While there are plenty of things to do with kids in Chicago, sometimes, a playground is all it takes for some good old-fashioned fun.
Evanston and the surrounding area are full of awesome playgrounds for climbers, thrill seekers and those who just want to run around.
Read more: Best Things to Do with Kids in Evanston
Noah’s Playground for Everyone
- Address: 573 Ingleside Park, Evanston
This beautiful, fully accessible playground inside Lawson Park boasts a barrier free ramp system so that every child can reach the playground’s highest points, bright colors for those with limited eyesight and equipment with various textures to stimulate sensory development. For kids who may be over-stimulated, there are also several areas that offer some quiet time.
Penny Park
- Address: 1500 Lake Street, Evanston
Renovated a few years ago, Penny Park, now ADA accessible, still retains its original charm from more than 45 years ago. When the city wanted to replace the large wooden structure with new plastic equipment, the community was insistent on keeping Penny Park a wooden play structure. The result is epic, with bridges to cross, castles to climb, swings, slides, tire swings and more.
Indian Boundary Park
- Address: 2500 West Lunt Ave., Chicago
Located just outside of Evanston in the West Ridge area, this iconic wooden playground (there are only a few other all-wooden structures in Chicago) has been a neighborhood gem for decades. It boasts castle-like climbing tower, tunnels galore, train structures, monkey bars and swings. Kids will especially love hiding and climbing in a tire tower.
Central Park
- Address: 9350 Central Park Ave., Skokie
This “Floor is Lava” themed playground, which was redone last year, welcomes kids with its electric blue and neon orange hues. The structures cater to climbers with various rock, rope and ladder structures to climb on. Friends of all ages will love riding in a double decker merry-go-round and a life raft seesaw where they can move in multiple directions. This playground also puts parents’ fears about injuries at ease, as it sits on a padded rubber surface.
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