4 perfect Glen Ellyn parks to visit this summer

Over the 13 years we’ve been married, my husband and I have moved seven different times. We’ve gotten quite good at it. And while there are many truly terrible things about that (Oh, the boxes! And the packing!), moving so much has given me the opportunity to get to know different towns, neighborhoods and even park districts. Now that we are settled in the Western suburbs and Glen Ellyn, in particular, I’ve noticed this town has some of the most interesting and diverse parks that I have seen – and that’s saying something! Here are four parks in Glen Ellyn that you should make a point to visit this summer.  

Panfish Park 

This park, just behind the newly built police station, is simply picturesque. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, with a bike trail that winds through it. My sons and I recently rode our bikes over to this park and my older son enjoyed riding all around the park while my younger son and I relaxed after our ride over – bike riding can be a lot of hard work when you are five! We’ve fished in the pond here (catch and release) and there is a small playground. It’s not the biggest and fanciest playground, but that’s not really why we head over there anyway.  

620 Wilson Ave.

Maryknoll Park 

This park has something for everyone. Included in Maryknoll is the Holes ‘n Knolls miniature golf course and the Splash Park (both require small fees to participate). There is also a very cool playground, equipped with a Berliner cable ride, which is kind of like a low-to-the-ground zip line – and what kid doesn’t love a zip line? We have cooled off in the Splash Park, taken a break to play on the playground and headed back to the Splash Park again. There are large fields and two pavilions right there to for your picnic lunch or even for a larger family gathering. Also, off to the side are tennis courts, if that’s your thing!  

845 Pershing Ave.

Village Green 

This park is our fave and in our house it is known as the “Spaceship Park,” due to the rocket shaped playground. This truly is a child’s dream playground, and it’s one we frequent often. In addition to the ah-maz-ing playground, there is also a small splash pad area where children can cool off on hot summer days. Bring a picnic lunch and take a break under a nearby pavilion. This very large park is also home to baseball fields (eight of them!), lacrosse and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts. A few words of advice – shade is minimal (unless you are in the spaceship), so be sure to pack sunscreen. Also, avoid evenings during baseball season or you will be circling the full parking lot with a car full of already impatient children!  

130 S Lambert Rd.

Lake Ellyn Park 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this beautiful park, but you may want to hold off visiting until next year. The playground is currently under construction and unavailable, but there are many other things you can do here. Lake Ellyn offers many activities throughout the summer, or you can come to fish here (again, catch and release). There is a trail winding around the lake and picnic areas with grills are available. In the winter, ice skating is available on the lake – depending on the frigidness of our winter, of course!  

645 Lenox Rd.

We’ve all seen “Summer Bucket Lists” on social media or Pinterest with ideas of how to make the most of our summer. One item on my summer bucket list (my mental bucket list, that’s as far as it has gotten) is to park hop. I’d love to take a day (or half-day, who am I kidding?) and hop from park to park with my boys giving them a change of scenery every hour or so – and hopefully exhausting them in the process. If you’re so inclined, feel free to share my parks in Glen Ellyn – we’ll see you there!

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