One of the best places in Chicago for kids to play is Seneca Park, a small, historic community park located in Downtown Chicago, near Lake Shore Park, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Water Tower Pumping Station and Chicago Fire Department Engine 98. The park is also home to Eli M. Schulman Playground and a bronze horse sculpture named Ben.
Address: 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
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What makes Seneca Park special
Seneca Park is a fun play option for children ages 2-12. The park features two separate areas, both creatively designed; a smaller one for toddlers and a larger one for older kids.
The toddler area sports a brightly-colored aesthetic modeled after sand dunes, while the bigger play area’s design is inspired by a city’s layout, with a miniature firehouse and water tower. Playground equipment at Seneca includes swings, slides, monkey bars, ropes, towers, ladders and other climbing structures.
In addition to providing families with standard playground fun, Seneca Park also hosts fun community events.
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Playground rules
Park rules and regulations are decided by the Chicago Park District and apply to all Chicago playgrounds.
- No smoking, vaping or tobacco.
- No alcohol.
- No littering or leaving behind personal property.
- No ball playing.
- No standing in the swings.
- No bottles or glass.
- No bicycles.
- No dogs.
Places to eat nearby
If you and your family want to eat somewhere before or after your outing, here are some restaurants to check out near Seneca Park.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 200 E Chestnut St.
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
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- Cuisine: American
- Location: 671 N St Clair St.
- Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
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- Cuisine: Japanese
- Location: 165 E Huron St.
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday
- Cuisine: Australian
- Location: 198 E Delaware Place
- Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
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Safety Tips
Everyone has more fun when they stay safe. Here are some simple safety tips that will make your family outing at Seneca Park go smoothly and keep the community happy.
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hats to avoid sunburn.
- Dress for the weather. Bring umbrellas and extra layers.
- Keep an eye on your children and make sure they are using the equipment safely.
- Stay hydrated. Feel free to use the park drinking fountains.
- Respect park rules.
- Respect those around you.
