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. (Plus, one mini ninja playground where little kids can try out the big-kid stunts!)
Don’t see your favorite spot on this list? Leave it in the comments below or email Annie at annie@mykidlist.com.
Walker Park in Burr Ridge
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 in 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 in Glendale Heights
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 in 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 in Homer Glen
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 review of Heritage Park.
The Glen at Glenbriar Park in Lombard
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. When my son was seven, he loved climbing everything, but a lot of the obstacles were too big, including the hanging boards. He got a kick out of trying the spinning-wheel monkey bars, though.
Four Seasons Park in Lombard
Finley Road & 16th Street
Lombard, IL 60148
Four Seasons was renovated a couple of years ago to include a ninja-style obstacle course and challenge course. This colorful spot in Lombard is right by a big playground, too.
Wolf’s Crossing Community Plaza, Naperville
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 pad, and large playground area. It’s also very close to 95th Street Community Plaza.
Kidlist Tip: This outdoor fitness equipment at Wolf’s Crossing is bigger than a typical ninja park. Last year, Katie noted that 8 years old still seemed to be a stretch to use the equipment.
Gregory B. Bott Park in Plainfield
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 in Schaumburg
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 in Streamwood
81 Linda Lane
Streamwood, IL 60107
Updated in 2020, Commissioner’s Park in Streamwood is incredible. The ninja park is along side the sports courts and playgrounds.
Summerlakes Park in Warrenville
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, which includes a sprint track and timers, they also have large and small playgrounds, skate ramps, and sports fields.
Bonus! Mini Ninja Park at Kelly Park in Wheaton
1100 S Main Street
Wheaton, IL 60189
If the big-kid ninja parks are a bit too much for your little ones, Kelly Park might be more their speed! This park has a section with downsized ninja-style obstacles where kids can jump, swing, and balance.
Looking for other ways to have fun outdoors with your big kids? Check out our 15 Best Playgrounds for Elementary School-Aged Kids.
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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!