Mozart Park

This is a peaceful park/playground with a clubhouse gym and sports fields. Awesome churros just steps away!

Harold Washington Park and Playground

Harold Washington is a fun mix of equipment, activities, open space and shade.

There's a splash zone, climbing web, and giant old trees. I usually see pickup soccer, tennis lessons, and dog walkers when we visit.

Bessie Coleman -- 54th/Drexel, Chicago

Tucked on a quiet side street, Coleman park has a pocket park feel, but it's much larger, and has all the equipment of a much larger park, including four play areas, a spray zone, and a sandbox.

Eckhart Park

Located just west of the freeway on Chicago Avenue, Eckhart Park was just what we were looking for on a "Wow, how did we end up EARLY for something" day.

The equipment is brand new, with a spray zone, bouncy bumps, swings, and a "tree house" motif. The only thing missing was shady places to sit or picnic. The equipment looked like it would entertain kids 0-5.

Older kids might get bored. But if you don't mind grabbing a patch of grass, give this place a try next time you're in the area.

Nature Museum Playground

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum includes kid-friendly exhibits and a small indoor playspace.

I think the museum is a bit too small to bring in many tourists, but the small size is an advantage for local families with kids 6 and under -- you can see it all in a morning without rushing, get lunch and take them home for a nap.

North Lincoln Park Nature Walk

When nature walking with kids, the density of things to see, versus distance traveled, can make or break.

 We spotted a monarch butterfly, many ducks and geese, including a duck on her nest and one with ducklings, and a wild rabbit.

Sunshine Playground

Tucked in the quieter, northwest corner of Lincoln Park, Sunshine Playground is a nice spot for a playbreak in the middle of a longer outing.

Lots of sun-lounging and relaxation to be had. A lady let the girls snuggle her rabbit, a red wing blackbird scolded, a mallard rippled past.