Big-kid energy levels require big-kid feats of strength. Your child can put their agility skills to the test as they run, jump, climb, and balance on these obstacles. Race against the clock or each other at these ninja parks, which are some of the coolest playgrounds for older kids.
Don’t see your favorite spot on this list? Leave it in the comments below or email Annie at annie@mykidlist.com.
Walker Park, Burr Ridge
Walker Park
7425 S. Wolf Road
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Walker Park was renovated in spring 2021 and is a must-do. With a sand area and new playground, your children will be busy all afternoon.
Freedom Park, Bolingbrook
1600 Park Place
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Situated in the middle of a residential square, Freedom Park is home to this smaller agility course, as well as a newly updated full-size playground.
Camera Park, Glendale Heights
Camera Park
101 E. Fullerton Avenue
Glendale Heights, IL
This huge community park has a challenge course and fitness area with tons of equipment, all over artificial turf. You’ll also find a big playground here, as well as a splash pad, skate park, and more, making a cool destination for older kids, tweens, and teens.
South Ridge Park, Hoffman Estates
1450 Freeman Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 6019
South Ridge Park has playgrounds for both big and little ones, a ninja park, a splash pad, and sand volleyball courts. Bring your scooters and skateboards for a trip around the large pond.
Heritage Park, Homer Glen
Heritage Park
14240 W. 151st Street
Homer Glen, IL 60491
At the center of Heritage Park, you’ll find outdoor fitness equipment and a ninja/challenge course. Renovated in 2020, this park has sports courts, a sensory garden, and a nature-based play area. Read all this amazing spot in Annie’s recent review.
The Glen, Lombard
The Glen
Route 53 and Butterfield Road
Glen Ellyn, IL 60148
Opened in June 2021, The Glen is a part of the larger Glenbriar Park. Along with the obstacle course, there’s fenced-in playgrounds, an amphitheater, and much more. We recommend this challenging course for older kids and adults.
Four Seasons Park, Lombard
Four Seasons Park
Finley Road & 16th Street
Lombard, IL 60148
Four Seasons Park is also on our list of new playgrounds. Visitors will find a newly renovated park, including ninja-style obstacle course and challenge course at this colorful spot in Lombard.
Wolf’s Crossing Community Plaza, Naperville
Wolf’s Crossing Community Plaza
3252 Wolf’s Crossing Road
Naperville, IL 60564
Wolf’s Crossing Community Plaza is a newer park in Naperville, opened in 2020. The grounds have various sports fields and courts, a free splash, and large playground area. It’s also very close to 95th Street Community Plaza. Note: This outdoor fitness equipment at Wolf’s Crossing is bigger than a typical ninja park. My 8-year old has to really stretch to reach everything.
Gregory B. Bott Park, Plainfield
Gregory B. Bott Park
24550 West Renwick Road
Plainfield, IL 60544
Bott Park is a family favorite of ours, with a full skate park, sports fields, ninja park, and large playground space for both little and big kids. This Universally Accessible playground has unique swings and other features to ensure there is a lot of fun to be had by all guests.
Meineke Park, Schaumburg
Meineke Park
220 E. Weathersfield Way
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Meineke Park is home to a ninja park, playgrounds, and sport courts. It’s also a short trip away from Schaumburg’s Sculpture Park.
Commissioner’s Park, Streamwood
81 Linda Lane
Streamwood, IL 60107
Updated in 2020, Comissioner’s Park in Streamwood is incredible. The ninja park is along side the sports courts and playgrounds.
Summerlakes Park, Warrenville
Summerlakes Park
3010 Talbot Avenue
Warrenville, IL 60555
Summerlakes Park was one of the first ninja parks in the area. To go along with their agility course, they also have large and small playgrounds, as well as various sports fields.
Looking for other ways to have fun outdoors with your big kids? Check out our 15 Best Playgrounds for Elementary School-Aged Kids.
2 Comments. Leave new
My kids had today off from school and we decided to have a Ninja Warrior Day – thanks so much for compiling this list! We were able to hit 4 of the parks and each one was a blast! I’m exhausted, they’re exhausted- but all had loads of fun!
What a fun day! Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you guys enjoyed the list!