Ward (A. Montgomery) Park, named for entrepreneur Aaron Montgomery Ward, is located along the Chicago River, making it a popular place for a stunning view of the city.
The park features an accessible playground, a promenade and an adjacent designated play area for dogs, providing a welcoming and fun environment for the whole family. The park is also home to the Commemorative Ground Ring sculpture, which honors Chicago’s architecture through its design, and a riverside mosaic wall, which gives the space an artistic flair.
Address: 630 N. Kingsbury St.
Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, year-round
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Why families love Ward (A. Montgomery) Park
Ward (A. Montgomery) Park offers kids a wide range of play options across its rubberized surface, which includes a smaller setup for younger children, a larger setup for older children and some green rubber hills, which provides a continuity with the area’s natural scenery. The playground contains swings, slides, ropes, nets, monkey bars, hanging rings, spinning circles, various other climbing structures, a seesaw and a spray pool.
The park’s open space, riverside view, grassy areas, flower beds and umbrella-shaded picnic tables make it a great place for other forms of recreation, such as walking, picnicking, relaxing, jogging, cycling and playing outdoor sports and games. The park is also a fun space for community gatherings and events, like Movies in the Park, a program that many Chicago parks partake in.
Rules to follow:
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, unless there is a designated space for them.
Places to eat nearby:
Club Lago
- Cuisine/type of restaurant: Italian, Cocktail Lounge
- Location: 331 W Superior St.
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Erie Cafe
- Cuisine/type of restaurant: Steakhouse
- Location: 536 W. Erie St.
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 2-10 p.m. Sunday.
Nomad-Chicago
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- Cuisine/type of restaurant: Coffee Shop, Cafe
- Location: 820 N. Franklin St.
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Mr. Beef
- Cuisine/type of restaurant: Italian, Sandwiches
- Location: 666 N. Orleans St.
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday
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.
- Pack smart, but light: Bring the essentials — sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, wipes and a small first-aid kit — but avoid overpacking. A small backpack makes it easier to chase after little ones or move between play areas.
- Dress for the day: Dress kids in layers and clothes that can get dirty. Closed-toe shoes are a must for climbing or running. Don’t forget hats and extra socks.
- Go early or late: Morning and late afternoon visits help you beat crowds and avoid the midday heat. Early visits also mean fresher playground equipment that hasn’t been baking in the sun.
- Set ground rules: Before hitting the playground, remind kids about basic safety rules — no pushing on the slides, stay where you can see each other and check in before wandering off to explore.
- Make snack time an event: Plan a short “picnic break.” Even a simple snack under a tree can help kids rest and reset before another round of play. Bonus: it’s a great chance to sneak in some conversation time.
- End on a high note: Leave while everyone’s still happy — before exhaustion leads to meltdowns. Wrap up with a small ritual (like saying goodbye to the swings or taking a group photo) so kids associate the park with fun memories.
