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Kid-friendly parks in Des Plaines

A day at the park is better when the kids have space to run and play.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Lake Park image 1
Lake Park image 2
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City park

City park offers a serene lake view and spacious playgrounds with unique climbing features. The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing, ideal for picnics and family outings. Amenities include splash pads, grills, and water activities, supporting a variety of outdoor interests.

Plenty of grills, benches, and a splash park make it easy to spend time with kids. The playground and splash pad provide solid entertainment for young children.

A stunning lake anchors the park, surrounded by well-manicured lawns and pristine walking paths. It offers a massive, colorful playground, sports courts, jogging trails, and plenty of grills and benches for picnics and relaxation.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly spot with a newly built playground."

"It's a beautiful, quiet place to relax by the lake."

"The parks have a massive, colorful, and new playground for kids."

Good to know

1

Visitors must use the park's grills, which are often unclean.

2

The park features a paved walking trail suitable for biking and walking.

3

There are bathrooms available throughout the park.

02
Prairie Lakes Park image 1

Park offers spacious, shaded areas with scenic views and a variety of family-friendly amenities including pools, playgrounds, and sports courts. Atmosphere stays calm and safe, suitable for exercise and relaxation. Facilities include indoor studios and a gym, supporting diverse activities.

A splash pad offers water play but is fairly small. Kids aged 0-13 find plenty to do running around and enjoying the space. A rental facility hosts events like birthday parties.

Offers a mini-golf course, batting cages, and a playground with slides, swings, and a climbing wall. Includes a pool, sauna, clean showers, and public restrooms. Trails provide nice walking paths with beautiful views** and shaded areas.

People are saying

"You can play disc golf, volleyball, or mini-golf at these parks."

"It's a great place for kids to play and have fun."

"The scenery here is beautiful and serene."

Good to know

1

The pavilion area can be rented for private events like birthday parties.

2

Public restrooms are available in the community center near the park.

3

Parking is ample and free for all visitors to the park.

03
Des Plaines Park District Administrative & Leisure Center image 1

Playground features nature and turtle themes with structures suited for preschool-aged children and appeal to older kids as well. Busy atmosphere on weekends creates a lively environment. Suggestions include adding a separate fenced dog area for off-leash play.

Play structures suit preschool-aged children well and older kids enjoy the playground too. The new children's park offers a fantastic space, and the Spanish Immersion preschool provides a strong early learning experience.

A new playground with a nature and turtle theme stands out for kids of all ages. The park gets busy on weekends and offers a fun spot for children to play.

People are saying

"The playground is super cool and kid friendly for all ages."

"The new playground is fantastic for kids of all ages."

Good to know

1

The park features a new playground designed for preschool-aged children.

2

There is a separate fenced area for dogs to go off-leash.

3

Expect the park to be busy on weekends, especially Saturdays.

04
Dee Park Recreation Center image 1

Outdoor space includes multiple sports courts, a splash pad, and playgrounds with swings and climbing frames. Lighting enhances night games, creating a lively atmosphere. The area draws crowds on nice days and offers ample parking and a community-focused vibe.

Swings and climbing frames provide play structures for kids. Cricket classes offer organized activities for children.

A splash pad and multiple courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball, and football offer diverse activities. The park includes a track, field, playgrounds, and an outdoor workout area with ongoing recreation events.

People are saying

"It's a really kid-friendly park with swings and climbing frames."

"The parks have playgrounds and swings for kids."

Good to know

1

There is ample parking available at the recreation center.

2

The park features a splash pad, track, field, and outdoor workout area.

3

The restrooms are fairly clean and presentable.

05
West Park image 1

Open green space offers well-maintained sports courts and diverse playgrounds for all ages. Atmosphere stays pleasant and friendly with areas for both active recreation and relaxation. Paths support walking and biking, while picnic zones invite social gatherings.

Play areas include a small section for toddlers and a larger playground for older kids. Built-in musical instruments add fun for children on the play structures.

Excellent tennis and basketball courts stand out alongside well-maintained playgrounds for toddlers and older kids. The park offers clean, green spaces with picnic areas and walking trails for both relaxation and active outdoor fun.

People are saying

"It's really Kid Friendly with play areas for all ages."

"It's a great relaxing spot for sports and outdoor activities."

"The park's playground has fun equipment for kids of all ages."

Good to know

1

The concerts on Thursday at West Park are free and open to everyone.

2

The park has great facilities for basketball, tennis, and baseball.

3

Parking at West Park is generally easy to find.

06
Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center image 1

Spacious water park offers lazy river, exciting water slides, and a kids splash pad with sand area. Atmosphere is lively with a DJ playing mixed music genres and crowds typical during peak times. Lifeguards monitor all areas, ensuring safety for families and children.

A gated splash area keeps little ones safe with minimal drowning risk. Plenty of options like water slides, a lazy river, and a kid-friendly zone make it easy to keep kids entertained and close by.

Plenty of activities for all ages keep everyone entertained. The park stays clean and uncrowded, making it easy to watch kids in a family-friendly setting.

People are saying

"This water park is so much fun with great slides and a lazy river."

"It's so much fun for all ages here."

"The kids had a blast and loved the slides."

Good to know

1

Admission is $40 for one hour, which may feel expensive for families.

2

You cannot reserve a spot in advance, so expect to wait in line.

3

If you leave the park, re-entry requires waiting in line again.

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Des Plaines, Illinois

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