Chicago Playgrounds | 5 Adventurous Places for Kids to Explore

two sisters laying on a blanket in a park Chicago Playgrounds

Finding activities for kids of all ages can be challenging. However, these Chicago playgrounds have so much fun and excitement waiting for you and your little ones. All you have to do is explore! 

5 Chicago Playgrounds for Your Kids to Explore

Indian Boundary Park

Indian Boundary Park spans about 13 acres and includes many fun activities for your family. At the Nature Play Center, kids can use their imaginations and explore and play in a magical outdoor space. There is also a water spray feature with dancing bears and spray misters that can cool off everyone on a sweltering day! In addition, the park has a duck-filled lagoon, a beautifully restored nature area, and four tennis courts. At this culturally diverse Chicago playground, a Culture Center offers dance, piano, and voice lessons for children and adults. Throughout the year, the center also provides FREE interactive concert performances and music productions for the community. So be sure to check out this magical Chicago playground tucked away at Indian Boundary Park

Juniper Park

This small Chicago playground is in the Lakeview neighborhood and is a new nature-themed playground. Juniper Park features a rotating net climber, a climbing wall, sensory paths, and an interactive water table. Juniper Park is open from 6 am to 11 pm and is the perfect little spot for kids to run around a play. 

little girl striking a pose in a park

Oz Park

Lions, Tigers, and Bears… Oh My! Welcome to Oz Park, one of Chicago’s unique playgrounds. This Wizard of Oz-themed playground includes Dorothy’s Playlot, which is filled with play equipment for little ones to climb, swing, and run. Next, head to the Emerald Garden, where families can stroll among beautiful flowers. You will be greeted throughout the park by statues including the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, and of course, Toto too. The park not only features Dorothy’s Playground but also a community garden, tennis courts, baseball fields, and basketball courts. The park is open from 6 am to 11 am, and the indoor facilities are available from 9 am to 5 pm, so be sure to check out the Emerald City! 

Maggie Daley Park

If you want a day of family fun, head to Maggie Daley Park, one of Chicago’s playgrounds and parks. There are so many activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Kids can climb the climbing wall, play in the garden, play mini golf, go rollerblading, ride micro scooters, and jump on the bungee. In the colder months, an ice-skating rink opens for all to enjoy. Families can stroll through the Cancer Survivor’s Garden and eat lunch in the picnic groves. If you did not pack a lunch, you could grab a quick bite at the Rink Café. Maggie Daley Park also holds several events throughout the year and has special programs and classes throughout the summer. Check ahead of the schedule as it changes according to the season. 

little girls running and playing in a park Chicago Playgrounds

Bartleme Mary Park

The Bartleme Mary Park combines a sense of history with a modern and innovative design. Perfect for everyone, this Chicago playground includes a fountain plaza, a children’s play area, a sunken dog park, an open lawn area, a viewing hill, and an enclosed seating area. The fountain area allows parkgoers to enjoy a cold mist to cool off on the hot Chicago days. The sunken dog park has oversized dog bowls continuously filled with water, ramps, ledges, steps, and artificial canine grass so your four-legged friends can run and play. The viewing hill is about six feet high and provides a stunning view of the entire park and the Chicago skyline. The park is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm and is a great way to enjoy the day. 

Chicago Playgrounds

Chicago’s playgrounds offer an excellent opportunity for the family to engage in outdoor family fun, be sure to check out all the best Chicago playgrounds and parks that Chicago has to offer! 

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