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Things to Do With Kids in Deerfield and Highland Park, IL
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Early Pre-school
Article made by:
Early Pre-school
Updated November 2026.
For young kids in Deerfield and Highland Park, the top picks are the renovated Jewett Park playground in Deerfield, with library storytimes next door, the Deerspring sprayground in summer, and Rosewood Beach on Lake Michigan. In winter, Highland Park has public skating at Centennial Ice Arena and a free sled hill at Danny Cunniff Park.
Deerfield and Highland Park sit side by side on the North Shore, just east of Lincolnshire. Here is a parent guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Jewett Park, at 836 Jewett Park Drive, is the heart of the Deerfield Park District. A full renovation of the park finished in late 2024, with a new playground, an obstacle course, a gaga ball pit and a bandshell. The Jewett Park Community Center is also home to the park district's preschool.
The Deerfield Public Library is right next to Jewett Park. In warm weather the library holds outdoor programs in the park, such as Picnic Stories in summer and Tots on the Loose, a messy art and science playtime for ages 0 to 5. Inside, the library runs storytimes through the year. Check its calendar for current days and times.
Deerspring Park and Pool, at 200 Deerfield Road, is the best summer spot in Deerfield for little ones:
The sprayground has opened before the pool in late May in past years and closes around Labor Day. Deerfield's second pool, Mitchell Pool at Wilmot and Hazel roads, also has a zero-depth wading pool and a playground nearby. Check the park district site in spring for 2027 dates and pass prices.
Rosewood Beach, at 883 Sheridan Road, is the Park District of Highland Park's Lake Michigan beach. It was rebuilt in a large renovation finished in 2015. It has:
During the swimming season, a season pass and a lakefront parking decal are required to use the swimming and recreation beach areas. Outside the season, a walk on the sand to look at the lake can be a simple outing with a toddler. Stay close to children near the water at any time of year.
Hidden Creek AquaPark, at 1220 Fredrickson Place, has zero-depth entry, a water playground, slides, a drop slide and a lap pool. The zero-depth area and water playground are the best parts for young children. It closes after Labor Day, so check 2027 hours and fees in spring.
For little sledders, pick the gentlest part of the hill, ride together and move away from the bottom quickly. See our winter activities guide for more cold-weather ideas.
The Recreation Center of Highland Park, at 1207 Park Avenue West, has hosted a toddler program called Wiggle Time. Heller Nature Center in Highland Park has trails open daily. Read about it in our guide to nature centers for kids in the north suburbs.
For more outings nearby, see our guides to Lincolnshire and the Chicago Botanic Garden with kids.
Yes. The Deerspring Sprayground, at Deerspring Pool on Deerfield Road, has slides, geysers and water cannons in summer.
During the swimming season, yes. A season pass and a lakefront parking decal are required for the swimming and recreation beach areas.
At Danny Cunniff Park, 2700 Trail Way. The sled hill is free and open to the public.
Jewett Park has a new playground and obstacle course from its 2024 renovation, and the library is right next door.
The closest Children's Land location is in Lincolnshire, at 400 Marriott Drive, open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with hot breakfast and lunch. Children's Land also has a location in Vernon Hills. Care starts at 6 weeks in our infant program; ask each location which programs it offers. Find a location or contact us to schedule a tour.
Related reading: Things to Do With Kids in Lincolnshire, IL.
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