While lost, and trying to find Warren Township Park, I stumbled upon Ravinia Woods Park in Gurnee. Even with the knowledge that it was 60 degrees in February, which brings out even the introvert parents, I regarded the number of families at the park as a sign it was one of the good ones.
I pulled into the small parking lot and quickly found a spot because this neighborhood park seemed to be close enough for many families to reach by bike or on foot.
This park has something for every age, and things I haven’t seen at parks before. For example, two short climbing walls form the sides of a play tent, keeping it both charming and functional. There are rainforest-themed play structures, one for younger children, which is also wheelchair-accessible, and one for older children.
There is a medium-sized spider web and another rope wall to climb, as well as wiggly steppers.
There are four slides for the bigger kids, one double toddler slide, and one single slide.
Sit at the covered picnic area and watch your older kids swing on one of the three regular swings, push your younger ones on one of the two bucket swings, or push your child with a disability on the accessible swing.
Take a seat on one of the many half-wall seating areas while your older child spins with delight on a giant metal dreidel, or spin your younger child in the bucket spinner that every kid seems to love.
This park features a recycled rubber floor, along with a cement surround and artificial grass.
If you want to make your trip to the park a workout, bring your basketball and play on one of the two half-courts that are grouped in with the playground and the covered picnic area, or you can go for a run with or without the kids around the park. If you’re looking for something to do as a family, bring a soccer ball or glove and baseball and play a few games on the soccer field.
This park also features a recycling container which always catches my eye and makes me happy. So next time you’re looking for a fun, new park that won’t be muddy, consider this one!
Ravina Woods Park
985 Ravinia Drive, Gurnee
Have you been to Ravinia Wood Park? What is your family’s favorite activity there?
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