FunKidsActivities

The 606

1805 N Ridgeway Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA

Overview

Category:Hiking with Kids
Location:Chicago, IL

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

The 606 is a safe, well-designed, and tranquil elevated urban trail, approximately 3 miles long, reminiscent of NYC's High Line. It's exceptionally well-maintained, offering a car-free environment for walking, biking, running, and rollerblading, with scenic landscaping and convenient amenities.

Key Highlights

  • Safe, tranquil pedestrian walkway/bike path completely separated from Chicago traffic.
  • Exceptionally well-maintained with appealing landscaping throughout.
  • Features numerous bench spots for resting, reading, and enjoying the sun.
  • Equipped with restrooms and water fountains located in the middle of the path.
  • Easy access points (on/off ramps) available almost every block along its 3-mile length.

Standout Features

  • The unique concept of an elevated urban trail, offering a distinct experience from typical city parks.
  • Dedicated, car-free path ensures a safe environment for various activities like biking, running, and walking.
  • Strategic placement of benches provides opportunities for relaxation and scenic viewing.
  • On-path amenities like restrooms and water fountains are crucial for longer outings.
  • Proximity to cafes, restaurants, and even dog parks in the surrounding neighborhoods adds convenience for extended family outings.

Perfect For

Ideal for school-aged children and teenagers who can comfortably walk, bike, or run for extended periods (up to 3 miles).
Suitable for families with toddlers in strollers or on scooters due to the smooth, car-free path, though the full 3-mile length might be a challenge for very young independent walkers.

Ideal For

Families seeking a safe, traffic-free environment for biking, running, or a long walk.
An active outdoor day for families with school-aged children and teenagers.
Stroller-friendly outings with younger children, offering a smooth path.
A relaxed afternoon enjoying city views and people-watching with frequent stops.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Bring water bottles and wear sunscreen, especially when visiting during summer, as shade is not always abundant.
  • Consider utilizing public transport or rideshares, or be prepared to search for street parking, given parking can be limited.
  • Plan for the 3-mile length if intending to traverse the entire path, making it suitable for a significant family outing.
  • Take advantage of the frequent on/off points to explore different neighborhoods adjacent to the trail.

Things to Consider

  • Can get pretty hot during summer months due to limited shade coverage.
  • While parking is available on both ends and in the surrounding area, reviewers note there isn't 'a lot' of it, potentially making it hard to find a spot.

Price & Value

No entrance fee mentioned; appears to be a free public amenity, offering excellent value for a high-quality outdoor experience.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • Designed as a pedestrian walkway/bike path, suggesting good general accessibility.
  • No specific details regarding wheelchair accommodations beyond being a smooth, dedicated path.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Not explicitly stated for the path itself. However, the presence of cafes and restaurants along the surrounding area indicates easy access to food options nearby.

🚗Parking Info

  • Parking in the surrounding area is described as 'not too bad'.
  • Parking is available on both ends of the trail, but reviewers noted 'not a lot' of spots, suggesting potential difficulty in finding space.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Described as 'tranquil', suggesting it maintains a pleasant, non-overwhelming crowd level.
  • Reviewed as feeling 'very safe whether mornings, afternoons or evenings', implying it's generally not excessively crowded at any specific time.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Explicitly described as 'safe' and 'without worry of that crazy Chicago traffic' due to its dedicated path.
  • Reviewers consistently felt 'very safe whether mornings, afternoons or evenings'.

When to Avoid

  • Mid-day during peak summer heat if heat sensitivity is a concern, due to limited shade.
  • Arriving with an expectation of readily available, ample parking right at the trail entrances.

Pricing/Package/Events

Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Sep 29, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Ankit Chainani

Ankit Chainani

5 months ago

What a fun place! I love the concept, there is a similar trail in myc called as high line Definitely recommend for fun outdoor day

Joseph Bui

Joseph Bui

3 months ago

Safe, well designed, tranquil pedestrian walkway/bike path without worry of that crazy Chicago traffic! Parking around the surrounding area isn’t too bad, with options for cafes, restaurants, and dog parks all along the way. Highly recommend!

mahmoud anagreh

mahmoud anagreh

3 months ago

This is a great hidden gem! Perfect for a jog, Walk or just enjoy the view around.

Nikki Johnston

Nikki Johnston

10 months ago

absolutely love this trail! pretty easy and chill, love all the bench spots to soak in the sun and read. great place to bike, walk, run.

Matthew Wheeler

Matthew Wheeler

4 months ago

Absolute amazing walking path. Maintained exceptionally well. Lots of nice landscaping throughout. I think it’s about 3 miles from one end to the other. There is some shade but can get pretty hot in the summer. There are restrooms and water fountains in the middle of the path. Great place for running, walking, dog walking, roller blading and biking. Always has seemed very safe whether mornings, afternoons or evenings. You can get on/off almost every block. Parking on both ends as well but not a lot.

Contact Information

1805 N Ridgeway Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.8
Total Reviews1916
Recent Reviews5