Chicago is the third-largest city in America and it’s home to more than 600 parks. About 8.5% of the city’s total acreage is set aside for parks and green spaces. Not only are the best parks in Chicago quite large, they’re also full of enchanting attractions and close to iconic landmarks.
The Windy City has plenty of things to do, like seeing famous attractions like the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. But if you’re looking for fresh air and idyllic greenery, the best parks in Chicago are worth a visit. Learn about these 10 amazing nature spaces before your next trip to Chicago.
1. Millennium Park
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Known for its popular sculpture, called “The Bean,” 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 Millennium Park is the Lurie Garden, a 2.5-acre urban botanical park that is free to walk around. Public art installations like the Great Lawn and Crown Fountain make a trip to Millennium Park one of the best things to do without a car.
2. Jackson Park
Address: 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, you’ll find 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
Address: E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Located on a human-made peninsula, Milton Lee Olive Park is another of the best Chicago parks to visit any time of the year. This Chicago park was made to commemorate Milton Lee Olive III, an 18-year-old Black man who sacrificed his life for his squadmates in Vietnam. 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 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4. Garfield Park and Garfield Park Conservatory
Address: 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
Address: 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 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the field house is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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
Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Maggie Daley Park is one of the best parks in Chicago to visit for families. It offers 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 a.m. to 10 p.m. 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.
7. Lincoln Park Zoo
Address: 2400 N. Cannon Drive
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a staple of the Windy City and has been since 1868. As one of the oldest landmarks in Chicago, this venue is special to multiple generations of people. Admission to the zoo is 100 percent free, which makes the zoo one of the best budget-friendly attractions in the city. The garden and the animals are also always crowd-pleasers.
Currently, the zoo is home to more than 200 different animal species from various corners of the world. Primates, iguanas and rhinos call this zoo home, though special mention goes to the giraffes, which generate tons of buzz whenever a new calf is born. This wide-open area offers plenty of room for visitors to walk and play. They even host a super zoo picnic during the Summer months.
8. Grant Park
Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago, Illinois
There’s a good chance that American sitcom fans in the audience will recognize this locale. Grant Park is a sprawling 300-acre green space that greets anyone approaching Chicago from Monroe Harbor.
Built in 1844, the park is home to several art installations, miles upon miles of vegetation and homages to President Ulysses S. Grant. This might also be the best park to take picturesque photos of Chicago skyscrapers.
Special mention goes to the Buckingham Fountain, a rococo-style geyser that’s prominently featured in the intro to Married... with Children. The pop cultural and historical significance of this attraction cause many to consider it one of the most incredible fountains in the world.
9. Navy Pier
Address: 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago, Illinois
This venue isn’t a park in the conventional sense, but ask any Chicagoan about their favorite outdoor spaces and Navy Pier is bound to pop up sooner or later. This massive 3,300-foot pier was first brought to life in 1916, gradually filling out with a menagerie of carnival attractions and seasonal events.
The Chicago Sun-Times, one of the city’s most iconic news outlets, is based at the pier. With so much open space, it’s no wonder Navy Pier is considered one of the best places to run in Chicago. Sign up for a 5K with other runners or jog on your own and enjoy the scenery.
10. Chicago Botanic Garden
Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois
Chicago’s legendary skyline and gorgeous architecture are so impressive that some might be tempted to overlook the city’s gardens. Then, they visit the Chicago Botanic Garden and gain a brand new perspective on Chi-town’s scenery. This venue is actually a gigantic complex of about 27 interlinked gardens, each of which has unique plant species and aesthetics.
On top of housing nearly 3 million plants, the garden is a hub for seasonal activities. Throughout the year, spectacles like Lightscape and the Orchid Show kick into gear. The first event is a light show of epic proportions that’s held from November to January. The latter is a Spring-themed circus show of sorts that’s in full bloom between February and March. Events like these make Spring and Winter two of the best seasons to visit Chicago.
11. Northerly Island Park
Address: 1521 S. Linn White Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
Northerly Island Park is perhaps one of the most natural areas in the city. This nearly 120-acre park sits along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s on the Museum Campus and operates as a natural area with prairie and a savanna. There’s a five-acre pond here, perfect for a slow stroll as the sun sets. If you’re looking for an area to sit and watch animals, this is the ideal place. It’s also home to over 150 different native plants and a massive savanna that creates an ecosystem for migratory birds.
The educational programs are a solid reason to visit on their own. You’ll also find guided nature field trips and tours, perfect for students and there’s a seasonal festival called Polar Adventure Days to draw you in.
12. Burnham (Daniel) Park
Address: 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60615
One of the best reasons to visit Burnham Park is it’s fantastic skyline view, ideal for watching the sun go down. This park, with its stunning landscaping, has several walking trails for walking and biking.
The park also has numerous sports fields, including tennis courts open to the public. If you’re considering a trip, plan to dig in the sandy beach. Even with all of these amenities, it’s still a quiet, relaxing nature retreat.
13. Oz Park
Address: 2021 N. Burling St., Chicago, IL 60614
Oz Park is aptly named for the Wizard of Oz movie. That’s why you’ll see several notable statues throughout the park, including Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. Aside from being an architectural beauty, this park has lots for the whole family to do.
Sports fields for tennis and baseball are here, but there’s also a large and well-maintained playground. The big, green space is perfect for picnics.
14. Palmisano (Henry) Park
Address: 2700 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60608
As a large, 27-acre park, Palmisano Park is another favorite for those seeking an impressive skyline view. Many come in the early mornings to jog while others visit at sunset for a walk along the prairie grass and pond area.
The natural areas feel completely separate from the big Windy City. Bring along your fishing rod and spend the day along the lakefront with a picnic to enjoy later.
15. Polk Bros Park
Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
This is a smaller park located near the Navy Pier entrance, but it’s worth your time, especially on a hot day. There’s a big fountain in the center and a splash pad to cool things down.
The promenade and rolling lawn add to the stately appeal of Polk Bros Park. Sitting there, enjoying the live music and performances on a summer night can certainly create memories. Finish the day with a private sunset sail along the lake just off Navy Pier.
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 a AAA Travel Agent today to start making your perfect trip vision a reality, using your AAA membership for exclusive deals.