While horseback riding may no longer be a primary form of transportation (and, honestly, thank the stars for that), it’s still a great way for us city folk to connect with the great outdoors, learn a new skill, and develop intense respect for a pretty amazing animal. Whether you have a horse enthusiast at home who is ready to take riding lessons or are looking for a one-time experience, plenty of places in our neck of the woods offer a great riding experience. Here are some of the best spots for horseback riding for kids in Chicago!
Experience the Magic of Horseback Riding for Kids in Chicago
Memory Lane Stables
8290 S Kean Ave, Willow Springs, IL 60480
Memory Lane Stables offers a variety of opportunities to interact with their beautiful menagerie of horses and ponies. They offer pony and horse trail riding, pony parties, and much more! Kids can take either private or group riding lessons at the Stables, or you can enjoy a leisurely trail ride on a horse or a pony – whichever best suits your child’s size and age.
Double J Riding Club
10545 W 74th Street, Countryside, 60525
Double J Riding Club is located on six gorgeous acres of farmland that offers a safe, nurturing environment for their animals and enthusiasts! They offer riding lessons, equestrian show opportunities, single-day and week-long camps for kids, and even birthday parties. Double J is a great place to learn about and meet all kinds of farm animals – over 30 species call Double J home!
Wind Ridge Farm
440 Royce Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Wind Ridge Farm offers boarding and manages horse sales for owners with exceptional individualized care. They offer lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders in 8-week sessions taught by experienced professionals. Riders ages seven and up can learn the basics of horseback riding, equine care, and safety, setting them up for a lifetime of riding! Wind Ridge Farm also offers summer camps for kids who want to learn all aspects of horsemanship.
Windy City Arabians
15749 W. Doyle Rd, Manhattan, IL 60442
Windy City Arabians is owned and operated by Thresa Horn, an experienced horsewoman passionate about the Arabian horse breed. These intelligent, athletic, and people-friendly horses are wonderful animals to learn from as a new rider. Their Learning Center offers total equestrian education, teaching about all aspects of horses, horsemanship, and equestrian culture. Whether your child is an avid rider or a beginner, they’ll love working with the horses and people at Windy City Arabians.
The Legacy Ranch
2705 S Farrell Rd., Lockport, IL 60441
The Legacy Ranch is a beautiful organization that was opened to provide Equine-Assisted Therapy to those in the Chicagoland area. In addition to offering lessons for children and adults, they invite visitors to the ranch for mental health therapy and occupational, physical, and speech therapy, all in partnership with licensed therapists and using their beautiful, miraculous horses. Moms of toddlers, check out their Mommy & Me classes for crafts, horse interactions, and a pony ride!
Forest View Farms
16717 S Lockwood Ave, Tinley Park, IL, 60477
Forest View Farms is a beautiful stable and equestrian center for all things horse-related. In addition to riding lessons, they offer pony ride parties, a petting zoo, and seasonal hayrides. Outdoor enthusiasts can borrow one of their horses for a trail ride through the Cook County Forest Preserve and enjoy scenic forest trails privately or with a group.
Horseback Riding for Kids Chicago
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get away from screens for a while; these places that offer horseback riding for kids in Chicago are a great way to unplug, connect with nature, and enjoy life outdoors. Happy trails!!
If you need another way to make some family memories, then we should chat. I’m a Chicago photographer, and I love working with families to create gorgeous portraits. So they can hang onto this time for years to come. As a mom myself, I know how quickly time flies by, and I want to help you slow it down a bit! If you’ve been considering booking some portraits for your family, I’d love to help! Contact me today to get the conversation started!
