The Largest And Most Inclusive Playground In Illinois Is Incredible
By Linze Rice|Published August 30, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
They say Chicago is a “city in a garden” — and as someone who lived there for 7 years, I found that the city’s outdoor beauty definitely rivals its incredible manmade creations. But it’s when the two come together — concerted efforts to combine nature and amenities for the public’s enjoyment — that the city truly shines. Though the state is filled with amazing outdoor recreation options, it’s the largest playground in Illinois that truly tops the list for those seeking the ultimate play experience.
Surrounded by Chicago's famous skyscraper skyline is Maggie Daley Park, a massive park, garden, and playground in the heart of downtown.
The park is part of the larger Millennium Park campus, which is home to "The Bean" sculpture, Jay Pritzker Pavilion outdoor venue, and the beloved Crown Fountain.
At the southeast corner of Maggie Daley is its whimsical, one-of-a-kind Play Garden, which spans a whopping 3 acres. The Play Garden is made of interactive structures and sculptures made for 5-12-year-olds and is anchored by a 12,000-square-foot Slide Crater Zone with a suspension bridge, two towers, slides, and more.
In The Sea area, kids can explore an 8,500-square-foot play loop with blue topography that showcases a large-scale boat, lighthouse tower, a whale, and viewing scopes.
For smaller kiddos between 2 and 5, The Watering Hole offers 1,200 square feet of an animal adventureland — complete with interactive animal figures and a spraying water feature.
Another option for younger children is The Harbor area, which is a 2,000-square-foot play area with a boardwalk, marina, play boats, and seating for parents.
Kids of all ages are welcome to stroll through the Play Garden's Enchanted Forest, a 3,590-square-foot network of trails filled with trails and natural features that immerse you in a magical world of urban nature.
Bigger kids can enjoy the park's enormous climbing wall or bounce around with the trampoline bungee. Throughout the park you can also find mini-golfing, gardens, and tennis courts.
