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six of our favorite Chicago city parks with playgrounds

Oct 16, 2022

The iconic Dorothy statue at Oz Park

If you’re a parent in the city, you’re probably like me and always on the hunt for a fun park/playground for your little ones. Lately, my youngest has been obsessed with going to the playground and asks almost everyday— so I thought I would share some of our favorites, starting with our #1 spot!


OZ PARK

This Wizard of Oz themed park is the stuff of fairytales! Not only can you see statues of all of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters, but your kiddos can play in ”Dorothy’s Playlot” on the extensive wooden play equipment or take a leisurely stroll or picnic in the Emerald Garden. The park also features tennis courts, ball fields, basketball courts, and an ample amount of green space to run and play! This is our favorite city park, hands-down.

Address: 2021 N Burling St., Chicago – Lincoln Park neighborhood


MAGGIE DALEY PLAY GARDEN

Located right in downtown Chicago, Maggie Daley Play Garden in located within Maggie Daley Park. The unique play garden was inspired by tales like Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! There are so many fun areas and places to explore for kids of all ages! There is a ”Watering Hole” splash pad area in the summer, an enchanted forest, and lots of areas to climb and play!

Address: 337 E Randolph St., Chicago – Downtown Chicago


SUNSHINE PLAYSCAPE

This hidden gem is nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park. Part of the Lincoln Park Conservatory, this unique playground is nature-play based featuring play elements that help connect kids to nature! The girls love being able to climb on rocks and trees while still being able to swing and slide, too!

Address: 530 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago – Lincoln Park neighborhood


CHOPIN PARK

Chopin Park in located in the Portage Park neighborhood on the northwest side of the city! The park features a beautiful welcome garden and a fun playground with everything from slides, to swings, crazy ladders, climbing walls, and more! It also has a splash pad in the summer, tennis courts and lots of space to run and play! This one is a go-to for us when we feel like going on a nice walk with the wagon!

Address: 3420 N Long Ave., Chicago – Portage Park neighborhood


WALSH PARK

Walsh Park is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow— it resides at the east end of the 606 in the Bucktown neighborhood! This playground has a huge play structure with lots of slides— my littlest’s favorite! I’d say this is probably better suited for the big kiddos, but my 3-year-old loves it, too!

Address: 1722 N Ashland Ave., Chicago – Bucktown neighborhood


PORTAGE PARK

Last, but not least, Portage Park, located within the neighborhood named after it, is a spacious park that is home to a large ADA accessible playground that is perfect for kids of all ages, as well as tons of green space for running and playing! The playground has lots of climbing structures, a playhouse, swings and more! In the summer, PP is home to a large pool with an interactive water play area, slide and diving board- a kid’s haven!

Address: 4100 N Long Ave., Chicago – Portage Park neighborhood

Next park on our list: Merrimac Park!

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six of our favorite Chicago city parks with playgrounds

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