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16 Cool Water Playgrounds and Splash Parks for Chicago Kids

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Thu, 05/30/2019 - 10:43am

When summer comes, smart Chicago parents make sure they've always got a sprinkler "go bag" packed and ready in the trunk, stroller, or tote: towel, sunscreen, water shoes, swim diaper (if you've got a really little mermaid), and spare clothes. Because in a city with this many awesome water playgrounds, splash parks, and spraygrounds, it pays to be prepared.

Our favorite water play zones in Chicago and the suburbs feature interactive sprinklers, sprayers, cannons, and gushers so everybody can get good and soaked—and some spots offer extra-wet bonuses like waterslides and pools. Chicago Park District water playgrounds turn on in June and keep the fun flowing through Labor Day weekend, although most water parks in the suburbs open Memorial Day weekend, and a few water parks remain open on weekends through the end of September.

Read on for 16 great water playgrounds that are as wet as they can get.

Best Playgrounds in Chicago: Destination Play Zones Worth the Trip

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Mon, 04/22/2019 - 8:39am

Chicago families are lucky to have a world-class parks system with hundreds of great playgrounds. Thanks to a city initiative, over 300 playgrounds in Chicago have been refurbished or newly built since 2013, with the goal of ensuring that every Chicago kid has a place to play within a ten-minute walk of home.

But even in a city packed with great parks, some Chicago playgrounds are a cut above the rest. The spots on our best-of list have plenty of space to climb, slide, swing, and play, while also offering something special or unique that makes them worth the trip. Check out our Chicago playground hall of fame, and get out to play at a new-to-you park this weekend.

Easter Egg Hunts in Chicago and the Suburbs

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Wed, 04/10/2019 - 11:34am

Celebrate Easter with kids at one of Chicago’s fun, treat-filled egg hunts. Most are outdoors at neighborhood parks and offer additional spring fun, including crafts, music, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny.

Easter egg hunts tend to be fast-paced and crowded, so arrive early and expect competition for those eggs. If you or your little one are crowd-averse, consider one of the hunts that costs a small fee, since they usually limit the number of participants and tend to be a bit less crowded than the free egg hunts.

While Easter Sunday is April 21 this year, most of the Easter egg hunts in Chicago are scheduled for the weekend before Easter. Our list is organized into hunts alphabetically by 'hood, with hunts in downtown Chicago neighborhoods as well as Easter egg hunts in the Chicago suburbs.

Be sure to click through to our listings for all the info, including prices, addresses, and times. Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

15 Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Chicago Kids

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Tue, 02/26/2019 - 5:02pm

Chicago doesn’t lack for indoor fun zones for kids, and when it comes to indoor birthday party places, there are so many awesome options you’ll never have to celebrate in the same spot twice. From bounce houses to cooking classes to climbing walls and beyond, here are the best ways to celebrate a birthday indoors in Chicago.