Things to Do With Kids in Park Ridge, IL

Updated November 2026 with winter options and verified park district details.

Park Ridge has a lot packed into a small city. For young kids, the best outings are Centennial Park and its aquatic center, the South Park wading pool and Prospect Park splash pad in summer, storytimes at the Park Ridge Public Library, nature programs at Wildwood, and in winter, the park district's sled hills and outdoor rink. Most are free or low cost and easy to reach from anywhere in town.

Here is a parent's guide, with tips on ages and seasons. Hours and programs change, so check the Park Ridge Park District and library websites before you go.

Parks and playgrounds

Centennial Park

Centennial Park on Western Avenue is one of the city's main family parks. It has playgrounds, open fields, walking paths and picnic spots, and it is home to the Centennial Aquatic Center and a sled hill in winter. It works well for a quick afternoon or a full morning with a picnic.

Hinkley Park

Hinkley Park on Busse Highway has a playground, sports fields, Hinkley Pool in summer and a skate park for older kids. Toddlers can play in the playground while big siblings ride scooters nearby.

Neighborhood parks

Park Ridge has many smaller parks with playgrounds, such as Brickton, Cumberland, Jaycee, Northwest and Maine Park. A short walk to the nearest one is often the easiest outing with a toddler.

Summer water fun

• South Park Wading Pool, 833 W. Talcott Road: the best pick for toddlers, with a zero-depth entry pool, interactive water features and a tot slide, right next to the South Park playground. Babies 11 months and under are free.
• Centennial Aquatic Center, 100 S. Western Avenue: the district's large outdoor pool, with a zero-depth entry, water play features and an enclosed wading pool area for little ones, plus slides for older kids.
• Prospect Park Splash Pad, 733 N. Prospect Avenue: a smaller spray area, with a daily fee.
• Hinkley Pool: another summer pool that hosts family events.

Outdoor pools close for the season in late summer. Swim diapers are required for children who are not potty trained. Check pass and daily admission options on the park district site.

Winter fun

• Sledding: the park district lists a sled hill at Centennial Park and a smaller Bunny Hill at Maine Park, which is a better fit for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Ice skating: South Park has an outdoor ice rink when the weather is cold enough.
• Indoor swimming: the Centennial Fitness Center at 1515 W. Touhy Avenue has an indoor pool with open swim times.

See our guide to winter activities for kids for sledding safety tips, and how to dress a toddler for winter.

Nature: Wildwood

The park district's Wildwood Nature Center has ponds, native plants and family nature programs, such as evening science nights and backyard campouts. Wildwood also runs a nature preschool. It is a calm place for preschoolers to look for birds, bugs and frogs. Wear boots in spring.

If you want a bigger nature outing, the Cook County Forest Preserves along the Des Plaines River are just west of town. See our guide to nature centers for kids.

Library storytimes

The Park Ridge Public Library at 20 S. Prospect Avenue runs storytimes for different ages, including toddler story and play time and preschool storytimes, plus family programs. The children's area is a good rainy-day stop. A library card is free for residents. See our guide to library storytimes.

Uptown Park Ridge

• Park Ridge Farmers Market: Saturday mornings from late May through October at 15 Prairie Avenue. In 2026 it ran May 23 to October 31.
• Hodges Park: the green space in Uptown, with summer concerts and community events. Bring a picnic blanket.
• Pickwick Theatre: the 1928 art deco movie palace, now programmed with the Copernicus Foundation for movies and live shows. Check the schedule for family-friendly showings before planning a first movie with an older preschooler.
• Ice cream and treats: several shops in town make an easy reward after a park visit.

Park district classes for little ones

The Park Ridge Park District offers parent-and-child classes, preschool programs, nature programs and swim lessons. Registration often opens weeks before each season, and popular classes fill fast. See our guide to park district classes for preschoolers, and our post on things to do with kids in Glenview for ideas just north of Park Ridge.

Ideas by age

• Babies: library baby storytime, stroller walks around Centennial Park, quiet mornings at Wildwood.
• Toddlers: South Park wading pool, neighborhood playgrounds, toddler storytime, the Maine Park Bunny Hill.
• Preschoolers: nature programs, park district classes, skating at South Park, summer concerts.

Tips for outings with little ones

• Go in the morning, when parks and pools are quieter.
• Bring snacks, water and a change of clothes.
• Check for seasonal closures in spring and fall.
• Pack sunscreen and hats in summer and layers the rest of the year.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a splash pad in Park Ridge?

Yes. Prospect Park has a splash pad, South Park has a wading pool with interactive water features, and the Centennial Aquatic Center has a zero-depth entry and wading area. All are summer only and charge a daily fee.

Where can I take a toddler in Park Ridge on a rainy day?

The Park Ridge Public Library's children's area and storytimes, indoor park district classes and open swim at the Centennial Fitness Center are good choices.

Where can toddlers go sledding in Park Ridge?

The Maine Park Bunny Hill is the gentler choice for little ones. Centennial Park also has a sled hill.

Are Park Ridge parks free?

Parks and playgrounds are free. Pools, the splash pad and classes charge admission or fees.

Children's Land in Park Ridge

Children's Land has a center at 400 Higgins Road in Park Ridge, open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with hot breakfast and lunch and cameras in every classroom. Ask the center which age groups have openings. Visit the Park Ridge location page or contact us to schedule a tour.

Related reading: Daycare Tour Questions to Ask: A Parent Checklist.