Best Playgrounds for Chicago Toddlers

Shila:  Bixler Playlot Park, in Hyde Park, has a fenced-in tot area with a large sandbox, imaginary play houses, and (as it seems to be) a large circulation of donated Little Tike Cozy Coupes to ride around. The play area also has a parent/tot swing set, small slides and a seasonal spray fountain. There is a slightly larger, second playset off to the side (presumably to please an older sibling in tow), nevertheless, this is a fun community playground that's generally just run by young ones.

Yoli B:  The incredible 3-acre Play Garden at Maggie Daley Park is one of the best playgrounds in Chicago and is not to be missed. All of the playground equipment is special and includes slides, bridges, swings, boats and more. Each playground is moderately fenced in, as well. Check it out in warmer months and you may be able to hear the summer concerts from adjacent Millennium Park! Additional fun family activities like mini-golf and rock climbing have fees.

Shila:  Known by a couple names, to me, this park is just referred to as the "Lincoln Park Toddler Playground" and it's a hidden gem! As you're coming up or down Halsted, you could blink and miss it; it's narrow, wedged in between two buildings, shaded, and fenced in. But there's baby swings, a fun caterpillar bridge, the play surface is soft, and locals tend to donate ride-along cars and toys to share.

Lisa R:  Hidden on the edge of a condominium development, this simple but well maintained playground for toddlers primarily gets a nod for its proximity to the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge. Kids love the maze of elevated playhouses that comprise the playground, but most of all, parents love the paved walking path that leads into the refuge that 100 species of birds, frogs, turtles & butterflies call home. A short and scenic walking path takes visitors around the refuge and past the more imaginative playgrounds at 107th & 109th and Laramie Ave.

Sarah D.:  This 9.1 acre park is part of the Oak Lawn Park District and is the perfect place for your toddler to enjoy a day outside! The park seems to have been made with toddlers in mind, from the Children's pool to the space-themed splash pad to the inviting tot lot, there is so much for your little one to enjoy! The park also features walking paths, dock fishing and a world-class, rocket-themed playground. There is truly something for everyone in the family to enjoy at Memorial Park.

Lisa R:  The fenced park located on the corner of a shaded residential street is perfect for parents who need to keep an eye on toddlers who like to wander. The relatively low traffic roads are separated from the park by both a low fence along the road and a higher fence around the park. The park itself includes lots of open space for its tiny size as well as plenty of shady spots to sit and enjoy the fresh air.

Lisa R:  This fenced north side play lot has a devoted community following and cozy feel. The picnic tables and seating at the front of the park make it an easy place to gather with other adults while kids freely explore the small fenced area. While the main climbing structure in the middle of the park may be too big for tots, there is a separate play area just for them in the back.

Lisa R:  This gated tot lot is walking distance from several fantastic kid-friendly restaurants that local parents love, and coffee shops but has a quiet, residential feel. Neighbors frequently leave all sorts of tricycles, cars, and sand toys for others to enjoy, so there is always something new to discover. The park is well laid out, with lots of shaded places to sit and observe kids as they wander freely about. The one downside is that there are no bathrooms, so plan accordingly!

Shila:  The Park District of Oak Park has provided a quaint spot for train-loving toddlers to imagine and play. At the Randolph Tot Lot, the main feature is the train itself and it's the perfect size for little ones to practice a "few steps up." There is also a short kiddie slide and teeter-totter over soft surface.

Lisa R:  The smallest playground in Oak Park has lots to offer toddlers looking for a safe place to run and climb. Based around a car and truck theme, all of the equipment here is accessible for 2-5 year olds. It is completely fenced and covered in rubber surfacing to soften any falls. Shaded adult seating and a toddler sized picnic table complete the mix.

Lisa R:  This large, grassy tot lot located in a residential area offers lots of space for kids to crawl, roll, and run around as well as a variety of equipment that will keep slightly older siblings entertained. Parents enjoy the shaded picnic table as well as the paved path surrounding the play equipment that is perfect for short stroller walks.

Shila:  Little Bear Park is located inside Gallery Park and shares its prime Glenview location with a splash area, maze garden, shaded sand area, story walk, and a tot playground. The features of this knee-high tot playground appear designed just for little ones in mind. The splash pad is smaller, too, presumably to mirror the size of most kids who frequent the playground. This whole park area is fenced in and has public bathrooms off to the side.

Kristy Pepping:  We used to go to this park when I was little and now my mom has been taking my kids. What I like about this park is there is a separate toddler playground where the littles ones can play safely, despite the park's overall large size. The main playground has a huge rocket ship climbing structure with tunnels and slides.

Shila:  Young ones are invited to explore this small neighborhood park and playground with sandbox. There's also a sand table, a couple easy slides, spring riders and swings (2 baby swings and 2 toddler swings). Don't forget to pack some fun and filling snacks to eat at one of the park's picnic tables.

Kristy Pepping:  I have been coming to this park since I was a child and I now take my kids when I am visiting my parents. This park is ideal for toddlers. It is run by the Deerfield Park District and their preschool uses this playground when school is in session so they have toddlers top of mind! This park includes two playgrounds at opposite ends of the park. The one closest to the community center is the best for toddlers. They have a fenced in area that includes slides, a train to climb on and various tunnels.