Chicago Parks

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

Looking for a cozy neighborhood park with historic roots and fun for little ones? Adams Park in Lincoln Park offers year-round family-friendly charm right in the heart of the city.

Recommended For:

Families with young children, local residents, and anyone seeking a peaceful, well-equipped city green space.

What I Love: ♥

The water play area dedicated to a local teacher, seasonal programming in the field house, and the nostalgic vibe of a century-old park in a modern neighborhood.

• Play at the children’s playground, featuring a splash-friendly interactive water area added in 1997.
• Gather at picnic tables—perfect for weekend get-togethers (permits required for use on weekends).
• Enjoy a seasonal ice skating pond or participate in parent-child activities inside the community field house.
• Get active on the small playing field or sand court for casual outdoor recreation.

Cost:

Free entry; picnic table permits available through park staff.

Best time to visit:

Spring through Fall for outdoor play and summer programs; Winter for ice skating fun.

Local tips:

The water play area gets popular on warm days—arrive early for shade and space!

Distance:

Located in Lincoln Park, easily accessible by foot, bus, or the Brown Line (Armitage stop).

How to Get to Adams Park:

From downtown Chicago, take North Ave. west to Seminary Ave., then head north two blocks. The park is near the intersection of Seminary and Wisconsin.

Address:

1919 N. Seminary Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 312-742-7787

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

If you're near the White Sox stadium and want a classic Chicago park experience, Armour Square Park blends athletic fields, community programs, and a legacy of landscape design right in the South Side.

Recommended For:

Sports enthusiasts, families, South Loop residents, and those interested in historic Chicago park planning.

What I Love: ♥

The Olmsted-Burnham design pedigree, multi-sport facilities, and the active year-round calendar of family events.

• Work out in the indoor fitness center, or take advantage of two gymnasiums and a full-size auditorium in the fieldhouse.
• Play on junior and senior baseball diamonds, soccer and football fields, tennis courts, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
• Bring kids to the colorful playground or sign them up for after-school programming and special seasonal events.
• Relax during the summer with outdoor family movies as part of the popular Movies in the Park series.

Cost:

Free general admission; pool and programming may require registration or fees.

Best time to visit:

Summer for outdoor sports and pool time; Spring and Fall for organized community events.

Local tips:

Combine a park visit with a White Sox game—it’s just a short walk to Guaranteed Rate Field.

Distance:

Located on the city’s South Side, just 10 minutes from downtown Chicago.

How to Get to Armour Square Park:

From downtown, take the Red Line to Sox-35th Station. Walk two blocks east to Shields Ave and head south to the park entrance.

Address:

3309 S. Shields Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312-747-6012

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

If you're in Forest Glen and looking for open green space with strong community sports programming, Edgebrook Park delivers with ballfields, fitness classes, and a family-friendly vibe.

Recommended For:

Youth athletes, fitness-minded adults, local families, and residents looking for active, structured recreation close to home.

What I Love: ♥

The park’s roots as a schoolyard hub, its blend of organized youth sports and adult wellness, and the large open fields perfect for casual play.

• Play on the park’s public baseball fields or enjoy spacious green areas for unstructured recreation and neighborhood gatherings.
• Join youth sports programming at the adjacent Edgebrook School gym—featuring basketball, soccer, and dodgeball year-round.
• Get fit with adult wellness classes like yoga, kickboxing, and cardio workouts in a community-focused environment.
• Enroll kids ages 6–12 in summer day camps that combine fitness, games, and outdoor fun during the school break.

Cost:

Free public access; program and camp fees vary by season.

Best time to visit:

Spring through Fall for outdoor play; Winter for indoor fitness programming.

Local tips:

Programs fill quickly—register early through the Chicago Park District website, especially for youth camps and seasonal leagues.

Distance:

Located in the Forest Glen neighborhood, about 25 minutes northwest of downtown Chicago.

How to Get to Edgebrook Park:

From I-94, exit at Devon Ave and head west to Hiawatha Ave. The park is just north of Central Avenue near Edgebrook Elementary.

Address:

6525 N. Hiawatha Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
Phone: 773-631-7461

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

From world-famous art to lakefront leisure, Grant Park is the cultural and recreational heart of downtown Chicago—an urban playground with something for everyone.

Recommended For:

Sightseers, museum-goers, art and music fans, families, and active travelers exploring Chicago’s best-known green space.

What I Love: ♥

Millennium Park’s iconic sculptures, Buckingham Fountain’s grandeur, the lakeside views, and four world-class museums all within walking distance.

• Visit Millennium Park to snap photos with Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) and cool off at Crown Fountain’s interactive digital towers.
• Skate the seasonal ice ribbon or climb and play at Maggie Daley Park’s dynamic playground and fieldhouse.
• Explore the Museum Campus—home to the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
• Enjoy music at the Petrillo Music Shell, with major festivals like Lollapalooza and the Chicago Jazz Festival lighting up the park in summer.
• Relax at Buckingham Fountain, Congress Plaza, the skate park, or one of two harbors offering lakefront views and boating access.

Cost:

Free entry; museum and event admission vary by location.

Best time to visit:

Late Spring to early Fall for events and outdoor attractions; Winter for ice skating and festive city views.

Local tips:

Start at the Michigan Ave. entrance to explore the park’s key features on foot—and bring a camera for unbeatable skyline shots.

Distance:

Located in the Loop, just steps from downtown hotels, transit, and the lakefront.

How to Get to Grant Park:

Take the CTA Red, Blue, or Brown Lines to Monroe or Adams. Walk east toward Columbus Drive—Grant Park spans the entire area from Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street along the lake.

Address:

Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-742-3918

Romantic Chicago Parks

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

Whether you’re chasing a splashy playground, a serious workout, or a world-class soccer pitch, Haas Park brings thoughtful design and community pride to Logan Square.

Recommended For:

Local families, soccer fans, fitness lovers, and anyone looking for a clean, green space with modern amenities.

What I Love: ♥

The environmentally friendly LEED-certified fieldhouse, summer water features for kids, and international ties to elite soccer training.

• Let kids cool off at the ADA-accessible playground, complete with a fun and functional water play feature for hot days.
• Work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center or play pickup basketball and volleyball in the sleek half-court gym.
• Kick around on the professionally developed soccer field—built in partnership with Manchester City FC and the UAE Embassy.
• Relax in a well-maintained green space nestled in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Cost:

Free park access; fees apply for fitness center use and some programming.

Best time to visit:

Summer for playground fun and soccer matches; year-round for indoor fitness and gym activities.

Local tips:

The fitness center and gym are popular—check the park schedule ahead of time for open gym hours and class availability.

Distance:

Located in Logan Square, about 20 minutes northwest of downtown Chicago.

How to Get to Haas Park:

Take the Blue Line to the California stop, then walk north to Fullerton and west to Washtenaw Ave. The park is at the intersection.

Address:

2402 N. Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: 312-742-7552

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

Looking for art, culture, sports, and relaxation all in one historic space? Humboldt Park offers 197 acres of lagoons, museums, festivals, and more in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Recommended For:

Families, history lovers, festival-goers, and anyone seeking an active or artistic day in a spacious city park.

What I Love: ♥

The boathouse views, inland beach, Puerto Rican cultural hub, and the mix of architectural elegance with neighborhood energy.

• Play at recently renovated playgrounds, or swim and sun at the park’s inland beach—perfect on summer days.
• Stroll through historic lagoons, cross charming bridges, and visit the park’s scenic 1928 fieldhouse with two public gymnasiums and a fitness center.
• Explore the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture—the only one of its kind in the U.S.—located inside the park’s historic stable building.
• Celebrate during signature events like the Puerto Rican Festival, Latin Jazz Festival, and Shakespeare in the Park performances.

Cost:

Free general access; museum entry and some event participation may require tickets.

Best time to visit:

Summer for beach days, festivals, and outdoor theater; Fall for scenic walks and fewer crowds.

Local tips:

Don’t miss the Paseo Boricua section of Division Street nearby—lined with Puerto Rican flags and great food options.

Distance:

About 20 minutes west of downtown Chicago.

How to Get to Humboldt Park:

Take the Blue Line to Division, then head west on Division Street to Humboldt Boulevard. The park spans several blocks north and south of Division.

Address:

1440 N. Humboldt Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 312-742-7549

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

Need a tranquil escape tucked into the heart of downtown? Lakeshore East Park delivers serenity, beauty, and smart design steps from the Chicago River and lakefront.

Recommended For:

Loop residents, downtown professionals, dog owners, design lovers, and anyone seeking peaceful green space amid the skyscrapers.

What I Love: ♥

The cascading fountains, native gardens, and illuminated night displays that transform this modern landscape into a glowing urban retreat.

• Stroll the winding walking path surrounded by carefully curated native and exotic plants and trees.
• Relax in peaceful garden areas framed by cascading water features and tiered staircases designed by James Burnett.
• Play at the on-site children's playground or bring your pup to the designated dog-friendly play zone.
• Experience the nighttime light show that illuminates the park’s signature fountains and architecture for a truly magical vibe.

Cost:

Free entry; open daily.

Best time to visit:

Spring through Fall for peak blooms and comfortable outdoor strolls; evenings for the light show.

Local tips:

Visit at dusk to catch the transition into the park’s evening glow—great for photos and quiet moments away from the Loop’s bustle.

Distance:

Located in the Loop, just east of Millennium Park and a short walk from Michigan Avenue.

How to Get to Lakeshore East Park:

Take the CTA Red or Blue Line to Lake or Washington, then walk east on Randolph to Field Blvd and turn north. The park is just beyond the residential towers.

Address:

450 E. Benton Place, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-742-3918

Chicago Parks for Kids

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

Lake Shore Park is Streeterville’s go-to green space for outdoor fitness, family fun, and community events—just steps from the lakefront and Magnificent Mile.

Recommended For:

Runners, tennis players, families, and downtown residents looking for an active, centrally located city park.

What I Love: ♥

The soft-surface running track, lively summer events, and a fitness-equipped fieldhouse that’s as welcoming as it is functional.

• Run on the park’s quarter-mile track with impact-absorbing surface—perfect for joggers and walkers of all levels.
• Play tennis on well-maintained outdoor courts or bring the kids to a well-shaded, fun-filled playground area.
• Workout indoors year-round in the full-sized gymnasium or modern fitness center inside the fieldhouse.
• Enjoy summer programming like Movies in the Park, live music, and a six-week children’s day camp packed with activities.

Cost:

Free general access; fees may apply for gym use, camps, and room rentals.

Best time to visit:

Summer for outdoor events and playground time; Winter for indoor workouts and fitness programs.

Local tips:

Reserve community rooms early for private events—they’re popular for birthdays, meetings, and celebrations!

Distance:

Located in Streeterville, just a few blocks east of Michigan Avenue.

How to Get to Lake Shore Park:

Take the CTA Red Line to Chicago Ave and walk east. The park is located between Lake Shore Drive and Dewitt Place.

Address:

808 N. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-742-7891

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

Lincoln Park is Chicago’s lakefront crown jewel—spanning over 1,200 acres of beaches, gardens, museums, and endless recreation from Streeterville to Edgewater.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, families, history buffs, beachgoers, and anyone seeking iconic attractions in a scenic urban setting.

What I Love: ♥

The free Lincoln Park Zoo, peaceful gardens, historic museums, and prime lakefront access all wrapped into one sprawling park.

• Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory—both free, family-friendly, and beautifully maintained year-round.
• Swim or sun at North Avenue and Oak Street Beaches, with scenic views and lively summer energy.
• Explore the Chicago History Museum or practice your aim at the Lincoln Park Archery Range.
• Play at five different playgrounds, including an interactive spray park near Lake Shore Drive perfect for summer fun.
• Walk or bike the extensive lakefront trails that cut through lush gardens and open green space from the Gold Coast to Uptown.

Cost:

Free general access; some attractions may charge admission.

Best time to visit:

Late Spring through Fall for beach days, zoo visits, and events; Winter for peaceful paths and indoor conservatory strolls.

Local tips:

Start your day at the zoo or conservatory, then picnic lakeside or head north to quieter, hidden corners of the park.

Distance:

Stretches from downtown Chicago to the north side, easily accessible from multiple neighborhoods.

How to Get to Lincoln Park:

Use Lake Shore Drive and exit at Fullerton, North Avenue, or Diversey. CTA buses and trains also run parallel to the park along Clark Street and the Red/Brown Lines.

Address:

500–5700 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 312-742-7726

Location:

Chicago, IL

Highlights:

Maggie Daley Park is a downtown Chicago favorite, blending whimsical play, seasonal sports, and skyline views—all connected to Millennium Park by a scenic pedestrian bridge.

Recommended For:

Families, skaters, climbers, and city explorers looking for active fun in a beautifully designed lakefront setting.

What I Love: ♥

The iconic ice skating ribbon, the interactive play garden, and the seamless connection to Grant Park’s cultural heart.

• Skate the city’s signature Ice Skating Ribbon in winter, or roll along it with scooters and skates in the summer months.
• Climb the outdoor climbing wall at the Maggie Daley Fieldhouse, or take part in summer camps and programs onsite.
• Explore the imaginative Play Garden—one of the city’s best children’s playgrounds—designed with whimsical, storybook themes.
• Relax in the formal garden or play a round at the mini golf course, perfect for kids and casual visitors alike.

Cost:

Free entry; fees apply for mini golf, skating rentals, and climbing wall access.

Best time to visit:

Winter for ice skating; Summer for camps, playgrounds, and skating ribbon fun under the sun.

Local tips:

Use the BP Pedestrian Bridge from Millennium Park for the best scenic arrival—especially at sunset!

Distance:

Located on Chicago’s lakefront in the Loop, adjacent to Millennium Park.

How to Get to Maggie Daley Park:

Take the CTA to Randolph/Wabash or Millennium Station. Walk east across Millennium Park or use the BP Pedestrian Bridge to enter directly.

Address:

337 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: 312-742-3918