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Guide to Des Plaines

Parks

You need a reliable outdoor space to get some fresh air and clear your head.

Based on 456 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 shines with a serene lake view and massive colorful playground perfect for families. Jogging trails and sports courts invite active fun, while splash pads and grills support lively outdoor gatherings. Quiet, spacious lawns make it ideal for picnics and relaxation.

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 features mini-golf course and playground with climbing wall for fun. Spacious, shaded trails offer beautiful views for walking and relaxing. Indoor studios and a gym provide space for exercise and wellness activities.

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
Dee Park Recreation Center image 1

Outdoor space shines with multiple sports courts and a splash pad for all ages. Playgrounds feature swings and climbing frames for kids. Night games thrive under bright lighting, making it lively and welcoming.

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.

04
Majewski Metro Park image 1

Sports fields for soccer, softball, and baseball offer great play areas. Clean restrooms and well-maintained grounds make visits pleasant. Parking is usually ample but can get full or rough near some fields.

Cleanliness stands out with well-maintained grounds and clean restrooms. Plenty of parking makes access easy.

People are saying

"I found the parks here to be clean and well-maintained."

"I found plenty of parking available."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during busy times.

2

Restrooms are clean and accessible.

3

The gravel path to the upper field is bumpy and uneven.

05
Big Bend Lake image 1
Nature preserve

Calm lake with small fishes creates a peaceful spot for families. Large picnic shelter and ample parking make visits easy. Nearby trail suits biking and dog walking, adding to the park's open spaces and outdoor appeal.

Beautiful lake sits at the heart of the park. Open spaces invite visitors to enjoy the outdoors.

People are saying

"It's a peaceful Meditation Spot with calm waters."

"You can walk around the park near the lake."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at Big Bend Lake.

2

The area is suitable for biking and walking dogs.

3

There is a boat ramp for easy access to the water.

06
West Park image 1

Open green space features well-maintained sports courts like tennis and basketball, plus diverse playgrounds for all ages. Paths support walking and biking, while picnic zones invite social gatherings. Atmosphere stays pleasant and friendly, blending active fun with relaxation.

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.

07
Des Plaines Park District Administrative & Leisure Center image 1

Playground features nature and turtle themes that engage both preschoolers and older kids. Park fills with energy on weekends, making it a lively spot for families. Adding a fenced dog area could improve off-leash play options.

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.

08
Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center image 1

Spacious water park features a lazy river and exciting slides for all ages. Kids enjoy the splash pad with sand area in a clean, family-friendly setting. Lively atmosphere with a DJ and vigilant lifeguards ensures fun and safety.

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.

09
Arndt Park image 1

Small and quaint park with clean bathrooms and a new outdoor pool. Plenty of seating and covered areas make it perfect for family fun. Facilities are renovated and well-maintained, creating a comfortable space for all visitors.

Bathrooms stay clean here. The park offers everything needed for family fun and quality time.

People are saying

"I found the parks here great for bringing the kids."

Good to know

1

The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained throughout the park.

2

Lockers are available, but small locks are required for use.

3

The shower area has dividers for privacy.

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Des Plaines, Illinois

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