Spring is officially here and after a long Chicago winter, there's no better time to get outside with your family and capture some beautiful photos. The flowers are starting to bloom, the light is getting warmer, and the kids are ready to run. One of the first things families ask me after booking is "where should we shoot?" Here are spots I love and recommend for spring family sessions in Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and across the North Shore.
1. Keay Nature Learning Center — Wilmette
This is a spot I've actually shot at and it's so special. Keay is a quiet, secluded 4.6-acre nature preserve tucked right off Skokie Blvd. It has winding paths, mature trees, and this peaceful feel that's perfect for families with little ones who need space to warm up without crowds or distractions. In spring, everything starts coming back to life here — fresh green leaves, wildflowers popping up along the paths — it's gorgeous.
Best time to shoot: Late afternoon. The tree canopy filters the light beautifully and gives you that warm golden glow.
2. Gillson Park & Beach — Wilmette
If you want that lakefront feel without driving downtown, Gillson Park is a great option. The beach, the open grass, the harbor in the background — it gives you a completely different look than a wooded trail. Once the spring weather settles in, this is one of the first spots that feels like summer is coming. It's perfect for families who want something bright and open, and kids always end up running toward the water which makes for really joyful, natural moments.
Best time to shoot: Evening sessions. The sun sets over the lake and creates this soft, warm backlight.
3. Shakespeare Garden — Evanston
This small garden on Northwestern's campus has a romantic, storybook quality to it — stone walls, climbing vines, seasonal flowers. It's intimate and charming, which makes it a nice choice for smaller families, maternity sessions, or couples. It's compact, so it works better for smaller groups than big extended family sessions.
Best time to shoot: Morning or late afternoon. The stone walls create shade earlier than open parks, so timing matters here.
4. Emily Oaks Nature Center — Skokie
Emily Oaks has beautiful winding paths through prairie grass and wildflowers, with mature trees that create natural canopies overhead. Spring is one of the best times to shoot here — the prairie starts filling in with fresh greens and early wildflowers, and the light through the budding trees is soft and beautiful. There's enough variety that sessions here look completely different depending on the season and where you wander. It's also quiet and spacious, which is always a plus with young kids.
Best time to shoot: Late afternoon, about an hour and a half before sunset when the light filters through the trees.
5. Ladd Arboretum — Evanston
A bit of a hidden gem along the North Shore Channel. The path is lined with beautiful trees and there's a pedestrian bridge that makes a lovely backdrop. It feels tucked away even though you're in the middle of Evanston, and there's plenty of room for kids to explore without worrying about traffic or big crowds.
Best time to shoot: Golden hour in spring or summer when the tree canopy is full and the light comes through in patches.
6. Harms Woods — Skokie / Glenview Border
For families who want a deep, wooded, natural feel, Harms Woods is worth considering. The tall trees and wide trails create beautiful layered depth in photos. Fall is especially stunning here when the leaves are changing and the forest floor is covered in golden tones. It's a forest preserve so it stays fairly uncrowded.
Best time to shoot: Afternoon light works well since the tree cover softens even midday sun. Fall is peak season.
7. Skokie Public Library — Skokie (Rainy Day Backup!)
Spring in Chicago means beautiful weather one day and rain the next. If your session lands on a rainy day, don't stress — the Skokie Public Library is a surprisingly gorgeous indoor option. I've done sessions here and the architecture, big windows, and natural light make it work really well for family photos. It's a great reminder that you don't need sunshine to get beautiful photos — sometimes an interesting indoor space works even better. Plus your kids already feel comfortable here.
Best time to shoot: Weekday mornings when it's quieter. The natural light from the large windows is soft and even.
8. Your Own Home
I saved this one for last because honestly, some of the most meaningful family photos happen inside your home. The couch where you read stories together. The kitchen where Saturday morning pancakes happen. Your baby's nursery that you spent months putting together. In-home sessions are calm, natural, and you don't have to pack a diaper bag or worry about weather. These are the backdrops that actually mean something to your family.
Best time to shoot: Morning light is usually best. I'll ask which rooms get the most natural light and we'll work with what your home gives us.
Not Sure Which Location Is Right for You?
Every family is different. When you book with me, we'll talk through what feels right based on your kids' ages, the season, and the kind of photos you're hoping for. I always have a recommendation ready.
Spring books up fast — the weather window between "still cold" and "too hot and humid" goes quicker than you'd think in Chicago. Get in touch and let's plan your spring family session in Skokie, Evanston, or anywhere across Chicago's North Shore.