Oh, sand. Sometimes we love you, sometimes we loathe you — but the kids always have a great time with this sensory-friendly activity that encourages them to get down to build, dig, and play! We’ve rounded up a big list of local play spots with sand available to play. Whether you use this list to find a great park for your sand-loving kiddos or to avoid sand on a day when you’re heading out for family photos after, we hope it’s a helpful resource.
Parks and Playgrounds with Sandboxes and Sand Features
Phillips Park at Mastodon Island Peninsula, Aurora
Mastodon Island Peninsula at Phillips Park
Ray Moses Drive
Aurora, IL 60505
Themed after mastodon bones once found in the area, this playground is on its own island! Cross the bridge to play on the playground and “excavate” mastodon bones built into a sand pit. The playground is also in the same area as Phillips Park Zoo.
Harvester Park, Burr Ridge
Harvester Park
15W400 Harvester Drive
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Harvester has a big sand area, a water feature, and a fun digging area where kids can find buried treasures built in (pictured above). Dress to get wet and sandy! Helpfully, there are bathrooms on-site.
Ty Warner Park, Westmont
Ty Warner Park
700 Blackhawk Drive
Westmont, IL 60559
Ty Warner is a huge park with a ton to do, including a big sand area with a train to play in! There is a big splash pad area (with a fee), plus picnic tables and a bathroom on-site, too.
Maryknoll Park, Glen Ellyn
Maryknoll Park
845 Pershing Avenue
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Maryknoll is another big park with lots of activities. In addition to the playground with its sand table, you can visit the splash pad (be aware there is a fee) or picnic at the shelter.
Veterans Memorial Park, Westmont
Veterans Memorial Park
55 E Richmond Street
Westmont, IL 60559
The sand is a little sparse nowadays, but there are still some sand toys at this playground, which also has a fun big ship to play on.
Walker Park, Burr Ridge
Walker Park
7425 S. Wolf Road
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
This park was just redone in 2021. Between the Challenge Course and playgrounds is a sand play area and swings. Click here to get all the details on the new features of this great park.
Crestview Park, Elmhurst
Crestview Park
245 Crestview Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Parking for Crestview Park is at the corner of Van Auden Street and Crestview Avenue.
Camera Park, Glendale Heights
Camera Park
101 E Fullerton Ave
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
Deicke Park Discovery Zone, Huntley
Deicke Park Discovery Zone
11419 S. Route 47
Huntley, IL 60142
This inclusive playground was designed for kids with many different abilities to play together! The sandpit has a water feature, a train slide, diggers, and sand toys. Check out Rita’s scoop on Deicke Park Discovery Zone.
Wilder Park, Elmhurst
Wilder Park
175 S Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
There’s a large sand area at Wilder Park, which is also situated next to Elmhurst Art Museum and the Wilder Park Conservatory.
Sunnyside Park, Wheaton
Sunnyside Park
1120 Coolidge Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60189
This neighborhood park has a big sand area with a train in addition to a larger playground with a soft, spongy surface.
Kelly Park, Wheaton
Kelly Park
1100 S Main Street
Wheaton, IL 60189
Atten Park, Wheaton
Atten Park
1720 Wiesbrook Rd S
Wheaton, IL 60189
Want to find out about more playgrounds?
Head to our Ultimate Guide to Playgrounds in the Western Suburbs. It has suggestions for every age group and type of park you are looking for!
