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 courtesy of Canva
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.
[GUIDE] Chicago Day Trips & Getaways
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 2025 on Free National Park Entrance Days: Yellowstone, Zion, Acadia, and More

Latest Parks & Playgrounds News

Climb iconic sculptures and structures at Koret Children's Quarter in Golden Gate Park. Photo by Mike Liu, via Flickr 2.0
Best Playgrounds in San Francisco
Swing, slide, and climb across the Bay Area.
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Kiddos will love the arched drum bridge. Japanese Tea Garden photo by Nicole Findlay
Visiting Golden Gate Park with Kids: Everything You Need To Know
Golden Gate Park has it all: boating, hiking, museums, carousels, Ferris wheels, and more!
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So many colorful places to run around! Photo by the author
Exploring San Francisco's Presidio Tunnel Tops with Kids
Get the scoop on what to bring and when to go.
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