Best Mulch-Free (and Mud-Free!) Playgrounds

The results are in! You voted for the best mulch-free playgrounds in the western suburbs and we traveled around to check out your picks. Wow, are they amazing! You are going to love the colorful, mud-free surfaces. Below are photographs and descriptions of each playground so you can choose which parks to go to first!

Seven Gables Park, Wheaton

Owens Playground, Downers Grove

This playground is behind Hillcrest School and although it’s not available to the public during school hours, this is a spot that you don’t want to miss!

Buttonwood Park, Naperville

This playground is in a quiet, residential setting and has shade and a nice bank of swings with benches, along with playground equipment for older kids as well.

Mayfair Park, Westchester

Want to go to a great playground with the possibility of sand play? Then this one is for you.

Central Park West, Oak Brook

This creative play space has astroturf, unlike the others with a rubbery surface. It’s also on the grounds of two other playground areas, a pool, and splash park, so you have a lot of options.

Patriots Park, Downers Grove

This boat-themed playground is in a beautiful setting next to a pond.

Playground for Everyone, Elmhurst

This playground is a fairly recent addition to Elmhurst and we loved it when we went! So colorful and has fun equipment for everyone.

Veterans Memorial Park, Westmont

Your kids will love playing in the iconic viking ship! This playground also has an upper level with more equipment and a zip line.

Maryknoll Park, Glen Ellyn

This park has everything! A splash pad, miniature golf course, sand area, and great playground equipment.

Denning Park, La Grange

Located across the street from Lyons Township South Campus, this is a favorite park for many.

Forest Glen Park, Woodridge

What an exciting and colorful play surface! This park also has a bubbling fountain surrounded by flowers that is also a point of interest.

For the full list of mud-free playgrounds: Mud-Free Playgrounds in Chicago’s Near Western Suburbs