow community members, learn about your own wellbeing, and enjoy our beautiful parks. Join us this season.

2025 Season Highlights

220 total participants

80 walks

8 parks

read more on our blog

Our 2025 Partners

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
UChicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Sinai Chicago's Schwab Rehabilitation Therapists
Small Habits Matter Registered Dieticians
University of Illinois Master Naturalists

Special Thanks

Lake Shore Park Advisory Council 
Promontory Point Conservancy
West Ridge Nature Park Advisory Council

 

Details for the 2026 season will be announced in the spring.

CONTACT US

Triana Callam
Community Programs Manager
tcallam@chicagoparksfoundation.org

“These walks are good because they help me get nearly half of my daily steps completed first thing in the morning on Saturdays during the awful summer heat. I enjoy meeting the people.”

- Cathryn B., Promontory Point walker

“The opportunity to connect to nature and this beautiful city came at just the right time. Seeing (and hearing) all the insects and birds that continue to need this area as autumn comes is a great reminder, heading into winter, that we can nourish our communities all year round.”

- Eileen F., Burnham Park walker

“I really enjoyed that there were regulars at the walks, so seeing the same people every couple weeks was super fun.”

- Ben M., Lake Shore Park leader

“Community building - interesting conversations with the diverse group that showed up.”

- Karen C., Promontory Point walker

FAQs

  • Wellness Walks are free to participate, but we do ask that you complete online registration in advance so that we can plan accordingly. Click the “register” button for desired dates and to view detailed meeting locations and parking instructions.

  • Wellness Walk leaders do not provide medical advice. Most leaders are students. All conversation is meant to be casual and general.

  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. All are welcome at all walk locations!

  • All walks take place rain or shine unless participants are otherwise notified.

  • Please BYO water and dress appropriately for outdoors walking (closed-toed shoes, sun protection, weather appropriate clothing, etc.).

  • All registered participants will receive a reminder email with details in advance of each registered walk event.