Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Chicago

Find great playgrounds for your Chicago kids, including nature trails, hiking in our many local parks, camping, and more outdoor fun for all ages.

Our Favorite Playgrounds and Parks in Chicago
Pool Day Birthday Party. Photo by @anjanettew, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Chicago's Best Parks & Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties
Photo courtesy of the Maggie Daley Park Facebook page
Best Playgrounds in Chicago: Destination Play Zones Worth the Trip
Walk the bridges at Go Ape USA. Photo courtesy the park
10 Zip Lines and Aerial Adventure Parks Near Chicago
Maplewood Park in Bucktown is made entirely for little ones. Photo courtesy of the author
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Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Chicago
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
There are lots of options for indoor and outdoor skate parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Schaumburg Park District
Top 10 Skate Parks Near Chicago for Kids

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More Outdoor Fun
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
Wendella offers themed sightseeing boat rides in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Wendella Sightseeing Company
Best Boat Rides in Chicago for Families
Nearby Door County has water sports, orchards, scenic attractions, golf, lighthouses, and more.
Weekend Trips
Camping at Illinois State Beach Park. Photo courtesy of Illinois State Beach Park.
The 10 Best Campgrounds for Tent Camping near Chicago with Kids
The Royal Grocer is a Bucktown neighborhood family-friendly restaurant (with tiki torches)!
Best Outdoor Dining in Chicago at Family-Friendly Restaurants
Visit Joshua Tree National Park on one of the free admission days!
Visit National Parks in 2023 on Free National Park Entrance Days: Yellowstone, Zion, Acadia, and More

Latest Parks & Playgrounds News

Starved Rock State Park
Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More
Get away from it all and hike with kids for a few days.
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Pool Day Birthday Party. Photo by @anjanettew, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Chicago's Best Parks & Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties
Chicago's parks and playgrounds are perfect for low-key birthday parties.
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State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
These state parks are the perfect weekend activity for your family.
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There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.
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Water comin' at you from all sides! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Chicago
The fun is as wet as it gets at these nearby sprinkler parks.
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Visit Joshua Tree National Park on one of the free admission days!
Visit National Parks in 2023 on Free National Park Entrance Days: Yellowstone, Zion, Acadia, and More
Get outdoors to celebrate America's natural beauty for FREE.
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