Activity: Happy Play

Happy Play is unlike any play space we have been to. It is separated into 5 distinct areas, and while the biggest draw is the bunnies and parakeets, the owners still paid special attention to details in the other three spaces.

Please note: Am sad to share this venue is permanently closed :(

Space Summary:

1. Parakeets: It is safe to say there are over 20 parakeets in a decent sized space, so it can entertain a good number of people at once. Each child receives a seed stick and lots of bird attention - photo evidence above. 
2. Bunnies: This area requires a more calm demeanor as the bunnies are more skittish and require more care. And they are adoptable! 
3. Toddler Area: Full of soft blocks, wedges and more, forming a baby gymnasium. Complete with a mini ball pit!
4. Tiny Town: This area has an assortment of child-sized homes (and a teepee) with adorable rain clouds as lighting.
5. Train Room: Blown away. The train tables were spanned across a huge area and the kids can swap out the tracks, bridges, and pieces with any of the extras in the large buckets on the side. Another bonus: the walls have a variety of ball-rolling ramps if the tracks are busy.

Noteworthy:

• There is an area next to each section with nice chairs for parents (photo below)
• A small room in the back allows for a cozy birthday party or gathering.
• Recommend a 1:1 adult-child ratio when one wants to stay (forever) with the birds and the other has (definitely) had enough.
• The birds are loud and can be intimidating for first timers. We spent time with the bunnies first to give the kids time to acclimate to the noise level.
• It is located near a cute yogurt shop Yoberri and the popular Eleven City Diner -- we tested both!
• My kids didn't appropriately appreciate my walk down memory lane where I shared all about when I lived in that area and what I used to do there. 

Cost Savings:  N/A

Location/Transportation:
Lincoln Park
15 min walk from Fullerton Red Line. Bus routes in the area.
Street parking (for fee)

Kid's Jury: 4.5 stars
We plan to go back to spend more time in each area!

There is still plenty to play with if your child is afraid of the birds

Playground: Skinner Park

As expected, when visiting one of the top Chicago schools, their playground is top notch. There are two large climbing and slide areas, a toddler area, a water feature, community gardens, picnic tables, AND a sandbox. The park itself sprawls for 2 blocks and includes basketball, tennis, and baseball areas.

Both boys found a lot to do, though I was unimpressed with the sandbox. It was small and the only "toys" in the sand where wrappers and other trash people left behind. I threw them away and would like to preemptively apologize to those hoping to use the chip bags as a shovel. It also had a lot of rocks, which the kids actually really liked (photo evidence below)...until they stepped on them.

SandRocks

Noteworthy:

• Cool climbing structures, especially the red hoops
• Dragon - don't worry, it's not real - was a surprise hit (photo above).
• No bathrooms on site.

Cost Savings:
Free!





Location/Transportation:
West Loop
Free street parking along the park area

Kid's Jury: 4.5 stars
My youngest loved the rope web he climbed in; my son liked "the whole park". I had to dock it half a star because of the sandbox.

Playground: Union Park

This park was so handy to get to, being across the street from a train station! The park has a pool, playground with a small (and very popular) water feature, and a lot of unique playground features.

Noteworthy:

• The main slide structure has all kinds of unique features, from rock climbing throughout, little plastic hammocks, to angled monkey bars. 
• Climbing is abundant: the huge rope dome and neighboring rope "course" has bridges, ladders (you guessed it, made of rope), and different layers to climb throughout.
• 1 out of my 2 kids loved the bucket spinner. The other lost his mind because it was going really fast and when his mom wasn't there to stop it, he (understandably) freaked out.
• Bathrooms in the fieldhouse.

Showcasing a few special touches incorporated in the main play structure.

Cost Savings:
Free! Especially when a random person holds open the CTA gate to have you walk through.  Who am I to say no?

First time on Pink
AND Green Lines!

Location/Transportation:
West Loop
Incredibly easy access off the Ashland Train Stop via Green or Pink Line - literally across the street.

Kid's Jury: 4.5 stars
The park is great and has a lot of options: playground, swings, green space, tennis, pool, and water feature. My 3 year old didn't have as much to play on, as it was geared to older ages - my 5 year had a great time.

L-R: Open field; bucket spinner (with the one who liked it); pool

Playground: Mary Bartelme Park

Mary Bartelme Park is an oasis for the neighborhood whether you have kids, dogs, or none of the above.  The park takes up a full city block and includes a robust playground, artwork doubling as misters, dog park (not pictured), and plenty of grass for picnics & ball.

The playground is fenced in, which is great until they figure out how to get out. Truthfully, my husband couldn't figure out how to get in, so our 5 year old showed him how.

The park is located near a Starbucks, and it seemed each family had made a pit-stop there on their walk over. Wishbone restaurant is walking distance or you can head a few blocks over to Greek town for a myriad of (greek) options. Another bonus option: A pop-up juice stand is frequently spotted there, and food trucks seem to meander past from time to time.






Noteworthy:

• There are a lot of climbing structures, with a unique feature of rubber mats to climb and jump around (top collage, middle photo).
• Toddler area has 2 slides and a few teeny hammocks (we think, not quite sure their function).
• Two rope areas - the web is pictured below; and the other is a series of ropes to climb through.
• There is some picnic seating within the playground or you can BYO blanket to sit in the grass.
• No bathrooms, which may also explain all the Starbucks fans / "visits."
• What is behind the name Mary Bartelme? First Illinois judge and much more.

Cost Savings:
Free!...unless you don't luck out with the parking.

Location/Transportation:
West Loop
Green Line Morgan Station is a 10 min walk, though we typically drive.
Parking: We haven't had issues - some streets are free; others zoned or metered.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
We love this park because we love to climb and use our scooters and bikes on the pathways.

Activity: Morton Arboretum Children's Garden

Having heard great feedback on Morton Arboretum, we took a little road trip to Lisle, IL to check it out for ourselves! We didn't even scratch the surface of all the conservatory has to offer and had a great time.  There is a large children's area full of nature and structures to climb, water to play in, slides, mazes, and more!

Here is a picture of the Backyard Discovery Garden from above.  It has a slide, a mister (BIG hit today), and a garden where you can actually water the plants:

There were great signs throughout - some informational, some with tree-themed jokes:

There was no shortage of rope tunnels to climb! And no question where to enter:

Their website has a lot of information and here is a link to their Children's Garden. It has a great video and a visual map on the site to highlight the 10 different areas.

Noteworthy:

• Bring extra shoes / clothes as kids will most likely go tadpole hunting in the pond (we saw some!) and want to splash and move rocks around in the river.
• The children's garden is very close to the entrance, which equates to being close to the bathrooms and cafeteria.
• There are trails to bike and hike! They offer rentals for bikes in summer and skis in winter.
• Our friends make a ritual of driving in, biking the area, then playing in the children's area.  
• Our friends mentioned it is fantastic year round and their lights festival in winter (Illumination) is unsurpassed and worth the visit.

Cost Savings:
A membership would pay for itself in just a few visits.

Location/Transportation:
Lisle, IL (Western suburbs)
Driving Directions / Address on their site.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Our kids loved it and gravitated mostly to the water areas in the adventure woods. We will definitely go back and I want to test out the snow shoe rentals!

Playgrounds: South Loop Playground Run-down

With so many parks in the South Loop, it is the hard to know which direction to travel. Below is the locals run down of our preferred (park titles are linked to addresses/information):

Mary Richardson Jones Park (AKA School Park)
Reason to go: Play areas for all ages, quiet area/community, Close to public transportation.
Had no idea there was an official name for this park other than "school park" until I looked it up just now.

This is great for all ages, as it has 3 sections:
1. Area with swings and a pretty good sized grassy knoll.
2. The west side is a toddler area with a train, station, a small slide and small riding cars.
3. The east side has a jungle gym area with slides and a variety of climbing and monkey bar options.

It is pretty easy to watch both kids and have them both happy.

Notes: 

• No bathrooms on site. 
• With zone restricted parking throughout, recommend public transit.  Easily accessible 5 min walk from Roosevelt Red Line; Orange Line; and Green Line.

Coliseum Park (AKA Space Park)

Reasons to go: climbing structures, unique, merry-go-round
This playground was transformed from a teeny tot playground to a more advanced playground with climbing structures and a turtle swing (not sure if this is the technical term). To access the larger slide, kids have to climb a spiderweb of ropes and/or a slender rubberized mat.

Notes:

• Some of the play options are 1 person at a time (turtle swing, turning seat thing), so there is a high demand for these and interesting parent/community dynamics can be a result.
• If it is rainy or misty, the structures can get slippery.  Be careful.  
• No bathrooms on site.

Mark Twain Park
Reason to go: Quiet, contained area, great for toddlers and younger children.
While this isn't an official park of the Chicago Park District it is very popular for those you can find this hidden gem on the corner of 15th and Prairie.  Great views of soldier field and local trains.

No bathrooms on site.  Recommend walking as parking is very difficult.

Roosevelt Playlot
Reasons to go: Shopping time mixed with play time.
This tiny park packs a solid "play" punch with it's unique playground equipment. It keeps kids of all ages entertained and if you work it right, one of you can sneak off to one of the retail shops and be back before the kids notice. Can even make a day of it if there is a movie you want to see and/or a coffee shop/restaurant that fits the bill.

Notes:

• Bathrooms on site 
• Transportation: free or discounted parking depending on your shopping needs. Also about a 10 min stop from the Roosevelt Train Station.
• The play area is not fully fenced off, so keep an eye on the kids.  We had one escape and run directly into oncoming traffic. Hats off to our friend who literally jumped the fence and grabbed him before any cars came by. We may still owe him some medical bill payments.

Cotton Tail Park
Reasons to to: sandbox, well enclosed
This park has a strong neighborhood feel. The kids like to use the large circle sidewalk to learn how to ride their scooter, bike, or whatever else has wheels these days.  Have yet to witness a hoverboard. In the center of the circle is a large grassy area used for any number of things: sports, parties, etc.

The jungle gym is good, but "quaint." There is also a two level pirate ship and a gazebo.

Notes:

• No bathrooms on site.
• Sandbox toys are sometimes plentiful, but if you want to ensure your child gets a bucket or shovel, BYO.
• Sunscreen. There is a high sun quotient here
• Transportation: parking can be hard to find.

Chicago Women's Park & Garden (Outdoor/Indoor)
Reasons to go: Local park activities, indoor option, historical
This park is comprised of beautiful grass and gardens in the outdoors, nestled along Prairie Avenue -- a historic area of the city.  The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance does a great job of hosting a variety of events throughout the year and as a result, their calendar entices the community and families to show up in droves!

The indoor area has some climbing and play equipment and is a nice getaway if you are tired of your home and looking for a free option out of the rain or snow (photos below):

It also houses an indoor/outdoor restaurant Spoke & Bird and Kids Science Labs.

Notes:

• Bathrooms on site.
• Transportation: parking is hard to find.

Soldier Field Play Area:

Reasons to go: near the lake, lake front bike path, and museum campus.

We have never taken the kids here, as it is a bit of a hike for us.  The energy in the area is great as there are so many people around and there is a lot to see and do.  Would view this as a great pre or post museum or Soldier Field visit area to go to let the kids run around.  

Notes:

• Location - Nested between the Field Museum and Soldier Field. Not easy to spot from the sidewalk, as it is between rolling hills.
• Transportation - Difficult if there is anything happening at soldier field. Parking is expensive.
• Bathrooms are in the vicinity.

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Did we miss your favorite or one to also highlight?  Let us know - happy to inspect a new location!

Playground: Ping Tom Park

Ping Tom Park offers a lot from a jungle gym for all ages, kayaks, nature walk, water taxi, and bathrooms(ish).  They have a fieldhouse with a pool, multipurpose gym, and scheduled activities, but if you don't want to sign up for classes there is still a lot to offer:

Noteworthy:

• The playground has play areas and jungle gym options to appease  toddlers and older.
• There is a great kayak rental - Urban Kayaks - a short walk away from the playground. We shared a Kayak with our son when 4 yo and plan to all go out this summer (5 and 3 yo).
• Bathrooms at the fieldhouse (when open), but it is a bit of a jaunt from the playground.
• Have to wait to rent a kayak (which would be surprising)? Enjoy the nice nature trail or skip back over to the playground.
• Haven't ridden a Chicago Water Taxi?  Well, now's the time! The Chinatown pickup / drop off location is steps from the playground. And what kid/parent doesn't love a boat ride? 
• Important note: Tickets must be purchased prior arrival. We learned the hard way, after our kids had selected their seats for an exciting adventure and we finished muscling our stroller onto the boat.  Which reminds me to mention: not all boats are ADA friendly.

Cost Savings:
Free, and can make a day out of it, taking time to explore the fullness of Chinatown and the area.

Location/Transportation:
Transportation: Area is very congested, so recommend public transportation.  Is a 10 min walk from Cermak-Chinatown Red Line.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
We love it here and our son is excited to take the bike trails soon.