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.

 

Ping Tom -- near south hidden gem

Ping Tom Memorial Park, 19th and Wells (Chinatown)

We saw this park while motoring up the Chicago River (chicagoelectricboatrental.com + groupon.com FTW). When our trip was done, we set out to find the park, and burn off a little of the accumulated energy from the boat ride. 

Old industrial Chicago is on display alongside the modern vistas of downtown and ordinary city life.

It's the type of park that just feels good -- kids having fun, trails, water, unhurried atmosphere.

It's a bit hard to find -- and parking in the residential area is hit/miss. Amtrak rumbles past every now and again, and there is a bit of traffic noise from the drawbridges.

We saw lots of picnicking, kite-flying, and did some aimless strolling. Red wing blackbirds nesting in the rustling bamboo, boulders to climb, tucked just off the beaten path but with space to spread out. Perfect. Next time we'll park at the field house and bring takeout!