Paulus Park in Lake Zurich has been on our to-visit list for a long time. We frequently drive past this large park off Rand Road {Rte 12}, and finally, this summer, we made a point to stop and play. When we stopped, we had no idea that this was a brand new park (we were there just a few days before its grand opening), but my kids fell in love with it! We’ve been back twice, and they constantly ask to go back.
Paulus Park, Lake Zurich
This is a huge park complex that is home to:
- two large play structures with swings, rock walls, rope ladders, and more
- volleyball
- horseshoes
- beach – for swimming and fishing
- spray park/splash pad
- picnic areas and shelters
- skateboarding park
- walking/running paths
- sled hill
- concessions
It host lots of the village’s activities including:
- the weekly farmers market
- 4th of July Celebration
The playground is, as I said, brand new. Paulus Park has tons of places for kids to run around and explore. It’s all designed to look like trees and a treehouse. I loved that the smaller structure had so many ramps so my youngest one (15 months) could walk from one end to the other without climbing up and downstairs. It also had plenty of swings and lots of slides.
Unlike many new parks, it also had shade! It was clearly built into its surroundings and while we were there in the heat of the day there was still shade to escape to and the spray park (which we didn’t visit) was almost completely shaded! We plan on going back for sure for that fact alone.
On a follow-up visit, we played on the beach, both the non-swimming side (while we waited for it to open) and the main beach. The beach is a paid admission, but it was actually more affordable for me (1 adult and four kids) than most of our area pools. It was clean and guarded with a large umbrella and two flotations for kids to play on. The day we went was cool, so my kids mostly played in the sand and the waves right on the shore. If you have a wanderer, there are docks that the guards sit on; my little guy kept trying to climb on them over and over again. We will be back as this was probably the cleanest beach we have been to since moving to Lake County.
If you haven’t been to Paulus Park you want to add it to your summer bucket list! Note it is used for park district programs so at times the park had a lot of children in it, however, it never felt crowded and while we were there (mornings) they were not at the spray park/beach.
Paulus Park
200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich
Open Daily until Dusk, the flag at the entrance (Red – Closed Green- Open) will fly to notify you of beach status.
Amenities: Two large play structures, two sets of swing sets, rock walls, rope ladders, tree stumps for playing, picnic areas, concessions, spray park, beach, fields, skate park, volleyball, horseshoes, shelter
Shade: Moderate over the playground, Lots to completely over spray park, minimal on beach
Restrooms: yes, with changing areas and showers
Groundcover: woodchips
Good for: everyone
For Beach Day Dates, Rates, Hours of Operation, and Water Status visit the Village of Lake Zurich website.
See more photos from our visit to Paulus Park on our Facebook Page.
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