Maggie Daley Park is an amazing play land for kids built right into downtown Chicago. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Chicago, this should be at the top of your list along with Millennium Park. The 20-acre park includes the really cool Play Gardens, ice skating, rock climbing, miniature golf, and more. This Chicago attraction will not disappoint and will make a truly memorable family day out. Follow along with my family guide on things to do, where to park, eat and more family friendly tips to Maggie Daley Park.
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Maggie Daley Park Chicago – Best Things to Do with Kids
Maggie Daley Park Parking and How to Get Here
The park is located right off Lake Shore Drive and east of Millennium Park. If you are coming from Millennium Park, just walk over the beautiful Silver BP pedestrian bridge which connects the two parks. You can also enter the park off of Monroe Street and off of Randolph Street.
Maggie Daley Park Address: 337 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60605
Maggie Daley Parking
The closest garage parking for Maggie Daley is the Millennium Lakeside Parking garage located under the park. You can also park in the Millennium Park Garage or the Grant Park North and Grant Park South Garages. I would decide on which parking location based on how you will be spending the rest of your day in Chicago. You do get a discount if you pre-pay for your parking spot in these garages. To find out more about prices, addresses, and hours, follow this link. (here)
Millennium Lakeside Parking Address: 5 South Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Metra, “L”, or Bus
Public Transportation is another great way to get to this park and save some money as parking can get pretty expensive. I have found my kids love to ride the train and city bus. They think it’s all part of the adventure of going to the city. Due to the location of the park, it’s pretty easy to walk from all these forms of transportation.
If you take the Metra train, the downtown stations have staff that can help point you in the right direction to walk. They can also help you purchase bus tickets in case the kids are too tired for the walk back to the train.
Things to Do in Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park
Play Garden
The Play Garden is the star of this park. There are six different play areas for the kids to explore, climb, run, and jump. The 12,000 square foot Slide Crater for kids ages 5-12 is filled with all different types of slides, towers, bridges and more to discover. My kids also love the Enchanted Forest with a mirror maze or the huge light house tower to climb and slide down. There is also a splash area for younger children.
You could definitely spend a couple of hours in this play area. Each section does have signs with recommended ages to give you a better idea of what works for your kids.
Tip: The Play Garden can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. I would try and visit during the week if you can. Also, the kids will be climbing all over and can be hard to keep track of while playing. I would suggest putting your kids in bright color so you could spot them as they run around.
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Instead of skating in a boring oval rink, check out this cool ice rink that looks like a ribbon cutting through the park landscape. The best part is that it’s free, there is no admission fee. When it’s not cold enough for ice, kids can use roller blades or scooters to skate around so it’s a great spot any time of year.
There is a snack/hot chocolate stand located right off the Ribbon path called Rink Café which you can enter and leave when you want a break. If you need to rent ice skates, roller blades, or a scooter, you can rent them for a fee in the Field House located next to the Skating Ribbon.
Maggie Daley Park Rock Climbing Wall
Maggie Daley Park has over 19,000 square feet of custom designed rocks and boulders which creates an awesome rock-climbing park. Located inside the skating ribbon, the sections are divided for beginner climbers and more experienced climbers. Children must be at least 4 years old and fit in the harness to climb. Equipment for climbing can be rented at the Field House located next to the Skating Ribbon.
To find more information on pricing, hours, and rules, click on this link (here)
You Family will love the Chicago Shedd Aquarium too! Check it out: Chicago Shedd Aquarium | Family Tips and Things to Do
Maggie Daley Park Miniature Golf
Located on the southwest end of the park is an 18-hole miniature golf course. What’s makes this miniature golf course different is that it features many replicas of iconic Chicago buildings. This adds a fun spin to this family friendly game.
Movies in the Park
Maggie Daley Park host free kids’ movies in the park every summer. Spend the day exploring the park and stay for the movie.
Millennium Park
Want to make it a full family day out? Then head over to Millennium Park before or after going to Maggie Daley Park. The two are connected by the BP Bridge which makes it an easy walk for the family. To learn more about what there is to do in Millennium Park with kids, read my article Millennium Park Chicago | What to do with Kids
Tips for a Day out at Maggie Daley Park
Field House
You will find more than just the rental equipment for the Skating Ribbon in the Field House. Here you will find nice bathrooms for your families as well as rental lockers, vending machines, and a refillable water station. Lastly, you will find any class events, camps or programs in this facility. There is a desk when you walk in where you can ask questions about Chicago events and activities.
Bathrooms
There are no bathrooms in the Play Garden area and so keep this in mind when taking younger children. You will need to walk over to the Field House.
Food/Snacks
There is a snack stand called Rink Café located next to the Ribbon on the south side. They have snacks, hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream. There are some picnic tables located by this snack stand and an easy exit off the Skating Ribbon.
You will also find Vending machines in the Field house. If you want something more, take a walk over to Millennium Park to find more food choices or the restaurants in the surrounding city area.
Related Chicago Article: Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo | What to Know Before You Go
Picnic Groves
Looking to save some money? Bring a picnic lunch to the park. There are four picnic grove areas located on the east side of the park with picnic benches. You could also bring a blanket and have a seat in the many open grassy areas.
I love this picnic blanket and take it wherever I go with the kids. It’s great for a picnic or watching a movie in the park.
Need a cooler to keep your picnic lunch cold? Check out the cooler I use on all our family excursions. It has a great strap to make it easy to carry and space on the outside for your water bottles, too.
Maggie Daley Park Map
Want a map of the park? Click on this link to download a map. (here)
Are you ready now for a great family day out at Maggie Daley Park? I hope these tips and things to do help prepare you for a fun day out. If you learn any new tips or have questions, please let me know in the comments.
Want to save more money visiting Chicago?
While Maggie Daley is a free park much of the city is not. If you are visiting the city and plan to go to several of these attractions look into purchasing a CityPASS. The CityPASS bundles together the price to visit 5 Chicago attractions over a 9-day period and saves you up to 51% on admission fees. Plus you’re a VIP and get to skip the lines in many of the museums. It’s a great deal for tourists. Learn more by clicking Save 51% on Chicago’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!
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Looking for more ideas for things to do with families in Chicago? Check out these family friendly Chicago locations.
