This week we had the pleasure of visiting the newly renovated Wildwood Park, part of the Chicago Park District. This week's park was my choice, but it was also evident that it is a neighborhood favorite. On our way into the park, another child on his way out had to tell me how fun it is. Full disclosure, we were not there prior to renovations, so I can't compare the before and after, but I can tell you the after was definitely fun for all the kids we saw there. If you've never been to Wildwood Park, it is in the North Edgebrook neighborhood right next to Wildwood Elementary School and shares some of the same facilities.
Let's talk about the playground. Like many of the parks we have visited, there is an area for younger kids 2 - 5 years old and an area for older kids 5 - 12 years old. There is also a separate area with swings. The areas are divided by small fences and foliage, but all of the areas connect and you can easily to see from one area to another. The younger kids area has a main structure with a couple of slides, a tunnel and shorter monkey bars, along with a separate merry-go-round. It has town themed elements where kids can pretend they are at the police station, fire station, library or post office. In addition, there is a xylophone like instrument built into the climbing structure that my daughter thoroughly enjoyed playing. She was very comfortable in the younger kids area, and I was comfortable watching from one of the surrounding benches. The older kids area, of course, has more climbing and balancing elements including a mini climbing wall (which my 2 year old daughter mastered), a rope balance bridge and parallel bars. While we were there, some of the older kids were enjoying making an obstacle course throughout this area.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere at this park. The playground area is surrounded by trees and feels very much like a park, not just a playground. As I mentioned before, this park is obviously a neighborhood favorite. Many people walked or rode their bikes here. People walked their dogs though the park. And kids young and old enjoyed all of the areas of the playground. In many of the parks I've visited, my family and I have been the only ones there at times. Here that wasn't the case, but it didn't feel crowded either. There are plenty of benches for parents to sit on, along with a couple of picnic tables (snacks are recommended if you're not within walking distance). If the facilities aren't open, there is a port-a-potty in the park that can be used if need be.
In addition to the playground, Wildwood Park has baseball/softball fields, a football/soccer field, tennis and basketball courts and a gymnasium that is shared with Wildwood Elementary School. Most of their programming through the Chicago Park District is for kids, but they do have a couple of adult classes as well.
Park Details:
- Wildwood Park is located at 6950 N Hiawatha Ave, Chicago, IL 60646.
- The park is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm and the Fieldhouse is open Monday - Friday from 11 am to 8 pm (closed Saturday and Sunday).
- Street parking is available, and the Wildwood Elementary School lot can be used when school is not in session.
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