When the snow starts falling in Elmhurst, locals know exactly where to head: our four epic sledding hills. Three of them even have lights that stay on until 11 p.m., which means the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down!
Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding steep runs or a gentle hill for the little ones, Elmhurst’s got you covered!
- The Best Sledding Hills in Elmhurst
- FAQs About Sledding in Elmhurst
- Pro Tips from Locals
- Other Winter Activities in Elmhurst
The Best Sledding Hills in Elmhurst
1. Eldridge Park
Address: 363 Commonwealth Lane, Elmhurst
Lights: YES (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Best for: Families, longer runs, convenient amenities
Eldridge Park’s lighted sledding hill sits on the north side of this massive 42.79-acre park—and it’s one of the most popular winter destinations in town. The hill stays lit until 11 p.m., making it perfect for magical night sledding under the stars.
But there’s so much more here! After your runs, warm up at the recreation building, check out the ice skating at Eldridge Lagoon (a small island sits right in the middle!), or explore the walking paths that connect to the Salt Creek Greenway Trail. The park has two playgrounds (one along Spring Road, one along Commonwealth Lane), a canoe launch on Salt Creek, and tons of green space.
The park was named after Edward Eldridge, an early homesteader who arrived in 1835 and became the first supervisor of York Township. Fun fact: Before it became a park in the 1960s, this property served as a landfill because the land was too swampy for other uses!
Perfect for: Families, night sledding, combining with ice skating
2. Berens Park
Address: 493 Oaklawn Avenue, Elmhurst
Lights: YES (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Best for: Active families, combining activities
One of Elmhurst’s most popular sledding destinations! Berens Park’s lighted sledding hill is legendary among local thrill-seekers: it’s steep, fast, and stays lit until 11 p.m. for epic night sledding sessions.
This is where you go when you want serious speed!
This massive 65.20-acre park (named after Elmhurst historian Helmut Berens in 1967) is one of the Park District’s crown jewels. Beyond the sledding hill, you’ll find The Hub with its 18-hole mini-golf course, batting cages, 6,000-square-foot spray ground, and two playgrounds (the Hub playground was just replaced in 2025!).
There are also synthetic turf sports fields, basketball courts, sand volleyball, running trails, restrooms, and the Lee A. Daniels Pavilion available for rentals.
Basically, Berens has everything, which is why it’s one of the most popular parks in Elmhurst year-round!
Perfect for: Speed demons, families who want multiple activities, athletes, anyone who wants facilities and amenities nearby
3. Crestview Park
Address: 245 E. Crestview Avenue, Elmhurst
Lights: YES (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Best for: Neighborhood feel, less crowded
Crestview’s lighted sledding hill (open until 11 p.m.!) draws families from all over the neighborhood. It’s a solid, reliable hill with great runs and easy access. It’s perfect for after-school or after-dinner sledding adventures!
This 11.14-acre park has been a community hub since 1963, named after Crestview School which previously occupied the site. Beyond sledding, you’ll find sports fields, basketball courts, six dedicated pickleball courts (the first in the Park District!), and a treehouse-themed playground that kids absolutely love. The recreation building hosts Sunbeams & Rainbows preschool classes.
Exciting news: Crestview Park is getting a major playground renovation in 2026!
Perfect for: Neighborhood sledding, after-school fun, families who want multiple activities in one spot
4. Ben Allison Park
Address: 444 S. West Avenue
Lights: NO (daytime only)
Best for: Younger kids, beginners, gentle slopes
Address: 444 S. West Avenue
Ben Allison Park’s accessible junior sledding hill is specifically designed for little ones and first-timers: it’s gentler, shorter, and perfect for building confidence before tackling the bigger hills.
No lights at this hill, so plan for daytime sledding only.
This cozy 2.75-acre neighborhood park (originally called Scott Street Playground when it was developed in 1950) was renamed in 1964 after former Elmhurst mayor Ben Allison. The playground was completely renovated in 2023, and a paved pathway connects the park to the Illinois Prairie Path, so you can extend your winter adventure with a walk or bike ride when the weather’s nice!
Perfect for: Toddlers, young kids (under 8), first-time sledders, cautious beginners, parents who want a low-stress sledding experience
FAQs About Sledding in Elmhurst
What Sleds Are Allowed?
The Elmhurst Park District is pretty specific about what you can bring:
✅ ALLOWED:
Plastic sleds
Tubes
Saucers (the old-school classic!)
❌ NOT ALLOWED:
Snowboards
Toboggans
Homemade devices
Anything with sharp edges or metal runners
How do I know if the sledding hills are open today?
Check the Elmhurst Park District’s Rainout Hotline at 630-993-8900, Extension 13 for current conditions. They update the status of all four hills throughout winter based on snow conditions.
What should I bring for sledding in Elmhurst?
Here’s your essential packing list:
- An approved sled (plastic sleds, tubes, or saucers)
- Waterproof gloves and boots
- Snow pants (trust me, you’ll get wet)
- Hat, scarf, and layers
- Extra socks and gloves in the car
- Hot chocolate in a thermos
- Hand warmers for extra cold days
When is the best time to go sledding at Elmhurst parks?
The sled hills are typically open from December 1 through February 28, weather permitting. So, keep an eye on the forecast and check the Rainout Hotline before you head out.
The best sledding happens:
- Within 24-48 hours after fresh snowfall
- On weekdays for smaller crowds
- During January and February (peak winter!)
- Between 6:30-8 p.m. for magical night sledding
Pro Tips from Locals
Get there early on weekends – The after-school crowd (3:30-5:30 p.m.) and weekend afternoons get PACKED. Early morning sledding means fresh snow and shorter lines!
Try night sledding at least once – It’s a completely different experience! The hills look magical under the lights, and the cooler temps mean faster runs.
Dress in layers – You’ll be working up a sweat hiking back up those hills, but standing around at the top gets cold fast.
Park smart – All three lighted hills have parking lots, but they fill up quickly on snowy weekends. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to snag a spot.
Bring extras – Extra gloves, socks, and hand warmers. Someone will need them (probably you).
Other Elmhurst Winter Activities
Looking for other fun things to do this winter? Check out:
