While the kids sit inside twirling their fidget spinners or hogging the tablet, there’s a big wide world of outdoor play waiting for them! If they’re feeling jaded about your neighborhood pocket park or backyard swing, we know how to get them excited about the playground again…
These Lake County playgrounds have risen to the top of our analytic charts. The profiles of these elite seven Lake County playgrounds have been viewed and shared by our readers thousands of times and have received the most views of any other playgrounds on our website. We’re guessing this means you like them.
So if you wanna be in with the in-crowd of on-the-go parents, these are the playgrounds where you want to see and be seen. Time to get your playground game on fleek.
# 7 Paulus Park, Lake Zurich
Paulus Park offers something for everyone from a skate park for the tweens to a splash pad and beach, oh and the playground is so cool even those that have previously shunned playgrounds as being for “little kids” will find themselves climbing around it.
Paulus Park
200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich
For more information, read our Paulus Park Profile.
Also featured in:
- Splash Pads & Spray Parks in Lake County {2017}
- Tween Beat: Skate Parks Lake County {2017}
- Top 5 Jaw-Dropping Playgrounds in Lake County
#6 Deerpath Park – Kids’ Castle, Vernon Hills
Kights and princess comes out to play in this imaginative playground that was re-built from the bottom up.
Deerpath Park
299 Onwentsia Road, Vernon Hills
For more information, read our Deerpath Park Profile.
Also featured in:
#5 Betty Russell Community Park, Gurnee
Whether your child wants to climb to great heights or prefers to conduct their own train this parks will suit them. There is large variety of structures and spaces to keep the whole family happy.
Betty Russell Community Park
5300 Pinewood Rd., Gurnee
For more information see our Betty Russell Playground Profile.
Also featured in:
- Mud-Free Playgrounds in Lake County
- Little Lake County’s Toddler-Approved Playgrounds
- Ultimate Train Lovers Guide for Kids in Lake County
Join us at Betty Russell this summer as we embark on our 2017 Playground Tour!
#4 Bowen Park, Waukegan
This park will have the kids gasping and running from the parking lot, for reals. The two story climbing structure spanning the upper and lower parks will make even the skeptical park goer jump in. There is also a splash pad and nature trails here.
Bowen Park
1800 North Sheridan Road, Waukegan
For more information see our Bowen Park Profile.
Also featured in:
- Splash Pads & Spray Parks in Lake County {2017}
- Tween Beat: Skate Parks Lake County {2017}
- Five Fun Places for Young Elementary-Age Kids
- Made in the Shade: Mostly Shaded Playgrounds in Lake County
- Top 5 Jaw-Dropping Playgrounds in Lake County
# 3 Garoon Gateway to Science, Lake Zurich
They’ll ooh, they’ll ahh, and they may even learn something too!
Garoon Gateway to Science
23280 N. Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich | 847-726-0800
Learn more about this unique attraction in Explore Science Outdoors at the Garoon Gateway to Science {Lake Zurich}
Garoon Gateway to Science is a private park on the Lake County JCC campus. They are open to the public only during special events, such as Summer Funfest on June 25, 2017. Be on the lookout for another public event in the Fall…
# 2 Warren Township Park, Gurnee
The largest park of all means everyone can find a place to have fun!
Warren Township Park
17801 W. Washington Street, Gurnee
More details in our Warren Township Park Profile.
Also featured in:
- Tween Beat: Skate Parks Lake County {2017}
- Paleo Playgrounds in Lake County
- Where Pint-Sized Pirates Play in Lake County
- Made in the Shade: Mostly Shaded Playgrounds in Lake County
- Top 5 Jaw-Dropping Playgrounds in Lake County
#1 Hastings Lake Park, Lake Villa
This park rose to the ranks of favorite the moment it opened its doors. From the imaginative landscape to the structures for all ages, not to mention the trails that are perfect for hiking!
Hastings Lake Playground
21155 W. Gelden Road, Lake Villa
For a full review read our Hastings Lake Park Profile.
Also featured in:
- Little Lake County’s Toddler-Approved Playgrounds
- Best Hikes for Little Hikers in Lake County
- Mud-Free Playgrounds in Lake County
And for our McHenry County friends? We haven’t forgotten about you! Check out our list of “Can’t-Miss Playgrounds” in Little McHenry County.
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