6 Best Parks in Chicago

Visiting Chicago offers so much to do for both solo travelers and travel groups, including many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore. Each year, tourists from around the globe come to this hustle-and-bustle city to see many of its most famous attractions, such as the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

In addition to typical city activities and attractions such as museums and observation decks to see the city skyline, Chicago also offers many nature-based and park locations worth a visit. Before your next visit to Chicago, add a few of these amazing green spaces throughout the city to your travel itinerary.

1. Millennium Park

201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

Known for its popular “bean” sculpture, Millennium Park is perhaps one of the most famous parks in Chicago. Located in the heart of downtown at the Loop, Millennium Park is free to enter, offering plenty of outdoor sculptures and fountains to explore throughout its 24 acres of space. The park is open daily throughout all seasons, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

While this space is not your traditional park, there are still some areas of greenery to explore. Inside Millenium Park is the Lurie Garden, a 2.5-acre urban botanical park that is free to walk around. Throughout the park, you’ll also find many public art installations to explore, such as the Great Lawn and Crown Fountain.

2. Jackson Park

6401 S. Stony Island Ave

If you’re looking for a more relaxing setting than the hustle and bustle of Millennium Park, check out Jackson Park, located on the south side of Chicago. This park includes many notable landscapes to explore, all of which are free to enter. While it’s certainly beautiful to visit any time of the year, the Osaka Garden (Japanese Garden), also referred to as the Garden of Phoenix, is great to visit in the spring. In the springtime, the blossoming of the cherry trees creates a unique look that draws in many visitors each year.

In addition to the Japanese Garden, Jackson Park is an ideal park in Chicago to visit, thanks to its many opportunities for recreational activities. Throughout the park, there are many public-use volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, perfect for enjoying a beautiful Chicago day. Jackson Park is massive, spanning across 542 acres.

3. Milton Lee Olive Park

E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Located on a man-made peninsula, Milton Lee Olive Park is another of the best Chicago parks to visit any time of the year. This Chicago park dates back to 1965, made to commemorate a Vietnam veteran. Many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy visiting this park, perfect for walking, biking and running. Milton Lee Olive Park is also a great park for a relaxed, carefree Chicago day when you need a break from the noisy city atmosphere.

Milton Lee Olive Park is dog-friendly, too, making it the perfect place to walk your dog and enjoy some Vitamin D and fresh air. The park spans 10 acres and features five fountains throughout the park. Milton Lee Olive Park is open every day from 7 am to 8 pm.

4. Garfield Park and Garfield Park Conservatory

300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624

If you enjoy exploring botanical gardens, you’ll want to add Garfield Park Conservatory to your travel list. This is one of the largest parks in Chicago, nicknamed “landscape art under Glass”. In Garfield Park, guests can explore over 173 acres of parkland, offering a fitness center, basketball courts and even a swimming pool. Inside the Garfield Park Conservatory, there are over 1.6 acres of indoor garden space with tons of plant species from around the world.

Even better, entering the Garfield Park Conservatory is free (reservations required). Not only is there plenty to do just browsing the gardens, but Garfield Park Conservatory also offers many exhibits and installations to explore too.

5. Ping Tom Memorial Park

1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Located in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood, Ping Tom Memorial Park is another popular option for Chicago parks to visit. This 17-acre park is located on the south bank of the Chicago River, named after a popular Civic leader Ping Tom. This park is also free to enter and houses a beautiful bamboo garden to explore. Many locals and visitors come to Ping Tom Memorial Park for the children’s playground, as well as the many recreational activities available.

If you’re visiting Chicago in the summer, Ping Tom Memorial Park offers kayak rentals too. This park also holds many special events and concerts throughout the year, making it the heart of Chicago’s unique entertainment offerings. Ping Tom Memorial Park is open every day from 6 am to 10 pm, while the fieldhouse is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm. This multi-use park is great for so many purposes and activities, making it one of the most versatile parks in the city.

6. Maggie Daley Park

337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

Maggie Daley Park is one of the best parks in Chicago to visit for families, offering plenty to do from rock-climbing walls to an 18-hole mini golf course. This popular park does not require an admission fee to enter and is open every day from 6 am to 10 pm. This park is located in the popular Chicago Loop and is fairly large, spanning 20 acres.

No matter what season you visit, there’s something to do in Maggie Daley Park. In the winter, many visitors head to Maggie Daley Park for the famous “skating ribbon” rink, where tennis and mini golf are perfect summertime activities. The beautiful Cancer Survivors’ Garden, built in 1996, is also a must-do, featuring three main garden rooms that represent the three main states of healing: acceptance, support and celebration.

Exploring the Best Parks in Chicago

Plan the perfect mix of city activities and time spent in nature on your next visit to Chicago. These best parks in Chicago offer plenty of beauty to explore and lots of fun-filled activities such as mini golf and basketball.

Explore more of Chicago’s best attractions and parks as you plan your next adventure using AAA’s Trip Canvas. Contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your perfect trip vision a reality, using your AAA membership for exclusive deals.