Chicago Playground Preview: 10 You Need to See in 2015

Swinging, climbing and sliding season is just getting started — and there are so many places to jump into the action. Check out our "best" list, from hidden gems to beachfront paradises.

By rtmistielucht April 2, 2015

Yee-haw! Swinging, climbing and sliding season is just getting started — and there are so many places to jump into the action. Chicago has more than 500 playgrounds. And 77 will be rehabbed or built this year, thanks to Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Plays! program. Flip through our album to see our “best” list, from ginormous slides to beachside gems to great terrain for toddlers. And keep a lookout for our best of the suburbs picks, coming soon.

Best Themed Park: Sheil Park Playground

Sluggers, young and old, will enjoy the theme woven throughout this playground, a short walk from Wrigley Field. Baseball details adorn all the play structures, culminating with the large chalkboard scoreboard to track your fave team’s performance, or to just scribble happy faces. Find it at 3505 N. Southport Ave. in Lakeview. Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Others to inspire imagination:
Portage Park Playground: 4100 N. Long Ave., Portage Park
Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Playground: 3100 S. Lake Shore Dr., South Shore

Photo: Playground Pointers

What is YOUR favorite playground in Chicago? Let us know in the Comments!

— Mistie Lucht