This is my kids' favorite park, 10/10! The main attraction is a huge rocket ship that they can…read moreclimb in all sorts of different ways, and it has great slides too. There's also a separate play area for younger kids, which is perfect if you have little ones. One of the coolest features is a spinning swing where you sit on a rope and hold on while it takes you around in a circle. It's so much fun! We could spend hours here and the kids never want to leave!!

This is a super cool playground in Highland Park. My children had a blast running around the three…read moreseparate playgrounds. I even took a nice long walk around the park. I also saw a dedicated area for skateboarding. The restrooms were clean.

If you're looking for more indoor fun this winter this review is specifically for the treehouse. I…read morewas a bit worried about the crowd factor on a chilly Saturday morning but my twosome had the company of only q few other kids. At first look my daughter said "this is amazing!" And I thought "nice! $3 (per child) well spent." Main attractions for my children included a little playhouse (where they probably spent most of their time) and of course a huge ball pit. They technically don't allow kids under 3 in the ball pit but since there weren't many kids around didn't seem to mind my 2 yr old was there. Then again I understand the age requirement because having to recuse him from the balls over and over again proved to be annoying. Be sure to check their website* for their hours but they are typically open: Mon/Wed/Fri: 9:15-11am Tues/Thurs: 3-5pm Sat: 10am-12pm It's also a very popular and affordable spot for BDAY parties. * http://www.deerfieldparks.org/parks-facilities/jewett-park-community-center/tree-house/

We travel for play parks. For reals, people! Parks can get boring after a while. The same park over…read moreand over and over again. So when a friend put together a play date here, I cried out "Sign me up!" And boy we were not disappointed. The park actually has several sections to it -- two toddler/infant playgrounds that were gated. (We didn't spend any time here so I can't comment.) It has a baseball field and then the big playground, which is where we spent time. As a mom, I appreciated the picnic benches in the shade as well as clean (yes CLEAN) bathrooms. The playground was impressive. There were a huge merry-go-round with ropes you could climb up as well. It was pretty freaking cool! And you don't see those things that often anymore. Which makes me sad and makes me old all at the same time. But the killer was the slide/fort monstrosity that any kid would go ape over. You just gotta check out the photo for yourself. There are two incredibly long curly cue slides. My kids could have run up and slid down all day. But then the structure is made like a fort with a full deck at the top. And it's covered so no one gets sunburned. Kids banded together and before I knew it, there were about ten boys playing pirates. I felt like I was watching a rendition of Lord of the Flies but thankfully everyone survived. This park is worth a little drive to wear out the kids!

I recently visited Lake Potawatomi and really enjoyed my time there. It's a peaceful place to relax…read moreand take in the scenery, whether you're going for a walk, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors. The lake is well maintained, and the surrounding area is clean and inviting. One of my favorite parts was how quiet and relaxing it felt. There are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view, and it's a great place to spend some time in nature. The walking paths around the lake make it even better, and I saw plenty of wildlife while I was there. Overall, Lake Potawatomi is a beautiful place to visit if you're looking for a relaxing outdoor escape. It's well worth a stop, and I'll definitely be coming back.

Although Potawatomi Woods is not huge by comparison to other local preserves, it has a nice charm…read moreto it. This location has all the basic features such as areas to fish or boat, as well as paths for walking, hiking, and bicycling. There's also a grove available for picnics. Parking typically isn't too difficult and people are generally spread out fairly well across the woods, so you can enjoy a casual stroll without worrying about feeling crowded. These woods have a good variety of natural features that make it a great place to take pictures of the fall colors. If you have the right lenses, there's a nice variety of birds that can be photographed -- or possibly deer, rabbits, and other wildlife. Overall, it's amazing to have such a beautiful area in the middle of the busy suburbs. Definitely worth a visit if you live in this area and want to enjoy some natural beauty.

Great park! It was our first time there and the kids had a blast. There's so much to do, lots of…read moreclimbing, musical instruments to play with, and overall a really great playground!! There's even a skate park right up ahead for older kids. We spent a long time there and the kids never got bored. Definitely a fun spot and one we'll be coming back to!

Prior to the Covid shut down, Jewett Park was in the midst of a significant overhaul. All projects…read morecame to a halt, but they've since finished the new skate park. It's new and smooth! For a little background information, this skate park is one of few poured concrete skate facilities in the state that are open to the public. The Vernon Hills skatepark is another one I've been to. This park is 11,000SF with one bowl, a vert quarter pipe, ledges, and rails. There's a hangout area that *had* benches, but the benches were most likely taken away to help avoid gathering and encourage social distancing. There are currently no benches or designated places to sit. There is no shade, so wear your sunscreen! In case you didn't already know from my other skate park reviews, I'm a mom of two boys who take their scooter riding very seriously. I've been to my fair share of skate parks, and Jewett has now been added to our rotation. However, the boys don't go here as much as I had hoped, because it gets pretty crowded.

Bring on the heat! And if it gets too hot you'll likely find me and a kiddo or two here. I was…read moreafraid to come here on a hot Saturday thinking I'd lose my 3 year old among the crowds, but surprisingly it wasn't too crowded. My daughter had a blast here. As soon as we pulled out she said "wow...this is watertastic!" Indeed it was "watertastic." We walked right by the big pool, which I was hoping she wouldn't want to go in since a) I didn't want to get in the water myself and b) I don't think it was actually open. Instead she made her way to the playground complete with water squirters, slides, etc. She loved it all with the exception of the bigger tunnel that scared her a bit. Personally I'm anti tunnel slides too since there's likely very dirty inside. Ick. We probably spent the majority of the time in the very shallow wading pool. She had a blast splashing around...and I loved watching from the side of the pool (with my feet in the water). The only issue was that she loved the slide in the wading pool too much and after sliding down it 85 times her tush was a bit sore later that day (from the landing pad). It's truly a perfect place to bring toddlers and I can't wait to bring my 1 1/2 yr old along with next time. And the way it's setup I think I may actually be able to manage 2 kids on my own here, which I can't say of most places outside of my basement. "Watertastic!"

Great pool but essential to have bathroom facilities open when splash pad is open. This is a state…read morerequirement.

Did you know Highland Park is well know for all it's beautiful parks in and around the entire city?…read moreTiny community parks in neighborhoods, big parks with covered areas near the downtown and patchy grass walks hidden around town. Don't let the website link fool you into thinking this park is still under construction, because I'm pretty sure it's complete... and it's fabulous! We used to come here when the kids were smaller. The play structures were pretty scrappy. I remember the sand was dirty and loaded with hornet looking flying thingies, it used to be super buggy, but the plus side was always the spinning climbing toys. There are still have cool kid spinning structures, but they got a facelift, and we're so excited because we can officially still call this park *the spinning park*. Pluses: - Brand spanking new climbing structures - Different areas for different ages - A running track around the park - A ginormous field for outdoor field sports - It's usually pretty quiet and unpretentious here - It's a nice neighborhood park at the end of a street Minuses: - Not a lot of covered picnic areas, unless I just didn't see them - Nothing else I can think of - Street parking only near the play area What a lovely place to bring the kiddos.

This is a really nice park, that's at the South end of the Sherwood Forest subdivision. It's not…read morethe fanciest park in Highland Park, but it still has its charm and a good number of amenities. Their crushed-limestone path is a great trail for running. It's very even, stays firm even after a rain, and is easy on the joints. There are water fountains along the trail, and at the playgrounds. There are two playgrounds, one suited for younger children, and the other suited for older kids. Between them are a number of benches and tables to park strollers, eat, or hang out. The shelter isn't fancy, but the bathrooms are clean and they have an overhang to protect you from the rain. The baseball diamond is pretty plain, but is fine for a quick pickup game. The two full basketball courts are in good condition, as are the backboards and rims (though they take the nets off during the winter). There appear to be no parking at the north entrance, so you'll have to park along the south end and walk to the park area. The only lights are at the shelter, so you'd best head out before dusk. Early in the spring, sometimes the park district forgets to tend to the grounds as often, and it can become overrun with dandelions and tall grass, but they often get to it after a few days. Mooney park is probably my favorite park in the Sherwood Forest area (with Cloverdale Park a close second).

I probably shouldn't be giving this away as this sport has gotten way popular but this is a Great…read morepark for pickle ball. They actually have 2 pickle courts and 1 tennis court that's capable of playing pickle with the pickle ball lines in them. There's also available basketball court and some benches for picknickers. Most people (I say most) have been respectful of the court availability and are courteous to each other. We probably ran into only 1 Karen and let's hope that was a rarity around here.

This park is at the end of my block. We walk/roll down here regularly. The tennis courts got turned…read moreinto pickleball courts. There is a basketball court and a huge park. There's a big open field and lots of parking. There are also two water fountains.

I remember taking all kinds of after school / summer arts, crafts, and sports activities here as a…read morekid, decades ago. Having seen inside the building, it hasn't changed a whole lot. Having been converted from a school that was built in the late 1950s,heavily renovated in the late 1970s, and only minor renovations in the 80's to present day; the building still appears in excellent condition. They host a number of Park District activities mostly for children, and some adult activities, as well as a number of all-ages events in the adjacent park. They also rent out rooms for community activities and private events, though the Highland Park Park District website. In the winter, the building is toasty warm though a teensy bit drafty near some of the windows (specifically those facing the park - maybe they're older?). In the summer, it seems like the place can get a little warm, as the AC seems to struggle a little. Still, the building is relatively comfortable for its age, and all the facilities are well maintained. The adjacent park - West Ridge Park - is very nice. There is a 0.4 mile (0.64 km) asphalt track that circles the park, with additional paths leading towards Red Oak Elementary School and surrounding city sidewalks. The parking lot is in great shape, has plenty of spots, and drains nicely. Accessible parking is near the West Ridge building. The playfields are pretty nice, though seem to flood a little bit during the rainy season. During the peak of the youth baseball, softball, and soccer season the field seems to stay dry enough. In early spring and fall, it can get a little muddy. The track also can get flooded in some spots, so walk carefully after a heavy rain. In the summer, you probably should wear a good mosquito repellent - West Ridge Park seems to have more mosquitos than other parks in the area (Woodbridge Park on Barberry Rd. or Devonshire Park at Devonshire Ct. and Winthrop Rd.), but not as bad as Larry Fink. During several weeks out of the year, Canadian geese like to chill here. I wouldn't recommend saying 'hello,' they can be a little aggressive. I frequently see whitetail deer roaming around as well. There's a playground that has equipment for 3 ~ 12 years of age, with benches around it so parents can comfortable supervise. The play area is pretty far from the parking lot, which is nice for some peace of mind, but - because there's only a little bit of cover - means you should keep an eye on the sky for rain. There are two or three water fountains around the park, a pet bag dispenser, and numerous garbage & recycling cans. There are a few porta-potties, and the park district will add more whenever there are events like movie night at the park. Aside from a few lights in the parking area, and alongside the building, the park isn't lit - best to head out before dusk. West Ridge Center offers a lot to residents of Highland Park, especially grade school to high school age kids. If you live in the area, I suggest checking out all the programs and activities they offer. Even you don't participate, the park is a nice feature for anyone needing a little time outdoors.

This is a review of the West Ridge walking/running path. During this mandatory stay-at-home order,…read moreit's still essential and okay to take a walk and get some fresh air. My hubby has been doing a great job of pushing us out the door to get a two mile walk in as often as possible. Yesterday we were about 30+ minutes away from a rain shower, so I suggested taking a walk closer to home. The truth is, the path is nothing fancy, the cement is a little bit cracked in a couple of areas, but it sure does the trick. This path is .4 miles all the way around, and it's small enough that you can keep your eye on the starting post for when you need to count your laps. There is onsite parking. It never seems crowded. It's flat and a little monotonous, but it gets the job done! Great little neighborhood walking path.

Wood Oaks Green Park is one of my favorite parks in Northbrook! It offers something for every…read moreseason and every age -- tennis, softball, soccer, pickleball, a large sled hill, fishing at beautiful man-made Lake Shermerville, an extensive playground, picnic areas, and a scenic 1.25-mile trail around the park. Everything is very well maintained. When our daughter was little, my husband used to bring her to sled on the hills here whenever there's enough snow, and they always had so much fun. Nowadays, we come here mostly for the scenic walking and jogging trail. I especially love the picturesque Lake Shermerville that offers great photo opportunities. When the natural lighting and cloud formation cooperate, the sky becomes an ever-changing canvas with its artistic reflections casting on water. Those pictures are truly gifts from heaven! One of our most unforgettable experiences here happened on a chilly night in May two years ago, when we actually witnessed the northern lights from the sled hill! Who would have imagined that we could see the aurora right here in our own neighborhood? While waiting for the lights to appear, our family spent time together stargazing. It was such a beautiful and memorable evening. My husband, Alex L., captured some magnificent photos, which you can also find in his 5-star review of the park. A big thank you to the Northbrook Park District for taking such good care of Wood Oaks Green Park and the Northbrook's other parks. We are happy to see our tax dollars being put to good use and to have such wonderful parks for our community to enjoy.

The older grand-darling's softball team practices here and has their away games at this nice park…read more They have two softball fields, an east field and a west field. They are very well maintained, as are all Northbrook parks we have found. The park also has tennis courts, several soccer fields, and a renowned sledding hill that happens to be directly adjacent to the west field. The park is located adjacent to the Wood Oaks Junior High School, so there may be school activities ongoing depending on when you're there. Pro-tip for whomever - if you're going to the west field, check the map, and go onto Walters Ave to get to a very close by but smallish parking lot for that field. Otherwise, the next available parking is near the east field which is maybe 1300 ft to the east. Big thumbs up!

In the past year or two, the Park District of Highland Park have stepped up and taken much better…read morecare for Sherwood Park. Previous summers; the main field would be more dandelion than grass, and the Deerfield Rd. embankment would be an overgrown mess. In the past two summers, these issues were tended to much better. As a result, the park has been much more usable. The ground crews must have used a good weed & feed type of product, as the dandelions were mostly gone and the turf grew in MUCH stronger. Before, especially in lower areas that used to fill up as muddy puddles during a modest shower, the grass would tear easily. Now, the grass seems to be deeper rooted, and holds up to vigorous use by two-legged and four-legged kids (and kids-at-heart). When it rains, puddles still form in several spots (particularly in the center of the park), but they aren't muddy. The puddles even drain better. Along the east edge of the park, the Deerfield Rd. embankment - which is fenced off - is far less overgrown. It still has wild plant growing, but isn't as out of control. It also seems like they may have adjusted the pitch of the earth in some spots, as there is no longer standing water near the fences. the past two summers have seen fewer mosquitoes due to the weather, but I feel the above changes will further reduce mosquitoes in the park during hotter and more humid summers going forward. Holes in the fence must have been patched up sometime last fall, and there's an repaired backstop in the northeast corner. The playground equipment they installed a few years back were all premium gear. They've help up nicely to the elements, and still look absolutely brand new. It helps that they were regularly being cleaned, prior to COVID-19. They were roped off for a few months, but are back in use. As a result of COVID-19, I see park crews cleaning them fairly often, and the garbage & recycling cans emptied just as often. All of this attention and effort by the Highland Park Park District have improved the usability of Sherwood Park. The playground is still the nicest feature - excellent equipment, plenty of seating, stroller parking, garbage cans, tables, and soft padding all around. It's been a great destination to groups with younger kids. The improvements to the field and surrounding area have also made the rest of the park more useful. You can now run around on the field, without worrying about kicking up a storm of dandelion puffs or getting all muddy. I had previously scored this park 3 stars, but I'm now inclined to give it 4 stars (I have to grade on a curve, because of its proximity to even nicer parks like Mooney Park, Cloverdale, and Sunset Woods).