Bison's Bluff summer schedule and admission fees are in effect.

PLEASE NOTE: The entrance for Bison's Bluff has moved back to its original location on the trails‍ (this is due to the completion of construction on the new picnic shelters and other improvements). Please follow the posted signs directing you to the entrance of the nature playground.

Play sessions will begin at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.

• Admission fee of $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents for a one-hour play session. Admission fee applies to all children between the ages of 2 and 12.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult; adults may enter at no cost.
• Due to COVID restrictions, no more than 100 children will be admitted at any time.
• Online reservations are available for both residents and non-residents up to a half-hour before the start of any play session. Walk-ins may purchase any available spots once pre-registration closes. Click here to make a reservation. You must have an active account established with Schaumburg Park District in order to make a reservation.
• Each one-hour play session will be followed by a half-hour of cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch areas.

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The following updated guidelines will be in effect at all times:

• The nature playground will CLOSE any day in which snow, ice, rain, or temperatures below 40 degrees make play surfaces and walkways unsafe.
• Maintenance work may result in closures during weekdays. Call (847) 985-2100 or check this website for updates on closures.
• Per Illinois Department of Public Health Guidelines, please maintain 6 ft. of distance from non-family members.
• Masks are required whenever social distancing is not possible within the playground and on walking paths.
• Pets are not permitted.
• Outside toys are not permitted.
• Bikes and scooters are not permitted inside the playground or on nature trails.
• Picnics are not permitted inside the playground (there are picnic tables behind the Nature Center).
• If you are sick or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home and DO NOT ENTER any Schaumburg Park District facility or playground.
• Due to the evolving COVID guidelines and restrictions, hours, admission and rules are subject to change.

General Information

Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground is designed to engage children in active and passive play in a natural setting. This unique custom-designed play area includes natural materials (logs, boulders, sand, water, etc.) as well as nature-themed play structures and manufactured features that mimic a rock bluff and cliff face, fallen logs, a flowing stream, wetland, beaver lodge, etc. A visit to the playground will inspire active, open-ended, creative forms of play, similar to that enjoyed by previous generations of children who grew up wandering fields, forests, and streams near their homes. The goal is to inspire today’s youth to remain active, develop agility, learn resilience, discover the benefits of cooperation and experimentation, solve problems and learn to navigate the world around them confidently.

In addition to Bison’s Bluff, Spring Valley includes the Vera Meineke Nature Center, Volkening Heritage Farm Museum, and more than 3 miles of nature trails. The Nature Play Discovery Trail leads to small themed ‘play pockets’ that provide opportunities for nature play in more secluded settings.

Pathway stones are available for purchase at the entrance of Bison's Bluff. To purchase a pathway stone, please complete an order form.

Please be aware that the following are NOT PERMITTED within the play area and anywhere on Spring Valley’s trails:

• Pets
• Bikes, scooters, and skateboards
• Glass containers
• Smoking
• Consumption of alcohol
• Picking or collecting plants, flowers, berries, etc.

Please help your children to observe the following common-sense safety rules within the nature playground:

• Water features are NOT designed for swimming or drinking – water is NOT potable!
• Closely watch smaller children playing near stream and climbing features.
• Do NOT throw stones, sand, or sticks.
• Do NOT climb up onto rocks above waterfall.
• Do NOT bring water toys, squirt guns, balls, etc. into nature playground.

Snacks and beverages are permitted within the play area HOWEVER, in consideration of others and to reduce trash and litter within play area, please use designated picnic area next to the parking lot for larger gatherings, parties, and picnic meals!

NOTE: A picnic shelter located nearby may be rented for private parties and groups. Call in advance to reserve this space.

FAQs

Bison's Bluff Summer 2021 FAQs (PDF)

For more information, please call 847-985-2100 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.