THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO
Explore Major City Parks in Chicago for Outdoor Fun and Scenic Beauty
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Chicago is home to one of the most impressive urban park systems in the country, offering over 600 parks that span every corner of the city. From expansive lakefront green spaces like Grant Park and Lincoln Park to neighborhood gems like Humboldt and Ping Tom, these parks serve as vital hubs for recreation, relaxation, and cultural life. Many feature world-class attractions such as museums, zoos, sculpture gardens, and performance venues, blending nature with art and education. Whether you’re biking along the lakefront, exploring Japanese gardens, or enjoying a summer festival, the city’s parks offer something for everyone year-round. |
Grant Park
Often called “Chicago’s front yard,” this massive downtown park includes Buckingham Fountain, gardens, museums, and hosts major events like Lollapalooza.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/grant-ulysses-park
Millennium Park
Part of Grant Park, this iconic site is home to “The Bean” (Cloud Gate), Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
Maggie Daley Park
A family-friendly park adjacent to Millennium Park offering a skating ribbon, climbing walls, mini-golf, and whimsical playgrounds.
https://maggiedaleypark.com/
Northerly Island Park
Located on a former airport runway, this urban nature preserve offers walking trails, birding, and lakefront views.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island-park
Burnham Park
A lakefront park connecting Grant Park to Jackson Park, it features beaches, trails, and scenic views of Lake Michigan.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/burnham-daniel-park
Lincoln Park
Chicago’s largest park stretches along the lakefront and includes the Lincoln Park Zoo, Conservatory, museums, nature reserves, and beaches.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/lincoln-abraham-park
Humboldt Park
A West Side gem known for its beautiful lagoons, Puerto Rican cultural presence, and historic boathouse.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/humboldt-alexander-von-park
Ping Tom Memorial Park
A peaceful riverside park in Chinatown with beautiful landscaping, riverwalk paths, and views of the downtown skyline.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/tom-ping-memorial-park
Jackson Park
Site of the 1893 World’s Fair, this South Side park features lagoons, Japanese gardens, and is home to the under-construction Obama Presidential Center.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/jackson-park
Washington Park
Adjacent to the University of Chicago, this historic park includes open fields, cultural centers, and is part of the Olmsted park system.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/washington-george-park
Often called “Chicago’s front yard,” this massive downtown park includes Buckingham Fountain, gardens, museums, and hosts major events like Lollapalooza.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/grant-ulysses-park
Millennium Park
Part of Grant Park, this iconic site is home to “The Bean” (Cloud Gate), Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
Maggie Daley Park
A family-friendly park adjacent to Millennium Park offering a skating ribbon, climbing walls, mini-golf, and whimsical playgrounds.
https://maggiedaleypark.com/
Northerly Island Park
Located on a former airport runway, this urban nature preserve offers walking trails, birding, and lakefront views.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island-park
Burnham Park
A lakefront park connecting Grant Park to Jackson Park, it features beaches, trails, and scenic views of Lake Michigan.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/burnham-daniel-park
Lincoln Park
Chicago’s largest park stretches along the lakefront and includes the Lincoln Park Zoo, Conservatory, museums, nature reserves, and beaches.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/lincoln-abraham-park
Humboldt Park
A West Side gem known for its beautiful lagoons, Puerto Rican cultural presence, and historic boathouse.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/humboldt-alexander-von-park
Ping Tom Memorial Park
A peaceful riverside park in Chinatown with beautiful landscaping, riverwalk paths, and views of the downtown skyline.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/tom-ping-memorial-park
Jackson Park
Site of the 1893 World’s Fair, this South Side park features lagoons, Japanese gardens, and is home to the under-construction Obama Presidential Center.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/jackson-park
Washington Park
Adjacent to the University of Chicago, this historic park includes open fields, cultural centers, and is part of the Olmsted park system.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/washington-george-park
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