Finding the right toddler parks near here can seem a bit like finding the needle in the haystack. The park may be too far, may not have the right equipment (after all, who wants a meltdown over the color of the slide?), or have equipment that’s too high for little ones to handle.
Toddler parks can be a lot of things, but the main characteristics should include low-to-the-ground play structures, soft surfaces that can cushion a tumble, and plenty of fun places to explore! Our readers voted and chose some of the coolest playgrounds for toddlers.
Check out our list of fenced-in playgrounds and tot lots for even more great play spaces. Have another to add? We would love to hear your picks and explore. Email Annie at annie@mykidlist.com and let us know!
Darien Community Park, Darien
Darien Community Park
7100 Clarendon Hills Road
Darien, IL 60561
Although the address for Darien Community Park is listed as Clarendon Hills Road, the parking lot for the toddler-friendly fenced-in playground is off Plainfield Road right across the street from Indian Prairie Library. It makes a great combo trip! The ambiance of this park excited the kid in me! Housed at the park is a lemonade stand, a fire truck, castle, play house, and island and boat-themed playground equipment. The design of the park was well thought out as it was designed with accessibility in mind, including wheelchair-friendly soft surface, ramps, a wheelchair-accessible spinner, and more. Click here to read more about this great park.
Harvester Park, Burr Ridge
Harvester Park
15W400 Harvester Drive
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Harvester Park is home to The Tree of Life play area and the Homestead Hill play area. There are also trails, fishing docks and pond, and interactive discovery centers. There’s also a bathroom and shady picnic table nearby. Because the Burr Ridge Community Center and several fields are located here, this particular park has the potential to see large crowds of people.
Ty Warner Park, Westmont
Ty Warner Park
700 Blackhawk Drive
Westmont, IL 60559
Ty Warner Park has a playground across from the splash pad that is ideal for toddlers with a big low-to-the-ground playground and a play train in a sand pit. There is also a splash pad perfect for hot days, picnic shelters with grills, a walking path, and a sled hill. You’ll find bathrooms and a concession stand (with limited hours) here, too.
Diecke Park, Huntley
Deicke Park Discovery Zone Playground
11419 S. Route 47
Huntley, IL 60142
This playground is so cute for toddlers! There’s an entire safety village to explore, plus soft surfaces and imaginative play. It’s a bit of a drive from our normal coverage area, but lots of fun! Check out Rita’s full review of Deicke Park.
Wilder Park, Elmhurst
Wilder Park Elmhurst Park District
175 South Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Wilder Park houses the park’s recreational building, the Elmhurst Public Library, The Elmhurst Art Museum, Wilder Mansion, and Wilder Conservatory. Because of all that Wilder Park hosts (most of which is toddler friendly), this could be a great opportunity to have multiple adventures, all of which your toddler is sure to love. According to the website, there is some construction taking place at the conservatory in the form of exterior work and painting.
Candy Cane Park, Brookfield
Candy Cane Park
8820 Brookfield Avenue
Brookfield, IL 60513
There is nothing like fun new playground equipment! Candy Cane Park celebrated the end of their renovation process by hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony in March of 2023, and there’s definitely a lot to celebrate. The renovations include a play structured specifically built for littles between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old, a T-Ball backstop with base paths, ADA swingframes and swings, ADA accessible paths throughout the park, and spinning sensory wave seats.
Sensory Garden Playground, Lisle
Sensory Garden Playground
2751 Navistar Drive
Lisle, IL 60532
Hereโs another well-thought-out playground designed to provide equal access to play. True to its name, Sensory Garden Playground has equipment for inclusive play. It’s specifically designed to accommodate kids with developmental delays, physical disabilities, sensory processing disorders, and autism. Sensory Garden Playground is located in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage Countyโs Danada South Area located just northeast of Naperville and Navistar Roads. (Follow the signs past the Science of Spirituality center.)
Vogelei Park, Hoffman Estates
Vogelei Park
650 West Higgins Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60532
Vogelei Park was developed as a hands-on, interactive green space for all ages, so it comes as no surprise this park houses it’s own barn. The barn houses various activities for littles with gymnastics being the most popular activity among the littles. Vogelei also houses a splash pad which opens spring 2023, according to the website. If your little one loves birds, check out the park’s “Wings and Talons” exhibit where professional bird handlers provide hands on experience and education.
Patriots Park, Downers Grove
Patriots Park
501 55th Place
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Patriots Park is right next to Bath Pond, surrounded by picnic tables located and a nice walking path. According to the website, the park was recently renovated to meet ADA accommodations! It has ample shade in the toddler area with equipment shaped like a boat for plenty of imaginative play.
Our big guide to all of the coolest playgrounds in Chicago’s western suburbs has so many more local destinations to explore. Check it out!