My 2 year-old and I LOVED this playground (and the pun in the name is just amazing)!…read more When you walk in, you're immediately greeted with a shaded parent area. This is great if you have older kids, but since there are two (that I saw) other entrances, it's still best to follow behind younger kids if you want to make sure they don't leave the park. There is an area called Tot Lot for toddlers, which is a scaled-down version of the rest of the park with baby swings, smaller slides, climbing structures, mounted instruments, etc. We spent some time here, but my son was really drawn to the main playground. The main area is truly a wonderland for littles. With ramps, slides, swings, ropes, obstacles, and a zip line, there is never a dull moment. We visited on a day that was about 90 degrees, so there were only 1-2 other families with us at a time, but the kids that were there all gathered in the shade beneath the main structure. There was fun to be had even under there, with the different ceiling heights and areas making playing tag or hide & seek a blast for everyone. Personally, my favorite part was the large, adult-sized swing (I regretfully did not get a photo... because I was on it the whole time!). It's a standalone swing that is supported by 4 cables. The actual seat is so comfortable it makes me wonder why all playgrounds don't have these! I imagine it's truly for older kids with different abilities, but on a slow day it was my perch. I could see the whole park, including under the main structure and 2/3 entrances, so I just enjoyed the breeze while my son played tag with his new friends. There is also a picnic area and restroom building that looked nice from far away, but we did not check them out. The whole place seems very structurally sound and well-maintained. I was positive it must be brand new because of the quality, so imagine my surprise on the way out when I noticed it had last been renovated in 2014 (11 years ago). Overall, if I could give this playground 10 stars I would. Great job, Valparaiso!

This is likely one of the best playgrounds that we have recently visited…read more We arrived early on a Sunday morning before it got busy. The vast playground has a rubbery ground and is consisted of a section for young toddlers and a larger area for older children. We have two young, energetic daughters so we gained quite a bit of steps in chasing after them as they kept running between the different play areas. I am under the impression that either everything is brand new or incredibly well-maintained. The playground equipment appear to be high-end with exceptional diversity and quality. There are several wooden structures, multi-level jungle-gyms, swings, climbing structures, slides, monkey bars with different height levels, and zip line. Several themes were highlighted in the play spaces too - from fire trucks to solar systems to Vikings. There was never a dull moment in the two hours that we spent there.

My kids really enjoyed the playground. The grounds were well kept and the surrounding area was…read morenice, too. Super easy to get to and parking was very close to the play equipment.

Nice huge park next to the library and train station. Multiple fields for sports. Large playground…read morefor ages 5-12. This is not a good playground for small children as most of it is tailored toward Kids not toddlers and the slides that are there are too quick and somewhat dangerous for small little ones. The park is decorated "freedom" style as the name suggests and has real sized piece of a train and tank for decoration along with everything being red white and blue. A big downside is it was littered with trash- water bottles, fast food cups, fast food bags, straws- it was a mess all over especially around the playground

Beautiful beach bordering the Induana dunes. Twe came here on Juneteenth and thr beach had families…read moreand groups of friends, allowed tents and small grills. It's a no frills beach with soft dune sand and a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline

A great park with amenities for a picnic, a hike, a beach adventure and for just listening to the…read morewaves. We found parking quickly and we're able to download the app and pay for an hour to sit and have our picnic lunch near the water. They had plenty of pavilions and tables for eating, as well as benches along the paths. We loved the various play equipment and options for families and especially the green spaces right next to the dunes. Something for everyone! We only saw portapotties, so that might be the only small issue but we were also there before the official start of the season. A fun spot and will definitely return when in the area!

Located on 58th Street and Kostner near a school, this tranquil park hosts a playground, a baseball…read morefield, a tennis court, and a volley ball area. Nearby is the school's popular soccor field. A soaring airplane occasionally drops by. The mornings are full of walkers and joggers in small groups. The late afternoons and early evenings have families using the amenities of the park. Bikers and skate boarders get their exercise too. Most people are respectful by wear masks and keeping their distance. The trees in the park are amazing. Throughout the year the trees provide shade and shelter to the birds and squirrels. In the fall the trees change colors. This is a nice park to visit.

The fresh scent of cut grass restores the spirit. Summer begins when they turn on the sprinklers…read more Stepping from baked hot concrete into the cold wet spray of the basin sends a shock. Running wet, into the sandbox, to make sand shoes. The soft applause of trees when the breezes brush through the leaves. Good Humor ice cream for a quarter. The tang of jet fuel being pumped at Midway. That siren every Tuesday at 10 (or 10:30?) a.m. The smell of fresh oil on the bike chain. The field of green turning yellow with dandelions, then white. Those puffy things got everywhere. Fall and winter were ok too. Ha! Edit: Forgot the Southside pronunciation... Pasture. Let's goda Pasturepark.

It is a beautiful park for family reunions and class reunions and to have kids' birthday partyread more

Soooooo Many Childhood Memories! WOW! Im scared the lakes condition is too terrible to take my…read morechildren but I'm gonna take my chances & try them out one day soon

Love this park. It's so much better than the ones I'm use to going (St. John for example). It has…read morenot only tennis court, but a baseball field, enough grassy area for soccer practice, playground activities such as slides, climbers, swings, see-saw, including bbq grills, picnic tables, and gazebos. The only flaw I had was that there's no bathrooms for my 4.5 year old to go potty. It's a good thing she held it till we got to the closest McDonald's on Main St. Overall ... a great place for family get togethers and parties ;)

Love this park! Close to home and it's got a nice soft terrain under the jungle gym aimed for…read morelittle tykes, so in case they fall.....it is cushioned. Swing sets, tennis court, ball field. I do wish they had soccer nets, however.

I've been to Rice Park countless times throughout my early childhood. It's definitely a great place…read moreto bring your kids. This place features 5 baseball fields, tennis courts, 2 basketball courts and a playground to name a few. Plenty of walking too. This area is very active primarily around the basketball court. In the winter time, the baseball fields make a great place to train your dog without spending money for a dog park.

This is a nice park on the corner of Evans & Franklin at the water tower. Play area for the kids…read moreincludes swings. Small pavilion with picnic tables & bathrooms attached. Tennis courts, basketball courts, & baseball diamonds too.