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

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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 2025 on Free National Park Entrance Days: Yellowstone, Zion, Acadia, and More

Latest Parks & Playgrounds News

Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Playground season is here, and these brand-new spots beg to be explored!
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The exterior footprint of the new Davis Center at the Harlem Meer is camoflauged by the landscape, but its programming impact will be hefty.
Splash, Skate, and Play at the Davis Center, which Transforms Central Park's Northern Landscape
Replacing the old Lasker Rink and Pool, this 8-acre project packs in activities and programming.
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The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family.
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The Domino Square ice rink has a small footprint, but its big-city views are impressive.
Winter Magic Awaits at Domino Square, Home to the Newest Ice Skating Rink in NYC
This new rink has a neighborhood feel with big-city fun.
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Urban Park Rangers teach kids how to safely explore the natural world. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Free Kids Week Programming in NYC Parks
Spend Midwinter Break exploring NYC Parks with the help of the Urban Park Rangers FREE programming...
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Harold Ickes Skate Park is free and open to all skateboarders and rollerbladers. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Awesome Skate Parks in NYC for Kids and Teens
NYC skateboarders can test out their tricks with incredible city views at these local spots.
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