Park Review: Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park sits at the north-east corner of Grant Park, between Millennium Park and the lake, on land that used to be a fairly forgettable stretch of grass over a parking garage. Since it opened in December 2014 it has become one of the most-used parks in the city, and with good reason. Here is what it’s like to visit with kids, season by season.

The Play Garden

This is the main event for younger children. It covers around three acres and doesn’t look like a standard playground. The structures are custom-built and a little strange in the best way. There’s a large metal ship to climb, a slide crater, a play pyramid and a lighthouse, and an area called the Enchanted Forest where the paths and play pieces wind through the trees.

Different sections suit different ages. The ship and the bigger climbing pieces are aimed roughly at five to twelve year olds. Toddlers will be happier in the lower, softer corners and on the rolling lawns. The whole area is fenced and open, so you can see across it, but it’s big. If you have more than one child heading in different directions, agree on a meeting point first.

The climbing walls

In the middle of the park are two large rock-climbing structures, one for beginners and one for more experienced climbers. They’re the reason a lot of older kids and teenagers come here. The walls only open in the warmer months, after the winter ice is gone. Climbing is staffed and paid, and beginners usually need to take a short session first. Check the park’s current prices and age rules before you promise anyone a climb.

The ice ribbon

In winter, a long loop of ice winds around the climbing walls. It’s often called a ribbon rather than a rink, and that’s the point: you skate a path rather than going round in circles, past the city skyline. Skate rental is available, and there’s somewhere to buy hot drinks. It gets very busy on weekends and around the holidays, so weekday mornings are much calmer. When the ice is gone, the same path is used for scooters and bikes.

Everything else

• Mini golf. An eighteen-hole course runs in the warmer months. It’s a good option for kids who are too old for the Play Garden but not interested in climbing.
• Picnic groves and lawns. There’s plenty of space to spread out. Bring lunch and stay longer than you planned to.
• The skyline. It’s one of the best free views in the city, and you don’t have to queue for it.

Practical notes

• Getting there. It’s a short walk from Millennium Park and from several CTA stops on the Loop. A garage sits right underneath, but it’s priced for downtown.
• Restrooms. They’re in the fieldhouse. Locate them early, as you would anywhere with small children.
• Shade. There isn’t much in the Play Garden on a summer afternoon. Mornings are cooler and quieter.
• Hours and fees. The playground and lawns are free. Skating, climbing and mini golf have fees and seasonal hours set by the Chicago Park District, so check before you go.

Is it worth the trip?

Yes, and it’s especially good to combine with something else downtown. Pair it with a walk through Millennium Park, a free museum day on Museum Campus, or just a train ride, which younger kids often count as the highlight anyway. Few city parks work this well across ages and seasons.