Local Guides World
Top Parks in Chicago, United States
Top Rated Parks in Chicago
Top Reviewed Parks in Chicago
Lakeshore East
Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
River Trail Plaza
Bloomingdale Trail Park
Canal Origins Park
311 South Wacker park
Lincoln Park North Pond Rustic Gazebo
Family Park
WACA Bell Park
garfield park
Prairie District Park
Garfield Park Conservatory
Reviews
Great place for kids to visit and explore different kinds of trees and flowers. It is free admission, but you need to make reservations online. Free parking lot also. Highly recommended
Incredible place all around! It's gorgeous. All the flowers in the show house were in full bloom! I had my wedding ceremony here and all of our guests (kids and adults) had a great experience. Joan, the special events manager, was fantastic and she helped us with the setup. Cannot recommend this place enough for any special events.
Amazing botanical garden with multiple climate zones and landscapes. Lots of beautiful plants and flowers, the ambiance is chill and relaxing. Recommend to go there with family or significant other to spend a couple of hours observing the natural beauty of tropics
I just love this place so much; my favorite place in all of Chicago. And now my daughter is getting older and she STILL loves it, just as much as I do. Even with the Children's Area under construction, we could and do spend hours here! They have great programs for all ages, all year round. Membership is a great bonus (early notice and sign up for events, exclusive events, free access almost anytime they are open even if crowded, and discounts at their amazing little store) and goes to a great cause too!
Smallish with a representative selection of plants. A wonderful oasis in the city. Was crowded the weekend of Earth Day and their Spring Bloom Show, but not a problem. Be sure to make reservations as entries are timed. Suggested $10 donation. Adjoining parking lot.
Visiting Garfield Park Conservatory was a delightful experience! The variety of plants and landscapes were breathtaking, offering a tranquil escape from the city hustle. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, providing interesting insights about the flora on display. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this conservatory is a must-visit in Chicago. Parking was convenient, and the facility was clean and well-maintained. And most importantly, it’s free. I highly recommend a visit!
This is a wonderful conservatory to visit when you're in the area. It has an extremely well curated selection of plants from all over the world and many different ecosystems. It's great for kids and adults alike. It's very walkable and has an outdoor section when the weather is better. The only note is that you NEED TO RESERVE TICKETS IN ADVANCE if you plan to come at a specific date and time. The tickets are free, but there's a limit to the amount allowed during the time slots.
Love this park! I’ve only been here once before they locked the gate entrances. It’s big, has a nice basket ball court, benches, tables and so colorful and inviting!
Questions:
1. Is this a city/public park?
2. Is it permanently closed?
3. (When) Is it open to the public?
Thank you!
Questions:
1. Is this a city/public park?
2. Is it permanently closed?
3. (When) Is it open to the public?
Thank you!
This place is not safe at all to take your children . It is very dangerous for pedestrians, bikers don't have any respect for life , they are being ridden their bike 100 miles per hour. A very dangerous place.
Beautiful
It is great I would love to go.
Awesome place to live. You can walk to many of what Chicago has to offer. Also its relatively quiet with spectacular views.
However, Cook County taxes are very high; some of the highest per sq. ft. in the nation. There is also a special district tax where you are paying for the parks, yet everyone else is using them with no cost to them.
However, Cook County taxes are very high; some of the highest per sq. ft. in the nation. There is also a special district tax where you are paying for the parks, yet everyone else is using them with no cost to them.
This place is so beautiful and peaceful when not too busy. If you go on a Saturday when it’s cold out, then beware as it will be packed. Still fun but a lot of people. Non the less my first trip here has me excited for more comebacks. They have restrooms. You should make a reservation ahead of time. Especially on weekends since they get packed and they don’t let you in until your time slot. They accept walk ins but it might be rough when it’s busy. I love this place so much. They have a great little gift shop.
It’s a good place to walk around there! You also can take some nice pics with the skyline.
I walk on the trail starting here daily. Early in the morning, there are landscapers, which keep up the trail beautifully. There is always something new to look at with all of the blooming flowers and various plants. Pups love it too!
I absolutely love this neighborhood. Were I not a suburban dweller, I’d move to Lakeshore East. When I travel into the city,I can never leave before stopping by this park and simply taking in its beauty. I get the impression that MOST people have no idea that the park and the neighborhood even exists. The architecture here is stunning. There’s great grocery shopping w/gorgeous apartments and condos, and hotels. I’ve a cousin visiting me soon from Los Angeles, whom I’m excited to show this portion of Chicago too. I had tons of photos to showcase the area. Whenever I can find them, I’ll post a few for viewing. The space feels like “a piece of heaven” to me. I’m sure those who live here can attest to my sentiments. That’s a bold assertion for a non-dweller to claim. Yet, I’ve convinced by my experience of the area, I’m probably not wrong in my estimation of Lakeshore East and it’s park’s tranquility. If ever you should visit Chicago, you must walk through this beautiful area of Chicago. I find it stunning.
getting busier!
at T-30 minutes before sunset go west, walking or jogging to enjoy the sunset!
Friday nights, once a month?, the Chicago Astronomy Club members bring out their telescopes to share them with people.
at T-30 minutes before sunset go west, walking or jogging to enjoy the sunset!
Friday nights, once a month?, the Chicago Astronomy Club members bring out their telescopes to share them with people.
This park is a great option if you are staying in one of the nearby hotels. It has a small dog park inside.
The view from this park is beautiful.
The view from this park is beautiful.
Drinking fountains, garbages, recycling, ton of exits, benches, exit points, streets are labeled, incredible landscaping with tons of native Illinois vegetation, security cameras periodically, padded sides for joggers.
However, I always thought of this as a cycling trail first. Then joggers. If you're walking, yield and move all the way right. Came across plenty of clueless, strolling people hogging space all the way to the yellow line.
However, I always thought of this as a cycling trail first. Then joggers. If you're walking, yield and move all the way right. Came across plenty of clueless, strolling people hogging space all the way to the yellow line.
We started at the very beginning and walked 1.6 miles in. It was hot so we didn't want to get too far. This year there is definitely more shade on the trail at 6pm than in years past. It's pretty flat and an easy trail. Great for a basic walk.
Bring plenty of water because there are no fountains that we could find.
Bring plenty of water because there are no fountains that we could find.
Nice view
Nature’s Boardwalk in Chicago is a serene city escape, brimming with native plants and lively frogs. The well-maintained path winds through diverse local flora, offering glimpses of vibrant wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. It’s an enchanting and educational experience that delivers a slice of wilderness right in the heart of the bustling city.
A beautiful Green Space path in an urban setting. There is a soft track Walkers and runners.
My family loved it! We had a beautiful day; a must go if you are in town with kids!
This is a delightful wooden structure that surrounds the South Pond in Lincoln Park, allowing visitors to walk close to its shores and spend time close to nature with minimal disturbance. It is a great endeavour, good for man and nature alike and one of the features I appreciated most about the Park and Zoo.
Lugar tranquilo con vistas bellas en una ciudad bastante ajetreada
I ate an apple and picked up a whole grocery bag of garbage.
My favorite park in Chicago. Very few tourists ever see it as it can not be seen from ground level. Also imo the most beautiful and well maintained park in the city. I appreciate all who live nearby who pay a monthly fee for its upkeep. And it’s even a dog park!
I HAD SUCH AN AMAZINGLY AWESOME EXPERIENCE THERE. IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO TAKE THE FAMILY. THE RESTAURANTS SERVE GREAT FOOD AND THE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ARE SO HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.
Bloomingdale Trail Park - Western
Great to find out that there is a restroom at this stop.
Bloomingdale Trail Park - Ashland
This is the start/end of the trail. Family-friendly with picnic areas, dog park, playlot, sprinklers (during summer), exercise bars, drinking fountain.
Great to find out that there is a restroom at this stop.
Bloomingdale Trail Park - Ashland
This is the start/end of the trail. Family-friendly with picnic areas, dog park, playlot, sprinklers (during summer), exercise bars, drinking fountain.
Beautiful beautiful park! Its always clean. There's a park for dogs and a park for toddlers/young kids across from each other, separated by iron gates. Not that I've had any issues with the dogs while playing with my kido.
Such a beautiful walk, perfect for date night or just a walk in peace. Parking is free nearby, the beach is across the street. Highly recommend checking it out if you are in area, it really is amazingly beautiful.
Good fishing here kids had fun i personally wouldn't come at night. Seems a bit rough
I rarely spend time in nature anymore and it’s made me sad for a long time. I had a few hard realizations about the priorities in my life and how I’ve prioritized engagement in nightlife and social scenes over connecting with the Earth.
The other day, as soon as the sun rose, I looked up “parks” near my apartment and this was the closest result. I came here alone at 6am with a dead phone and walked/sat for four hours in silence. It genuinely changed my life. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for two months and had no idea somewhere this magical & secluded was right here. This picture doesn’t do it justice.
The other day, as soon as the sun rose, I looked up “parks” near my apartment and this was the closest result. I came here alone at 6am with a dead phone and walked/sat for four hours in silence. It genuinely changed my life. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for two months and had no idea somewhere this magical & secluded was right here. This picture doesn’t do it justice.
The wildflower gardens and views of the river were very nice. But everything else is covered in garbage, graffiti, and human feces. Used toilet paper was everywhere along the trails. It's a nice park, but in need of some serious clean-up.
Nice and clean playground. There is splash area for summer.
Whether waiting for the zoo to open, looking for a place to take in nature, looking for some exercise or what have you, this is a well maintained and lovely little walk. It's especially beautiful in the summer when the cone flowers and such are blooming, but you really cannot go wrong even on a rainy spring morning.
If you are zisiting the zoo don't miss it, it is next to the farm.
If you are zisiting the zoo don't miss it, it is next to the farm.
Not the most well maintained park, but a nice oasis amongst warehouses with cool downtown views by the river. People occasionally come here for fishing.
It's just a couple of benches by the canal, but clean and quiet!
I never knew about this park and only found it map searching Chicago. I always knew Ashland was a waterway originally, because its so damn straight for so long and wide. Plus lines with "Cathedrals" with organs that are impossible to reproduce today.
If you look at Ashland Avenue, it was obviously a canal. Goes from here all the way to Wilmette Harbor. Its a great drive imagining what was destroyed as Chicago hides its real past. At least many of the symatic organ buildings remain, all repurposed as churches. This 1888 is not original as mortar joints behind it. haha how fake Ashland near Roosevelt Rd.
If you look at Ashland Avenue, it was obviously a canal. Goes from here all the way to Wilmette Harbor. Its a great drive imagining what was destroyed as Chicago hides its real past. At least many of the symatic organ buildings remain, all repurposed as churches. This 1888 is not original as mortar joints behind it. haha how fake Ashland near Roosevelt Rd.
There are 3 different gated areas. One is the kids area, another is a nice picnic area with modern designs. The third is the off leash dog park. All 3 areas are on the ample side, but I see sanitation workers out there every morning! It is a very clean park!
This is a smaller size but wonderful dog park. Very clean with nice ramps with turf for the dogs to run through. On the Saturday morning I went it was only three small dogs, and my dog is medium size. Lots of fun for the dogs and seats for the adults. Right next to the park is a nice kids playground, so parents can take the kids and dogs to the park and there is fun for all. There is even picnic tables to sit at. 😯😄
Once you get past the graffiti, there are some nice walking paths away from the busy street. A nice walk along the River.
Nice scenery great place to take a walk and clear your mind
This park is awesome! There's a dog park on one side, which has artificial grass & a drinking bowl/fountain, so the pups can hydrate & play.
There's also a neat playground, physically separated from the dog park. There's slides, a mini obstacle course & playground equipment, but they also have a fun quasi-splash pad with water sprays & towers. The kids love being able to play in the water if it's hot, or play on the other equipment if it's cooler outside.
There's also several tables with seating: two inside the children's playground section, and a few in the gap/walkway between the dog park & the playground. However, the dog park only has a couple of benches.
There's also a neat playground, physically separated from the dog park. There's slides, a mini obstacle course & playground equipment, but they also have a fun quasi-splash pad with water sprays & towers. The kids love being able to play in the water if it's hot, or play on the other equipment if it's cooler outside.
There's also several tables with seating: two inside the children's playground section, and a few in the gap/walkway between the dog park & the playground. However, the dog park only has a couple of benches.
I can't wait to visit! Thanks for the recommendation, Martin.
The lovely Lakeshore East community has this beautiful garden at its center. While the major Chicago parks are just a block south, this park is meticulously maintained thanks to the residents who support the park and gardens.
A People Place..
Cute pocket park. Coffee and food hall across street. Attached to dog park. Big little Slides, climbing stuff. Great for 4+ because the smaller kids want to, and kind of can, climb on the bigger kids stuff. There is a small kid play set. Park is double gated and does have splash pad in boulders, not in padded Matts. Full sun!
I have been there
This is my current neighborhood. I love the area. I can walk to work. There are parks for my kids to play in, two dog parks, and I have a magnificent view of lake Michigan.
There are also some decent resturants and coffee shops o. The neighborhood.
However, the price tag is high and I have not met a lot of families with young children that live in the neighborhood. I usually see more dogs in strollers being pushed in a day than children.
The other downside is that the only close stores are bockwinkle's and Mariano's. Target is about a mile walk which isn't bad by yourself but with kids it can be an adventure if you decide to make the walk.
There are also some decent resturants and coffee shops o. The neighborhood.
However, the price tag is high and I have not met a lot of families with young children that live in the neighborhood. I usually see more dogs in strollers being pushed in a day than children.
The other downside is that the only close stores are bockwinkle's and Mariano's. Target is about a mile walk which isn't bad by yourself but with kids it can be an adventure if you decide to make the walk.
Wow, "River Trail Plaza" is a pretty grandiose name for this circular expanse of concrete at the south end of Ronan Park. There are two benches plus low concrete walls that skateboarders use. Sometimes people park here, usually police. The trails are nice, but this "plaza" isn't particularly interesting.
This playground is so poorly designed... equipment, while visually appealing, is way too dangerous one overall not incteresting for kids.. there was already one serious accident with a kid falling down from 10+ foot slide... additionally, all things are made from plastic/recycled rubber which gets insanely hot (and dangerous) with minimal sun, which is pretty much all the times as there is no shade on this playground. Overall - it is a really disappointing playground
I am in Martin's family
it is my family park only for my family only
New dog park behind the children's park. Great for large and small dogs!
An Urban Oasis in the Concrete Jungle.
Take the half mile hike around the nature Boardwalk which is connected to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Take the Less Traveled fork to the right to go around the pond when coming from the south, as most people go left to go straight into Lincoln Park Zoo
On a relaxing walk down the boardwalk around the pond, you will see some of the plants and wildlife native to Illinois.
Look down in the water and you will see egrets, turtles, as well as fish.
The vegetation is Lush and in some places currently taller than 8 ft.
This is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, meet up with some friends, enjoy nature, or see the Fantastic Chicago skyline.
Take time to stop and read the plaques around the pond it will give you some good insight into the care and thought that was put into this gorgeous location.
A place to relax, unwind and enjoy the day.
Take the half mile hike around the nature Boardwalk which is connected to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Take the Less Traveled fork to the right to go around the pond when coming from the south, as most people go left to go straight into Lincoln Park Zoo
On a relaxing walk down the boardwalk around the pond, you will see some of the plants and wildlife native to Illinois.
Look down in the water and you will see egrets, turtles, as well as fish.
The vegetation is Lush and in some places currently taller than 8 ft.
This is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, meet up with some friends, enjoy nature, or see the Fantastic Chicago skyline.
Take time to stop and read the plaques around the pond it will give you some good insight into the care and thought that was put into this gorgeous location.
A place to relax, unwind and enjoy the day.
Amazing view from all perspectives. But it's coming to an end work than a few years there is new construction D and happen along the river and in front they are building the 3rd tallest building in Chicago in Lake shore some most people's views will be gone
One of the most quaint areas of downtown Chicago. Surprisingly quiet. Residential area with a wonderful park.
I enjoy running on this trail, which is by my house, but I would drive to it if it was further. The trail is about 3 miles long, so for my short runs, this is an awesome place to run. But sometimes, in the evening hours, it can be crowded, and some of the walkers do not have the courtesy of walking close to one another and do not leave enough room for runners. Some cyclists do let you know they are on your left, but some are going too fast, and it can be dangerous for everyone. Hopefully, as time goes by, we get to enjoy the trail by having everyone in mind when we are enjoying it, leaving some space so we can all enjoy it.
During the winter, there are people traveling to work while others are walking and running but it is less crowded.
During the winter, there are people traveling to work while others are walking and running but it is less crowded.