Playground palooza! Parks and playgrounds kids will go nuts for

Chicago is packed with playgrounds that go way beyond the basics. From epic climbing structures to pirate ships and splash zones, there’s a park for every kind of play. This guide highlights the best options across four categories: Traditional (classic slides, swings, and seesaws), adventure (ziplines, ropes, and nature play),  themed (playgrounds with enormous imagination, ranging from castles to outer space), and ADA/inclusive (accessible, sensory-friendly spaces designed for all abilities). These parks are among the most enjoyable and family-friendly spots in the city, plus a few in the suburbs.

Traditional parks & playgrounds

Adams (George and Adele) Park, Lincoln Park: Fenced-in, well-kept, toddler-friendly, ADA/Inclusive, picnic area, restrooms

Berger (Albert) Park, Edgewater: Lakeside detour,better for mid-walk breaks than all-day picnics

Brighton Park in Brighton Park: A large, multi-story climbing structure, water spray feature, sandpit, and basketball hoops

Bosley Playground, Little Village: Spray zone, cozy neighborhood vibe

Commercial Club Playground, West Town: Great for preschoolers, small and manageable, picnic area, restrooms, ADA/Inclusive 

Dean Playground, Wicker Park: Sprayer, traditional equipment, compact space

 Edwin C. Berry Playground in Margaret T. Burroughs Beach & State Park, Bronzeville: Historic spot with basic amenities, lakefront views, rooftop picnic terrace, ADA/Inclusive

Jefferson Playground, Jefferson Park: Shady, water play, standard setup

Lockwood Park, Skokie: A larger, multilevel playground with climbing platforms and multiple slides and a separate toddler area, partially ADA/Inclusive

Margaret Donahue Park, Norwood Park: Quiet, simple, traditional setup

Merimac Park, Dunning: Toddler-friendly, great for short bursts

Weisman (Albert) Park, Lakeview: Small, low-traffic, newer equipment, ADA/Inclusive

Adventure playgrounds (all ADA/inclusive)

(Mary) Bartelme Park, West Loop: Artificial turf playground zone, picnic tables, fountain plaza with cooling mist

Independence Grove, Libertyville: Nature-inspired adventure zone with climbing structures, shaded play areas, sensory-rich features, lakeside beach sand area with a kid-friendly beer garden, fully ADA-inclusive

La Villita Park, Little Village: Climbing zones, large green space, picnic tables

Humboldt (Alexander Von) Park in Humboldt Park: Large lawns, multiple playgrounds, walking paths

Mount. Greenwood Park in Mount Greenwood: Musical sculptures, a hill slide, climbing nets, mounds, a metal tunnel slide, “Sway Fun” glider, and a spray pool

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Themed

Harvester Park, Burr Ridge: Route 66–themed playground with attractions from each of the eight states along the iconic highway, in-ground trampolines, climbing boulders, zipline, and rock features, a Tow Mater replica, music barn offering tactile musical play, splash pad, picnic areas, ADA/Inclusive

Indian Boundary Park, West Ridge: Castle-like fort and a historic Tudor-style fieldhouse, adorned with Native American-themed ornamentation, spray pool, lagoon

Jewett Park, Deerfield: variety of themed play areas and pretend-play features, picnic area, ADA/Inclusive

Oz Park, Lincoln Park: Statues of Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion from “The Wizard of Oz,” castle-like wooden structures, “Emerald Garden” landscaping, picnic area, ADA/Inclusive

ADA/inclusive

Independence Park, Irving Park: Shade, splash pad, restrooms, open lawns

Sunset Woods, Highland Park: Inclusive playground, picnic areas, shady woods

Sunshine Playscape, Lincoln Park: Blends the classics with rock walls, hillside slides, willow tunnels, and a fallen log climber

From whimsical themes to adventurous climbs and inclusive designs, Chicago and its suburbs offer playgrounds for every type of child and every kind of outing. Whether it's a full-day picnic or a quick neighborhood play stop, this guide makes it easier for families to find the perfect park to match their needs, interests, and energy level.