Verdict
Destinations
Attraction · Chicago

Maggie Daley Park

An imaginative free play park beside Millennium Park — climbing walls, a ribbon skating rink.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for

—

Depends
  • Families with kids
  • Anyone here to unwind
Not for
  • Travellers on a budget
  • If you've only got a day
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers

A skip for most travellers.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

The elaborate themed play gardens go far beyond a normal playground and reward an unhurried family visit.
Not independently verified — estimated
Free to enter, with only the skating and climbing rentals costing extra.
Not independently verified — estimated
It is squarely built for kids, so childless adults will pass through in ten minutes en route to the Bean.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • With kids

    A standout: the imaginative climbing and play structures can absorb children for hours.

  • Multigenerational

    Grandparents can sit by while kids roam the elaborate, fenced play gardens.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
Free (skate/climb rentals extra)
Time
1–2 hours
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Warm afternoons for the play gardens; winter for the skating ribbon.
Getting there
Just east of Millennium Park, linked by the BP pedestrian bridge; central Loop transit.
Accessibility
Flat, accessible paths and an inclusive play design.
Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

directly adjacent — they share a footbridgeanother free family draw, with animals
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Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →