As most parents likely know, when you visit a new city with your kids, you must plan to visit some parks and playgrounds. This is especially true the younger the children are. Young kiddos don’t care about museums or old buildings or Michelin restaurants. But they do care about slides and swings and wide open spaces where they can run around to their hearts’ content.
That is why we have compiled our list of our favorite parks and playgrounds in Chicago. Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list of parks and playgrounds in Chicagoland but merely the ones that we have spent the most time at and the ones that Skyler has enjoyed the most. We tend to spend a lot of time in northern Chicago neighborhoods, and have yet to venture south of downtown.
With those caveats, let me present to you our list of the best parks and playgrounds in Chicago. May they bring your children joy and you peace on your next family trip to the Windy City!
Our favorite parks and playgrounds in Chicago
We will continue to update this list, and we definitely want to hear YOUR recommendations. So be sure to comment with your thoughts and ideas about the best parks and playgrounds in Chicago so we can add them to our next trip to Chicago!
Clarendon Playground
Clarendon Playground, located in Uptown, not far from where we were staying in Buena Park, offers a vibrant and family-friendly recreational space. With well-maintained play structures, green spaces, and seating areas, it provides a welcoming environment for everyone.
Berger Park
Nestled along the northern lakefront of Edgewater, Berger Park combines scenic views with recreational opportunities. This expansive park features walking trails, green lawns, and a newer playground for children. The serene atmosphere and proximity to the lake make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful escape. One of the best parts is that parents can eat lunch at the cafe while their children play in full view on the playground. We would be here all the time if we lived in Edgewater.
Morrie Mages Playground
We have ended up at this playground on a couple different trips, and both times Skyler had to be convinced to leave.This playground is not massive but does provide structures for both littles and bigger kids.
Maggie Daley Play Garden
Situated within the iconic Maggie Daley Park, this playground is probably one of the most famous playgrounds in America. And for good reason! With its unique and modern play structures, including the famous climbing walls and slides, Maggie Daley Playground offers a one-of-a-kind play experience in the heart of downtown Chicago. If we lived in Chicago, we would find many excuses to make our way downtown so we could play here. There are so many parts of this park that we still haven’t explored!
Gill Park Playground
Gill Park Playground provides a neighborhood gathering place with recreational options for all ages. This became one of our favorite playgrounds because we passed it every day on the way to and from picking Skyler up from his temporary daycare. It features age-appropriate equipment, sports facilities, “natural” playground structures, and some open green spaces. It seems to be a community hub for the Lakeview/Boystown neighborhood where families can come together.
Montrose Beach
Montrose Beach, Chicago’s largest public beach, is not just a sandy oasis but also hosts a range of recreational activities including volleyball, jet ski rentals & a bar and restaurant. With expansive shorelines, it’s a popular destination for beachgoers, picnickers, and those looking to enjoy water sports or a leisurely stroll along the lakefront. Since we often stay in uptown neighborhoods, this is a beach and park that we have gone to many times.
Max Pastin Playground and Lane Beach
Max Pastin Playground, right by the entrance to Lane Beach, is a charming play area catering to younger children. It’s not huge, but it’s big enough. With colorful structures, swings, and open spaces for various activities, it provides a safe and enjoyable environment for families in the community. Lane Beach is a small neighborhood beach where you won’t find many tourists. My bestie lives in Edgewater, so this is an easy place to take Skyler when we visit her.
Kathy Osterman Beach
Kathy Osterman Beach, in Edgewater, is a picturesque lakefront destination with sandy shores and inviting waters. Besides being a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, it offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. I think that’s one of my favorite things about Chicago; that one minute you can be riding an overpacked bus or fighting Lakeshore Drive traffic, and the next, you can be sunbathing and listening to the peaceful sound of the waves. This particular beach also features amenities like walking paths and nearby parks.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park, one of Chicago’s largest parks, encompasses a diverse range of attractions from the *free* conservatory and *free* zoo to numerous recreational fields and a boardwalk through nature reserves. You could easily spend several hours in Lincoln Park, so make sure to leave time in the itinerary for some wandering, relaxing, and playing in this beloved urban oasis! Lincoln Park offers so much free entertainment, it deserves its own post.
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Map of our favorite parks and playgrounds in Chicago
I hope you find the map below useful in your trip planning.
What are your favorite parks and playgrounds in Chicagoland? We want to explore other neighborhoods including Lakeview, Lincoln Park, River North and downtown, so please leave your favorites and recommendations in the comments!