Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park is, without exaggeration, one of the best urban playgrounds in the world. Located in downtown Chicago just east of Millennium Park, this 20-acre park transformed a former surface parking lot into a family paradise that includes two themed mega-playgrounds, free rock climbing walls, an 18-hole mini golf course, a quarter-mile skating ribbon, and acres of open green space. And the best part — the signature attractions are free.

The Play Garden is the park's crown jewel and the reason families from across the Midwest make special trips to Chicago. It is divided into two sections: one for ages 2-5 and one for ages 6-12. The younger kids' playground has a whimsical enchanted forest theme with toddler-appropriate slides, bridges, and climbing elements surrounded by rubber surfacing.

The older kids' playground is where things get spectacular — a towering pirate ship, rope bridges connecting multi-story play structures, slides built into artificial hillsides, and spinning elements that would be the star feature at any other playground but are just one of a dozen options here.

The quality and scale of these playgrounds is genuinely remarkable. This is not a standard city park playground with a swing set and a slide. The structures are massive, architecturally designed, and built with materials you do not see at neighborhood parks.

Kids who visit for the first time tend to stand still for a moment, overwhelmed by options, before sprinting in every direction. Budget at least 90 minutes for the playgrounds alone.

The rock climbing walls are another standout free feature. Several walls of varying difficulty are set into the park's hillside terrain, with routes for beginners through experienced climbers. During staffed hours (typically spring through fall), harnesses and helmets are provided at no charge.

Kids as young as 5 can climb the easier routes with staff assistance. The walls get busy on weekend afternoons, so arrive in the morning for shorter waits.

The 18-hole mini golf course is the park's main paid attraction at $10 per person per round. The course is beautifully designed with Chicago-themed holes incorporating the city's architecture, sports, and cultural landmarks. It is more engaging than a typical mini golf course and worth the modest cost for families with kids ages 5 and up.

In winter, the skating ribbon replaces many parks' standard oval rinks with a quarter-mile winding path through the park landscape. Skating along the ribbon feels completely different from going in circles — you wind through trees, past the climbing walls, and along gentle curves with the city skyline above. Admission to the ribbon is free; skate rental costs $16 per person.

The ribbon typically operates from November through March.

Maggie Daley Park connects directly to Millennium Park via the BP Pedestrian Bridge, a sculptural Frank Gehry-designed footbridge that crosses Columbus Drive. This connection means you can combine Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, the Great Lawn, and Maggie Daley Park's playgrounds and climbing walls into a single massive free family outing in downtown Chicago. The combined experience can fill 3 to 5 hours without spending a dollar.

The one downside of Maggie Daley Park is food availability. There is no significant food service inside the park. The Park Cafe at the northern edge has limited options, and food vendors are inconsistent.

Pack a lunch and water bottles. The park has picnic-friendly green spaces with views of the lake. If you need a restaurant, Randolph Street is a 5-10 minute walk west with multiple family options.

Getting there: the park is accessible by the same CTA L stations and buses that serve Millennium Park. The underground parking garage at Millennium Park serves both parks ($30-$40). Street parking is virtually nonexistent in this area of downtown. Public transit or rideshare is the practical choice.