Things to Do With Toddlers on Chicago's Northwest Side

Updated November 2026. Hours and programs change, so check the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library before you go.

The neighborhoods around Belmont Avenue on Chicago's Northwest Side, including Portage Park, Belmont Cragin and Dunning, have some of the city's best family parks, plus free library programs and low-cost Park District classes for little ones. Here are our top picks for toddlers and preschoolers.

Portage Park

4100 N. Long Avenue

This park of about 38 acres runs north from Irving Park Road between Central and Long avenues, and it is a true destination. The fully enclosed playground on the west side has two large play structures, a soft rubber surface and plenty of shade. In summer, the outdoor pool area adds a water playground with slides and a small heated pool that suits little ones. The park also has an indoor pool, which makes it a year-round stop. Arrive early on hot days.

Riis Park

6100 W. Fullerton Avenue

At about 57 acres, Riis Park in Belmont Cragin has a fieldhouse, wide lawns, two playgrounds, a small lagoon and a summer water play area. It is a good place for a stroller walk, a picnic and lots of running space. The north playground sits away from the street and opens straight onto the grass.

Hiawatha Park

8029 W. Forest Preserve Avenue

In Dunning, Hiawatha Park has a playground renovated in 2014 with a soft rubber surface, a chimes panel and a water spray feature nearby in summer. The play area is enclosed from the street, and the fieldhouse is a short walk away for bathrooms.

Smaller neighborhood spots

• Lucy Ella Gonzales Parsons Park, 4712 W. Belmont Avenue: a small park at Belmont and Kilpatrick with an enclosed playground and a water spray feature.
• Cragin Park, 2611 N. Lockwood Avenue: a neighborhood playground and spray feature, with preschool classes in the fieldhouse. The park has been getting a new fieldhouse and a renovated spray feature, so check the park's page to see if construction is finished before you go.

Chicago Park District classes

Many Northwest Side parks run low-cost programs for little ones, such as parent-and-tot play groups, art and early learning classes, preschool programs and parent-and-tot swim for children from about 16 months. The Park District runs four sessions a year: winter, spring, summer and fall.

Registration dates are split by area of the city. For winter 2026, programs were posted on December 1, 2025, and online registration opened on December 8 for parks west of California Avenue, which includes the parks in this guide. Winter 2027 programs start in early January, so watch for the registration dates in late November and early December 2026. Popular classes fill quickly. Search by park on the Chicago Park District website and set up your account ahead of time.

Library storytimes

Chicago Public Library branches in the area, including Portage-Cragin and Austin-Irving, host free storytimes, play-and-learn sessions and summer programs. Libraries are also a great warm stop in winter. Check the Chicago Public Library events calendar for times near you, and see our guide to library storytimes.

Bigger trips nearby

• Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview: made for children under 8. See our Kohl Children's Museum with toddlers guide.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: free and open year-round. See our Lincoln Park Zoo with a toddler guide.
• Forest Preserves of Cook County: wooded trails along the Des Plaines River are a short drive west.

Tips for city outings with toddlers

• Bring a stroller that folds quickly for buses and parking.
• Pack water and a snack. Concessions are seasonal.
• Fieldhouse bathrooms are usually open during program hours.
• In summer, check water playground and spray feature hours before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Are Chicago Park District water playgrounds free?

Spray features and water playgrounds are free in season. Pools have their own schedules and rules.

Where can toddlers play indoors on the Northwest Side?

Library storytimes, Park District classes, fieldhouse programs and the Portage Park indoor pool are good options in winter.

Is Portage Park good for toddlers?

Yes. The enclosed playground and summer water play area are popular with families of young children.

Children's Land in Chicago

Our Chicago location at 6818 W. Belmont Avenue is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with hot breakfast and lunch every day, and yoga is one of the extras offered there. Children's Land programs start at 6 weeks old, so ask the location which age groups have openings, or contact us to schedule a tour.

Related reading: Daycare vs Nanny vs Au Pair in Chicago: Cost and Fit.