Playground: Margate Park

Though this playground doesn't appear on recent "best of" lists for Chicago - it sneaked it's way into our top 10!  The Margate Park Playground was larger than I expected with a lot of structures to climb and slide.

Though it has a bit of wear and tear, it has many more pros: two robust climbing/sliding/swinging structures, toddler area, bathrooms (when fieldhouse is open), water fountain, seating, and tables.

Noteworthy:

• Parking (paid) available at the fieldhouse, playground is adjacent.
• The playground is near lakefront paths and a lot of open grassy areas.
• The Margate Park neighborhood is so picturesque, we enjoyed walking around.

Cost Savings:
Free
Street parking is free, if you can find it. Otherwise, the playground has a small lot at the fieldhouse (fee).

Location/Transportation:
Margate Park, tucked in Uptown
We drove, as it is just off of Lake Shore Drive (Lawrence exit).  The Lawrence exit has a bridge with a "tent community" -- about 25 homeless people -- and while it was unexpected and startling, we felt completely safe.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
This park was great. I promised the boys we would be back.

Activity: Museum of Science and Industry

Our trip to the Museum of Science+Industry was a huge hit.
We were there 4 hours and could have stayed much longer because there was still so much to experience.

Stops Today:
Level 1

• The Idea Factory - great for kids and now that the museum rotates groups in and out, we are no longer stuck there all day (!!!).  
• Farm Tech - we just get into the two large tractors and move on.
• U-505 Submarine - they have replicas of the living quarters and periscope
• Circus - has some fun eye spy activities in the wall.
• Henry Crown Space Center - there are rovers to experiment with and their gift shop has some awesome toys. Watched the National Parks movie ($). Was a bit long, and the kids didn't love it.

Level 2

• Great Train Story - This is a must stop for our boys. City scape with Freight, Amtrak, Metra, and El trains - bonus for finding the underground Chicago Red Line stop!
• Mirror Maze - Great! We had a great time getting lost and finding our way out.
• Genetics - baby chicks! Always enjoy this quick stop.
• Science Storms - Can see an avalanche, tsunami, tornado and more

Noteworthy:
- Go early to maximize your time, as the museum can get incredibly packed
- The MSI website is great, giving interesting information for each exhibit to share with your kids.

Cost Savings:
After a few paid experiences, most are not necessary nor ideal for kids. There is so much to see and do, the paid exhibits can take away from the hidden treasures.

Location/Transportation:
Hyde Park
Parking is $22, but if you arrive in the morning you can find free street parking (Parknav App).

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
It's been a few days and the kids are still talking about the museum.  We loved it!

There is still so much to see (whispering wall and toy maker 3000, to name a few), we are definitely going back

Playground: Margaret Donahue

The Margaret Donahue playground is fantastic! It has a great water area with a shower tower, water activity tables, and wall spouts.  My kids spent a majority of their time in the water (it is a Chicago summer, after all) and dabbled on the equipment.

The park was well thought out as it is fully fenced in, provides a lot of seating and shaded snack tables, has an open space  for running around, AND areas for bikes & stroller parking!


Noteworthy:
- Great neighborhood: retail stores and restaurants abound.
- Coax kids to wear shoes on the equipment if the water feature is on (making things slippery)
- Southport El Stop has a quaint, enjoyable farmer's market: check here for dates and times.





Cost Savings:
Free!
Bonus: area restaurants offer free kids' meals: Crosby's Kitchen or The Butcher's Tap, to name a few.

Recommend the KidMealDeal App for kid meal deals in your area, as the above may be outdated.

Location/Transportation:
Lakeview / Southport Corridor
Southport Brown Line stop is so close, I highly recommend. My boys loved being on the train.

Kid's Jury: 4.5 stars
As the playground came into view, my 5 year old excitedly called out: "it looks like the city!"

It is a beautiful playground, with the standout features being the water area and city-scape view. The equipment was good, but slippery when wet (which is always, when the water is turned on). We saw many kids (including mine) injured as a result.

Playground: Ward (Aaron Montgomery) Park

Ward Park is in a serene area nestled along the river, with a beautiful view of the city.  It has a lot of options to play on: rolling hills, monkey bars, swings, slides, teeter-totters, spinning & climbing structures, and a water feature.

Noteworthy:
- Great outdoor seating with shade umbrellas
- Dog park nearby
- Next to Erie Cafe, which has outdoor seating along the river.
- There was a little hot dog stand on the corner which provided our dinner and everyone loved sitting on a small hill with our feet in the grass.

Cost Savings:
Free!

Location/Transportation:
River North
- El Stops: Chicago Brown/Purple line
- There was parking adjacent to the park, which it looked like a lot of patrons used.  Not sure on cost.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Great park, great location.