Looking for sliding, climbing, swinging fun? Go west! Whether you live in the western ‘burbs or are up for a quickie road trip, you’ll find a whole bunch of fantastic playgrounds there. Keep reading to discover nine cool choices. They’ve got everything from swooshing zip lines to water blasters to topsy-turvy climbing structures.

For Getting Loopy: Knoch Park - Naperville

Round, round, round you go on the colorful loop that encircles a rope web. With different sized holes and cutouts, kiddos have to try some fancy footwork. Even Spiderman never had this much fun! This park next to Naperville Central High School also has tall slides, climbing walls, ample swings and convenient restrooms.

724 W. West St.
Naperville
630-848-5000
Online: napervilleparks.org

For Playing All Day: Maryknoll Park - Glen Ellyn

The crowning glory of Glen Ellyn's oasis is the Adventure Playground, which will make any kid feel like Tarzan. It has a 75-foot-long zip line, net climbers, a treehouse and swings. Turn a playground romp into an entire day of fun by taking advantage of the adjacent splash park, mini golf course, disc golf course, bocce ball courts and horseshoe pit. You can also just bliss out around the nature ponds and large open grassy area. Because every little explorer deserves a break.

845 Pershing Ave.
Glen Ellyn
630-469-7888
Online: gepark.org

For a Tree House & Zip Line: Harvester Park - Burr Ridge

Playground Pointers

Known even to locals as a "special occasion park," Harvester has it all -- and then some. Climb inside the big gnarly faux tree and slide down before racing over to the mini zip line for a wild glide. The playground is massive and has all the family favorites. Unwind on the walking trails, cool off in the splash area or play in the sand. Phew!

15 W. 400 Harvester Dr.
Burr Ridge
630-920-1969
Online: brparks.org

For Water Play: Ty Warner Park - Westmont

Yelp

For a modest entrance fee, you get lots of bells and whistles ... plus mega water action. Your kids will go nuts on the soft-surface play area featuring water cannons, waterfalls, spray anchors and dumping buckets. For a break, spread out on the shaded picnic tables and grab an ice cream from the concession stand. Note: This spray park opens May 23 for the season.

801 Blackhawk Dr.
Westmont
630-963-5252
Online: wpd4fun.org

For Peace of Mind: Hudson Crossing Park - Oswego

The never-too-crowded Hudson Crossing Park lies on beautiful grounds where wagons and stagecoaches used to trundle by and cross the Fox River. Let the kids have the run of its playground, which has six slides, climbers, swings, a seesaw, spinners and a tot playhouse. Then take a walk or bike ride on the Fox River Trail bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Waubonsie Creek. As Red Tricycle reader, Beth, says, "We've caught many a crawfish under that bridge!"

65 N. Harrison St.
Oswego
630-554-1010
Online: oswegolandparkdistrict.org

For Two Playful Worlds: Katherine Legge Memorial Park - Hinsdale

A rainbow of colors draws you to the main playground -- a wonderland of monkey bars, slides, tunnels and climbing structures. But what will really turn your head is the adjacent “natural” playground. While not as flashy, it feels like a true wilderness adventure, thanks to wooden balance beams and stepping stones.

5901 S. County Line Rd.
Hinsdale
630-789-7090
Online: villageofhinsdale.org

For Farm Fun on Speed: Adventure Playground at Blackberry Farm - Aurora

The Fox Valley Park District’s scenic living-history museum is as active as it is educational. On the playground, which looks like a rustic farmstead, there are several multi-level buildings connected by climbing decks, slides, rope tunnels and catwalk-style bridges. Maze-like, but not claustrophobic, the layout prompts you to dash from one enticing environment to another. Swoosh down the tunnel slide from the yellow-shingled house. Climb through a suspended net to go from one barn building to another. Break away to glide on the zip line attached to a towering silo next to the playground. And that’s just the start.

100 S. Barnes Rd.
Aurora
630-892-1550
Online: foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

For Young Explorers: Proska Park - Berwyn

Karina A on Yelp

Picnic in a beautiful green grove before bolting to the toddler-friendly playground and children's garden. There is a small slide and climbing wall for younger kids. Taking a peaceful walk around the ponds will also do any family good.

3001 Wisconsin Ave.
Berwyn
708-795-2892
Online: berwynparks.org

For Musical Merriment: Longfellow Park - Oak Park

Playgrounds are usually loud, but this one has a catchy beat. The music-themed spot will make your mini rock star very happy, thanks to a drum set, xylophone and rhythmic scale. It even has notes blended into the synthetic surface. Of course you'll find diversions like a slide, tunnels and climbing bars, too. Hit it!

610 S. Ridgeland Ave.
Oak Park
708-725-2200
Online: pdop.org

Did we miss your favorite playground in the western ‘burbs? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Kelly Aiglon

 

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High-Voltage Playgrounds You HAVE To Try

7 Hidden Gem Playgrounds You Don’t Know Yet

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