Local Guides World

Top Parks in Chicago, United States

Top Rated Parks in Chicago

Top Reviewed Parks in Chicago

Reviews

Ghofran Busati
at 2023 Oct 24
Ghofran Busati
at 2023 Oct 24
Very nice place
Great views. Nice place to walk .
Great views
Samantha Nunnery
at 2023 Oct 01
Samantha Nunnery
at 2023 Oct 01
Perfect place to watch the sun rise! So many things to see. Make a whole day of it.
John J
at 2023 Sep 16
John J
at 2023 Sep 16
Enormous kids playground!

The are lots of different zones and they have signs j dictating the age range of each zone. Highly recommend if you are traveling to Chicago with little ones. Cool climbing areas, big shops to play on, splash pad, and it is right next to the lovely millennium park.

The park is surrounded by lots of prairie plantings and lots of hills / berms, which gives a cozy secluded feel in the city.
Great place to spend time with your family and friends... playground for kids to play sprinklers when it's nice out... and diamond fields to play ball... Dog park on the west side...
Charlie Te
at 2023 Sep 10
Charlie Te
at 2023 Sep 10
It's a cool park to walk through to see some cool pieces of art/sculpture. They have security art the entrance, making sure you are not bringing anything illegal in. We really wanted to see "the bean" (Cloud Gate), but it was fenced off for some maintenance. There were still tons of people trying to take pictures.
Jillian Kaye
at 2023 Sep 09
Jillian Kaye
at 2023 Sep 09
Beautiful, beautiful, very clean park. My husband, our two kids (8 & 10) and I enjoyed it! Visited while in town just for a few nights and would make a point to go there again!
One of the best river walk i have been. It’s really a great experience. Can enjoy the view of beautiful city . Just loved the moment.
Joseph Powell
at 2023 Sep 08
Joseph Powell
at 2023 Sep 08
Super cool park in the middle of giant skyscrapers. The famous Cloudgate is there but you may know it as the bean. There is a video display that teases those below and makes them wait for it to spew out water. There is also a gift shop for souvenirs.
Scott Payette
at 2023 Sep 06
Scott Payette
at 2023 Sep 06
A truly great space that is clean, safe, huge, lots of nearby parking, lots of things to do. A must see for any tourist. I did wish that the different zones of the park had better connections to each other, plus the Bean was fenced off.
Mauro Rodríguez
at 2023 Sep 06
Mauro Rodríguez
at 2023 Sep 06
Nice park to walk and spend some time on it! lovely views
I love the experience. Specially don't miss night view .it's so beautiful 😍. I love the morning walks and night hangout in cute cafes there. With the beautiful river view.
Don't miss the Art on the mart show it starts from 9pm .
Splendida passeggiata, scenari mozzafiato.
Localizer
at 2023 Sep 03
Localizer
at 2023 Sep 03
A must visit park while in the Chicago area. It’s a close walking distance from the iconic River walk and it’s right on the Michigan Avenue, just south of the river.

It’s a quiet park, considering the hustle and bustle of the downtown. The park is very well maintained and has a few entrances, controlled by security throughout. You can easily spend 2-4 hours in the park, depending on what you want to do here. There are also regular events held here at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, one of the premier outdoor Amphitheaters, so that will have to factor in. It’s free entrance to the park itself.

You will see ‘The Bean’ work of public art here. The sculpture, which is officially titled Cloud Gate, is one of the world’s largest permanent outdoor art installations, currently undergoing some construction work. Lake Michigan is just a few minutes away from this park and so is the Chicago River. If you took the hop on hop off bus tour, there is a stop at this park as well.
Super Aussicht, schön zum spazieren gehen.
RV
at 2023 Aug 28
RV
at 2023 Aug 28
Great place to sit at and walk to.
Preeti Gundapwar
at 2023 Aug 25
Preeti Gundapwar
at 2023 Aug 25
Absolutely amazing park along the Lake Michigan! Beautiful fountains, flowers and sculptures!! Tons of walking paths to enjoy the nature!!
We are here for the Jazz Institute's concert featuring Julius Tucker Trio. An urban oasis park!
A typical inner city riverwalk. A nice place to stroll downtown with dining areas, sitting areas and great views of skyscrapers. If you are taking a leisurely paced vacation in Chicago I recommend checking it out.
Explore the city from a completely different vantage point: the water. All while enjoying the great outdoors, you’ll paddle by the bustling Chicago Riverwalk, historic city bridges, and soaring skyscrapers. For a little extra excitement, opt for an evening kayak trip so you can catch the fireworks show that lights up the lake on Wednesdays and Saturdays every summer.

Go to the Chicago Riverwalk where Urban Kayaks offers both guided tours and kayak rentals so you can explore on your own.
Kool park
This beach slaps
Mona G
at 2023 Aug 13
Mona G
at 2023 Aug 13
First visit to Chicago. It was a beautiful fall day and the weather was amazing. The natural foliage and the landscaping were breathtaking. It was so much to see and appreciate. Walking into this park centered within the city is perfection. A must see!
Frecky Lewis
at 2023 Aug 09
Frecky Lewis
at 2023 Aug 09
This is a beautiful park which, as its name suggests, runs alongside Lake Michigan and provides wonderful views of the city. It's worth visiting at different times of day, as the Chicago skyline looks completely different depending on the time of day. There are always lots of people walking, jogging, relaxing, and people watching.
HASE
at 2023 Aug 09
HASE
at 2023 Aug 09
Definitely such a beautiful and relaxing place. When I was passing through on the way to Navy Pier I stopped in here for a quick break and to relax.
Enjoyed the view of the downtown building and river. It's not far from Union Station; was able to took a quick walk here while waiting for the train to see a bit of the city. Nice green space that people are enjoying and tons of tourists on the boat in the river.
Jay
at 2023 Jul 30
Jay
at 2023 Jul 30
Nice area to walk along the Chicago River. The views are magnificent.
They can't do me in. I love this beach 🖤
The Riverwalk is one of our favorite areas in Chicago. The Boardwalk area on the West end is a nice grassy park which is popular for people to sit and watch boats go by.

Centrally located in the Loop downtown, the Riverwalk connects to Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive and makes a convenient base to visit popular nearby districts.

The pedestrian walkway along the river is a great place to walk or jog, especially when it's quieter in the mornings. It's open 6am to 11pm each day. You can see some of Chicago's best architecture and iconic history.

Further down the Riverwalk, you can rent kayaks, take a boat cruise, do an architecture tour, visit museums, find street art (including evening art projections on buildings), or grab a bite at Riverwalk eateries.

There are public restrooms in the middle of the Riverwalk. All of the facilities seem safe and well maintained.

(Note our photos were taken before the July 2023 flooding.)

For more details on the best things to see, do, and eat around here, do a web search for "Intentional Travelers Chicago" to find our blog with itinerary and self-guided walking tour of the Riverwalk.
Samin Pro
at 2023 Jul 15
Samin Pro
at 2023 Jul 15
Grant Park, located in the heart of Chicago, is a sprawling urban oasis that captivates visitors with its vibrant energy and diverse offerings. As one of the city's most iconic parks, it seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural attractions, creating an unforgettable experience.

Stretching along the shores of Lake Michigan, Grant Park offers breathtaking views of the waterfront, providing a serene escape from the bustling city. Its lush green spaces invite leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor activities, while the meticulously maintained gardens showcase a stunning array of seasonal blooms.

One of the park's crown jewels is the Buckingham Fountain, a grand centerpiece that enchants with its impressive water displays and intricate design. It serves as a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos and leisurely moments of relaxation.

Grant Park is also home to several notable cultural institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus. Art enthusiasts can explore a world-class collection of masterpieces, while science lovers can delve into the wonders of the natural world at the Field Museum or the Shedd Aquarium.

Throughout the year, the park hosts a plethora of festivals, concerts, and events that showcase Chicago's vibrant culture. From the Taste of Chicago food festival to the Grant Park Music Festival, there is always something exciting happening in this dynamic outdoor space.

Overall, Grant Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Chicago. Its picturesque landscapes, iconic landmarks, and diverse cultural offerings make it a true gem that seamlessly blends nature, art, and community in a way that truly captures the essence of the city.
M R
at 2023 Jul 15
M R
at 2023 Jul 15
Iconic and insta-worthy!
Recent Chicago #NASCAR race in Grant Park gave it a whole different look.
Otherwise it's great for strolling, jogging, playing, and people-watching.
Plan your parking as it's hard to find/expensive.
Daily Doings
at 2023 Jul 14
Daily Doings
at 2023 Jul 14
Grant Park, nestled in the heart of the city, is a mesmerizing urban oasis that effortlessly combines natural beauty with captivating attractions. During my recent visit, I was truly enchanted by the park's serene ambiance and the plethora of activities it offered.

First and foremost, the park's lush greenery and expansive open spaces provided a welcome respite from the bustling city. It was a delight to stroll along the well-maintained paths, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The meticulously manicured gardens, adorned with vibrant flowers and aromatic herbs, added a touch of elegance to the park's aesthetics.

Grant Park is not only visually stunning but also home to remarkable attractions. The crown jewel of the park, the famous Buckingham Fountain, stood tall and majestic, captivating visitors with its mesmerizing water displays. The Art Institute of Chicago, situated within the park, is a haven for art enthusiasts, housing an extensive collection of masterpieces that left me in awe.

Furthermore, the park offers an array of recreational activities to suit every taste. Families can enjoy picnics on the grassy lawns, while fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the well-equipped jogging trails. The scenic views of Lake Michigan from the park's vantage points are simply breathtaking, providing a perfect backdrop for a leisurely bike ride or a peaceful moment of reflection.

My only slight disappointment was the lack of more dining options within the park itself. While there are a few food stalls and vendors, I would have loved to see more diverse choices to cater to different palates.

Overall, Grant Park is a true gem that enriches the urban landscape of the city. Its harmonious blend of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and recreational offerings make it an ideal destination for locals and tourists alike. A visit to Grant Park is an experience that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and yearning for more of its enchanting allure.
Asis Chatterjee
at 2023 Jul 03
Asis Chatterjee
at 2023 Jul 03
Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is a world class park with amusement and cultural service facilities for the visitors. At the heart of downtown Chicago, the Millennium Park is a jewel of Emerald. Surrounded by tall skyscrapers and Victorian palaces, the park is a very good piece of Nature in a busy metropolis. The park had some famous landmarks like the Cloud Gate (popularly known as "The Bean"), the Crown Fountain, the Millennium Monument etc.
There are food stalls serving a variety of cuisines. Restroom facility is also there.
Parking spaces for cars are available nearby.
Art Institute of Chicago is nearby.
The crowd becomes heavy on weekends and during holidays.
Pretty nice and relaxing here 👍
luiz
at 2023 Jun 19
luiz
at 2023 Jun 19
I love the view here. As of living in Chicago my whole life, this I have to say is one of the best parts of Chicago by far. Especially where the grass and the colorful chairs are, you can get a great view of the water, the boats, the skyscrapers. It makes a great area for view sighting, photography, drawing, and maybe a lot more things. Plus, when they do the light arts on the buildings, oh my goodness! It is a miracle to watch and look at the art on the building. It is a joy to be hwre
It was all that and a bag of chips the parent will love this very secure and safe playground that also has a path to go across the street to the lake and continue the path to the Navy Pier my grandkids had a blast 💥 and we did as well my King enjoyed his Father’s Day with our grandchildren
Maggie Daley Park is a beautiful recreational park located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is named after the former First Lady of Chicago,Maggie Daley, who passed away in 2011. The park spans across 28 acres and offers a wide range of fun and exciting activities for both children and adults.

One of the most notable features of Maggie Daley Park is theenormous playground, which is known as the Play Garden. This playground is designed to be not just a normal child's play area, but rather a unique landscape of hills and massive sculptures that encourage children to run, jump, climb, and explore. Additionally, there is a rock-climbing wall, extensive slides, and many other types of equipment that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Another notable feature of the park is the Skating Ribbon, which is effectively a winter wonderland. The vast ribbon of ice encapsulates a loop that is ⅓ of a mile long and is encircled by the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers a magical experience to anyone who wants to skate, walk, or just enjoy the atmosphere.

The park also has an area known as the Field House, which encompasses a section for remote-controlled boats, a climbing wall, an array of game tables, ping pong, and a fitness facility, among many other things.

Maggie Daley Park in Chicago may have a broad range of activities, but it is also beautiful and well-maintained. The park offers plenty of picturesque places to rest and take in the view of the beautifully maintained surroundings. Moreover, the park is centrally situated in downtown Chicago, which makes it effortless for individuals to access it.

Overall, Maggie Daley Park in Chicago is an excellent choice for spending the day with family and friends. It is an exciting and vibrant park that offers something for everyone. Whether you are pursuing fun-filled activities with children, taking a relaxing break or appreciating the beauty of this remarkable park, Maggie Daley has it all.
Pranav Manjunath
at 2023 Jun 16
Pranav Manjunath
at 2023 Jun 16
Very calm and languid place, especially at dusk or dawn. It was so very calming, that I couldn’t believe that I had spent 2 hours just looking at the surrounding Chicago skyline, the fountain and the lakeshore which is literally like maybe a 100 steps from the fountain. It was a stupendous place, that I would recommend everybody who live near Chicago visit.
Nasir Iqbal
at 2023 Jun 11
Nasir Iqbal
at 2023 Jun 11
Beautiful park for children’s and spent some time out of busy life.

Millennium Park is a prominent public park located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its iconic attractions and cultural significance. The park spans 24.5 acres and offers a variety of features and activities for visitors to enjoy. One of its most famous landmarks is "Cloud Gate," also known as "The Bean," a reflective sculpture that has become an iconic symbol of the city. Millennium Park also features the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue known for its striking architecture and hosting various performances and events. Additionally, there are beautiful gardens, fountains, and art installations throughout the park, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Fields are in horrible shape need alot of work
A great place for hang out in summer time
Beautifully renovated Riverwalk boardwalk to oggle at the amazing Chicago architectural fascade. Enjoy my walk here every time I visit Chicago.
rade radeka
at 2023 May 31
rade radeka
at 2023 May 31
Grant park is nice place to walk, there are several fountains, lots of trees and lots of paths to walk, ever since I came to Chicago I walk in this park every day. Almost all major events, concerts and parades in Chicago are held in this park. On July 1-2, there will also be a NASCAR street race, one part of which will go around Grant Park
Good vibes in front of the lake, healthy menu.
Always a great walk, with many places to sit a spell and people watch. The new city skyline has changed thanks to Sales Force.
BradJill
at 2023 May 18
BradJill
at 2023 May 18
The Maggie Daley Park is located just to the east of Millennium Park and includes around 20 acres of leisure and family-friendly features including mini-golf, rock-climbing, ice-skating rink, playground village. It is linked to Millennium Park by way of the BP Pedestrian Bridge and is worth a visit, especially if you have little ones are are seeking family friendly places to visit in Chicago.
BradJill
at 2023 May 16
BradJill
at 2023 May 16
We enjoyed the quieter environs of Lakeshore East Park compared to nearby Maggie Daley and Millennium Parks. There are curved, paved walking paths and nicely landscaped grounds with trees and planted flower beds which were full of tulips in full bloom during our recent visit. These were beautiful to see at this time of year. You'll also find traditional children's playground, dog friendly areas and park benches to sit and enjoy the park.
Grew up here, went to kinzie and Kennedy highschool. Area has changed and looks darker and run down. Kids bussed in from far away takes away education from others in the neighborhood.
Rohan Zagade
at 2023 Apr 28
Rohan Zagade
at 2023 Apr 28
Fantastic view of Michigan lake.
Millennium Park is the BEST park of Chicago and is a MUST visit place, when visiting Chicago. We visited this park back in 2019 when we visited Chicago and spent a whole day exploring this park. You would love the views of Historic downtown Chicago from this park. The cloud gate (a large steel shaped bean looking architecture) is also located on this park.
Take a quick walk @Riverwalk. You can always find a nice spot for a quick stop. Tons of coffee shops, fast foods and nice restaurants 🌟
One of the most beautiful cities in the world. One of the most beautiful parts of the city. If you have an experienced the Riverwalk you must! Take a tour boat. Visit the restaurants and bars along the riverwalk. Just sit and relax and people watch. There are endless places to sit and relax and unwind. This is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Ken A.
at 2022 Nov 02
Ken A.
at 2022 Nov 02
Beautiful little park, a hidden gem in the heart of the concrete jungle, where you can enjoy some green, trees, flowers and even a dog park! Free parking at Marinos.
Lennon Garcia
at 2022 Oct 25
Lennon Garcia
at 2022 Oct 25
Beautiful downtown park with lots of things to do! They have a "street sign" that shows where to go for the different areas. Some of the things they have include a rock climbing area, an ice skating rink, tennis courts, mini golf and more. We mostly spent our time in the play garden during our visit. Signs with appropriate age ranges are provided in each of the play areas that I think are very helpful for safety purposes. My 1.5 year old nephew sure did have a lot of fun playing in the playground. In general, this a great place to enjoy the day with your loved ones!
Costa Leese
at 2022 Oct 13
Costa Leese
at 2022 Oct 13
Amazing park! Very well maintained! You can go there at any time (day and night) it's super safe!
They usually have events during the summer (concerts, movies, fair).
There's also a small dog park.
OMG… what a Beautiful beach. This place gives off small town beach vibes. If you are looking for a place that feels tucked away in a big city, this is the place to be. Very quiet during the week.
I give this a 5⭐️
Jerry (the pigeon) gives this a 4⭐️ too clean he said.
Joseph Kirsch
at 2022 Jul 12
Joseph Kirsch
at 2022 Jul 12
Awesome place to take your kids. Arguably the best playground in the city. However, many of the playground structures have ladders and signs posted for 5-12 yr olds, although there are a few areas for younger kids and water fountains to splash in on hot summer days.
Another "not my first time here, but first Google Review" for this place! Stumbled upon this clean park/neighborhood years ago when parking at The Tides. Many tall buildings - businesses, or living areas, surrounding the park. There are many families and kids but very quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city and has a hidden gem, private-feel. Cute shops, restaurants, and a Mariano's within the quarters. Will be around!
Richard Holborow
at 2022 Jun 25
Richard Holborow
at 2022 Jun 25
Delete front is absolutely stunning and offers fantastic walk in areas and visibility of Chicago skyline. I would recommend for any tourist all those visit in the area to come here. We even felt safe during the night with lots of police attendance on bikes
Are you a kid at heart? Then you need to visit this park! The best part? So many! Let’s start with the fact that there’s so many different things to do. You can rock climb, go roller skating and there’s different parks for different ages which is really nice if you’re worried about your little ones playing. We went to a part of the park that was open for all ages and we had a blast! We took fun pictures and ran around doing different things like going down slides. The worst part? The park does close at 9pm during the week, we went on a Tuesday. I did like that there was security who kept an eye on the whole area so it felt safe, especially as it got darker. We hope to go back so we can try more things!
Dmitry E
at 2022 May 23
Dmitry E
at 2022 May 23
I just love this place. I’m so grateful to people who built and maintaining it. Spring, summer and autumn there are flowers: tulips, magnolias, roses, etc. I am so lucky to live near with this park.
MJ Kim
at 2022 Apr 13
MJ Kim
at 2022 Apr 13
This is another place that is very close to my heart, and also a favorite place for me to visit before the break of dawn. You can see the Chicago city through a refreshing lens while taking in the natural beauty of Lake Michigan! I have also seen many photographers trying to capture the breathtaking sceneries — when you are walking in this park, you will be inspired to do the same 😍📷!
Was really kewl 2 walk around instead of Uber or lyft, Gotta lil'bit of site seeing n exercise in at the same time really recommend walking the town instead of sitting in traffic great night!!!
Erik Blades
at 2021 Sep 25
Erik Blades
at 2021 Sep 25
Chicago we have one of the best lakefront in the world it is so much to do we have a museums and aquariums great parks boats that we can ride on our lakefront the most beautiful place in the world come and join me and have a good time
Fun place to walk around and people watch! Love how lively it gets and the views are lovely.
People are friendly the park is always clean. They have lot of benches there to sit around the park. Sometimes there are baseball games going on so you can watch.
If you squint your eyes it's just like Fort Lauderdale!
The park was calm and quiet. Some guys were playing an intense game of basketball and a little kid ran into their court and the stopped the game for him. Showed such great character. Park was clean. The playground was really HOT I wish there was some shade or atleast not a black ground. They had a little water spout for the kids. I wish this was slightly bigger or had more features.
Great park!!
Park is nice , we walk our dog every morning. I wish people would respect and pick up their trash , not leave on the ground or by the curb . Let's keep our park and the Garfield Ridge neighborhood clean.
Such a lovely park. Well cared for. I just live to come here for walks with my fur baby. Popular with families and children its a paradise amidst the concrete towers. These days check out a million Tulips in bloom here . I must have taken a 100 pics at least. Sharing just a few.😊
Bon F
at 2021 Apr 18
Bon F
at 2021 Apr 18
One of my favorite places in Chicago! In different seasons, the lakefront trail looks differently! It’s good for jogging, walking and biking, and the trail connects the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium all the way to Navy Pier. It’s simply enjoyable to sit next to the shore and look at the lake. If you go all the way to Alder Planetarium, the view of the Chicago city is very amazing! Highly recommended!
Excellent place for photography. Lake and huge buildings around. A good place to visit in Chicago. Public transportation is available at walkable distance from this place.
Great place to take a break and breath.
Its a good park for taking your pet dog 🐕 to run around and get along with others pet. My dog is a Golden retriever, n a doodle. His 5 yrs old. He gets excited when he knows I'm taking him to the park.
New Beach house coming soon summer 2020. It'll look beautiful.
Beach house is gone. Due to public pressure, construction fencing moved to allow access to the nature area.
Awesome stop over to enjoy the sun and sand and a gorgeous view of Chicago skyline
Pauline Beasley
at 2019 Jun 07
Pauline Beasley
at 2019 Jun 07
You gotta go! good food ,fun ,music and people.
Ann Green
at 2019 Jun 05
Ann Green
at 2019 Jun 05
Always beautiful wherever your view is of the lake!
Mujtaba Ajaz
at 2019 Jan 07
Mujtaba Ajaz
at 2019 Jan 07
Dint like it nobody was there and this place is not so clean as well
A clean quiet beach great for sea glass

A portion of the beach is a dune grass sanctuary which i always see people stealing plants from the protected nature preserve

Its no wonder some of the plants out there go for as much as $182 each
Kizito Majali
at 2018 Aug 15
Kizito Majali
at 2018 Aug 15
Cool atmosphere.. mix of cultures.. Papa suya the steak man is the highlight. Delicious!
Jay B
at 2018 Jul 03
Jay B
at 2018 Jul 03
Besides the fact that you have to pay for parking this is a pretty cool place to chill with your family
Yolanda Pace
at 2018 Jun 23
Yolanda Pace
at 2018 Jun 23
Beach is nice atmosphere is like a shop o Rama so get in and out early to avoid Chaos
Nicole M
at 2017 Oct 31
Nicole M
at 2017 Oct 31
Beautiful and historic place. This isn't the place to bring a family as the people that occupy this park are sketchy to put it lightly.