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

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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Mr. B’s All-Inclusive Playground offers lots of different ways to play and explore.
Inclusive Playground in Rockville Centre Welcomes Kids of All Abilities
Mr. B’s Playground caters to a wide range of needs.
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Marina Playground has plenty of slides to experience.
Here's Why Wantagh Park Playground is My Family's Go-To Destination
Wantagh Park's Marina Playground appeals to all ages.
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Cantiague Park's splash pad offers water play for all ages.
Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds on Long Island
Kids can cool off in these play areas on steamy Long Island days.
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The new ropes course at Captree State Park features a spider-web structure.
Captree State Park Adds Ropes Course to Beach Playground
Here's everything you need to know about this sandy playground.
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Sayville's new Marina Park playground offers gorgeous views and tons of romping space. Photo courtesy of the Town of Islip.
New Long Island Parks and Playgrounds You Probably Haven't Visited Yet But Should
These new and newly renovated Long Island parks are worth visiting and revisiting.
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