Small in size but big in fun, pony rides are always a major hit! A ride on a pony is a memorable, active experience your kids will never forget. Even if your child is hesitant to go for a ride, just the sight of a pony trotting around leaves a lasting impression. Pony rides help kids develop a healthy respect for these animals while teaching confidence, patience, and empathy.
There are a few options for types of rides: carousel style (where the ponies walk in a circle), hand-led, and even trail rides. We’ve rounded up places where kids can go for rides. A few of these spots will even bring pony rides to your party or event, too.
100 S. Barnes Road
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-1550
Blackberry Farm is a living history museum that recreates pioneer life. While visiting the farm, all activities, such as the train, paddle boats, and pony rides, are included in daily admission fees. Please note: for the safety of the ponies, they take 15-minute breaks at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.
5N080 Route 59
Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 483-1827
Jaynesway Farm offers pony rides in their Ponyland where a parent or guardian leads the pony through the path. This 30-minute ride costs $20. Rides take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am until 4:00pm, and can be moved to the indoor arena in inclemate weather. You can also host birthday parties or events in Ponyland, or they can bring the ponies to your location of choice.
Jaynesway Farm also offers riding lessons and summer camps.
14245 W Rockland Road
Libertyville, IL 60048
(847) 362-4636
Lambs Farm is a nonprofit, designed to empower adults with developmental disabilities through living, vocational, social, and recreational programs. The Farmyard at Lambs Farm is home to a variety of farm animals, as well as a carousel, miniature train, and pony rides. Pony rides only happen on select weekends, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm availability if you’re hoping for a pony ride.
1510 W. Northwest Highway
Palatine, 60067
(847) 359-0009
As of November 8, 2024, Palatine Stables officially closed to the public. Details regarding this decision can be found on the park district’s website.
10100 S Kean Avenue
Palos Hills, IL 60465
(708) 598-7718
Pony parties are offered for up to sixteen kids for two hours with two ponies. This includes an hour of pony rides, then a walk to the barn for grooming and brushing. For an additional cost, more children can be added to the total number of attendees. For older children, consider their two-hour personal session with riding, barn time, and access to the party room (minimum of seven children). Visit their website for deposit requirements and booking fees.
New Traditions Riding Academy also offers lessons and summer camps.
12151 S. Normantown Road
Plainfield, IL 60585
(815) 254-1950
Normantown Equestrian Center is a six-acre facility run by the Plainfield Park District facility. They offer specialty pony rides around the holidays: Haunted Pony Rides in the fall, and Holiday Pony Rides in the winter. Be sure to check out their website for updates and more details.
16717 Lockwood Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 560-0306
Pony rides are offered on the Forest View Farms property daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm, weather permitting, at this longtime destination for local pony rentals. These rides are available for children under the age of 9. Pony rides are hand-led by a parent or guardian. For pricing and more details about rentals (including unicorn ponies and donkeys), check out their website.
15900 W Kelly Road
Wadsworth, IL 60083
(847) 336-0120
Pony rides are hosted on Sundays from 10:00am – 4:00pm. No reservations are required. When visiting Patch 22, guests are charged a $10 parking fee, and there is an additional fee for pony rides. Patch 22 is also home to party rentals, which include ponies, as well as summer camps.
1180 N. Randall Road
West Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 551-4312
Randall Oaks Zoo is a small, community-focused zoo known for its interactive, family-friendly experience. There are a lot of ways to visit with animals, including pony rides. Guests to Randall Oaks Zoo can pay an additional $5 for pony rides while there visiting the animals. Please note: the ponies have designated breaks during the day, so we’d recommend confirming the schedule before planning your visit.
8290 Kean Avenue
Willow Springs, IL 60480
(708) 845-0865
Trail rides on ponies are available to children under the age of 10 every day of the week. Make sure to phone ahead to reserve your scheduled time. Pony rentals are available for $25 per hour, with an additional $20 fee to have a professional pony walker. Their pony rentals include onsite parties, as well as offsite rentals.
8220 S. Kean Avenue
Willow Springs, IL 60480
(630) 802-1316
Sarah’s Pony Rides offers guided trail rides on ponies (which must be booked in advance), pony camps onsite, and pony rentals for parties and events anywhere in the Chicagoland area.
Other Places to Find Pony Rides
Summer Festivals and Fall Festivals! Our festivals guides include details about what will be at each event, so click on whatever season you are interested in and scroll through to find more opportunities for your kids to ride a pony.
Have a horse lover on your hands? Check out places where kids can go horseback riding in Chicagoland!
