This week I am going to review Norwood Park, which is part of the Chicago Park District. This happens to be one of my daughter’s favorite parks, but that may be largely due to the fact that we go there often. Norwood Park offers a number of classes, so we find ourselves making a stop at the playground almost every week after class.
The playground has one main structure with a lot of little “extras”. The main play structure has two double slides and two single slides, a tower with a steering wheel, monkey bars and some balancing elements attached with ropes so that they can sway back and forth a little bit. There is also an S shaped balance beam, adult and baby swings, and a merry-go-round (the kind where the kids sit facing the middle and someone pushes from the outside). There really isn't any part of the playground that my daughter doesn't like. She goes from one element to the next, enjoying each one as she goes.
There is a picnic table next to the playground along with a number of benches close by. I often see parents bringing a snack to the park for their kids to have after one of our classes. You can also find vending machines inside the fieldhouse along with indoor restrooms.
I will say that the playground area is not shaded and can get very hot very quickly, so it may be better to go earlier in the morning or later in the evening as opposed to in the heat of the day. The good news is that Norwood Park also has a pool with a water slide, which may be a better option when it’s hot outside. Do note that the pool is a normal depth, 6 lane lap pool. It is a great place to take your kids to cool off, but plan on going in the water with them. Also, make sure to check the pool schedule before you go as summer camps my affect open and family swim times.
Norwood Park also has a dog park, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and paved walking trails. There is a lot of open grassy area and shaded tree cover--just not over the playground.
Park Details:
- The park is located at 5801 N Natoma Ave, Chicago, IL 60631.
- The park is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. The Fieldhouse is open M - Th from 7 am to 9:30 pm, F from 7 am to 9 pm, & Sa - Su from 9 am to 5 pm.
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