1. New Traditions Riding Academy/ Palos Hills Stables — Palos Hills

This stable encourages parents to let their kids try something new and different as an after school activity or summer camp. Riding lessons on weeknights during the school year start at $45 per lesson, and summer camps cost $400 per week for half day camps. Kids will learn saddle position and riding and the science of taking care of horses throughout each camp.

2. Freedom Woods — Morton Grove

Start your child learning to ride as young as age five at this north suburban stable. Kids can learn to ride from six different instructors, each with their own talents in hunters, jumpers, and equestrian. The stable has three small indoor arenas and one large outdoor arena where kids can practice their skills. Lessons start at $65 per half hour.

3. Double J Riding Club — Countryside

This west suburban stable has lots of different animals and activities for kids of different ages. Try a Friday Farm Tour, a one- time or recurring private lesson, or a unicorn ride where ponies are dressed up as unicorns for kids ages 3-7. Double J also offers horse riding camps and Girl Scout badge programs.

4. Chicago Children Equestrian Center — Crete

Kids can learn to ride or take part in equine therapy at this south suburban equestrian center. Group lessons start at a more affordable $30 per 50 minute session, and kids can start learning at just 3 years old. The center aims to serve at-risk kids by giving them a unique opportunity to learn about horses and other farm animals.

5. Millbrook Trail Rides — Newark

Head southwest of Yorkville to this idyllic ranch offering trail rides for those with and without experience riding horses. Enjoy a customized horse riding adventure over the 300 acre property, or camp overnight for an additional $10 per person. Millbrook Trail Rides also offers horse camps and sunset rides with karaoke afterwards! Check the height and weight requirements before purchase.

6. Forest View Farms — Tinley Park

Visit this southwest suburban farm for a trail ride on a horse or pony starting at $15 for 15 minutes or $38 per hour. Kids can also take horseback riding lessons in either English or Western style, starting with Mommy & Me classes at age 3. Kids can also take part in summer camp or visit the farm's petting zoo.

7. Memory Lane Stables — Willow Springs

Go for a trail ride or have a pony party at this south suburban stable. Pony rides start at $25 per hour and horse rides are $35 and up. Want to learn to ride like a pro? Riding lessons include instruction in horse care, feeding, grooming, and saddling techniques. Memory Lane also offers scout programs and parties.

8. Country Meadow Farm — Mokena

This family-owned southwest suburban farm offers individually tailored lessons for kids learning to ride horses. Schedule your own private lesson, or visit for a day camp or birthday party. The farm has indoor and outdoor arenas so that little equestrians can train all year round.

9. Sarah's Pony Rides — Willow Springs

Have a pony party at your own location or at this Willow Springs stable to enjoy riding one of Sarah's many ponies! Kids can also take part in riding lessons or camps, earn a Girl Scout or Boy Scout badge, or enjoy a guided trail ride. The farm has more than 100 animals in its petting zoo that kids can visit before or after programs.8078 Whitfield Rd, Newark, IL

10. Nova Quarter Horses — Mokena

Nova Quarter Horses offers weekly lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders at its Mokena stables. Buy an individual lesson or a punch card for multiple lessons. The stable also offers summer horse camps and parties. Riders who gain enough skill can be part of the show team.

11. Celebration Farm — Lake Forest

Start learning to ride on one of Celebration Farm's horses, or bring your own. Celebration Farms aims to meet riders at their level, whether they're just starting or getting back in the saddle after time off. Kids can take part in summer horsemanship camps or learn how to show horses.

12. Jaynesway Farms — Bartlett

Try riding a pony a Jaynesway Farms to see if you might be interested in progressing into horseback riding lessons. Kids can schedule lessons on barn-owned or rider-owned horses starting at age 5. Summer horse camps are also available staring at $85 per day. 

13. Normantown Equestrian Center — Plainfield

The Plainfield Park District has its own equestrian center, complete with 48 horse stalls, a small indoor riding arena, and two large outdoor riding arenas. Kids can sign up for group lessons, private lessons, pony rides, or scout badges at this west suburban stable. 

14. Foxcreek Stables and Ponies — Wauconda

Learn to ride in the English or Western style and progress into learning jumping at this northwest suburban stable. Foxcreek Stables aims to be able to serve families of every background and experience level in its classes and camps.

15. Wedgewood Stables — Wauconda

Take a lesson or ride a trail at this Wauconda stable. Lessons are offered in English, Western, or rodeo riding, or book a trail ride through the Lake County Forest Presesrve nearby, where you might see various northern Illinois wildlife as you pass by marshes and meadows.