Maggie Daley Park is a 20-acre public park in the northeast corner of Grant Park, at 337 E Randolph St in downtown Chicago. Its broad green spaces sit beside Millennium Park, reached by the BP Pedestrian Bridge. Families come for the Play Garden’s pirate ship, slides and climbing structures, while the winding Skating Ribbon, outdoor climbing wall and 18-hole mini golf course offer more ways to spend time outside. The mini golf holes include small-scale versions of Chicago landmarks. There are also picnic areas, gardens and city views.
A park built above a garage
Maggie Daley Park occupies the northeastern corner of Grant Park, between Millennium Park and the Lake Michigan waterfront. It opened in 2014 and was named for Maggie Daley, Chicago’s former first lady, who died in 2011. The park replaced the former Daley Bicentennial Plaza.
The ground beneath the park presented a design challenge: a parking garage sits below it. Landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates used Geofoam to shape changes in elevation while keeping the structure below in mind. The result is a green space with rolling terrain and several distinct activity areas on top of the garage.
The Play Garden and its themed spaces
The Play Garden covers three acres and was designed for children up to age 12. Its areas include a pirate ship play structure, slides, rope bridges and climbing features. The Enchanted Forest adds a different kind of play environment, with unusual sensory details and a path through the trees. The park also has play areas arranged for different ages and abilities.
The scale can make it harder to keep track of children who move quickly between structures. Set a clear meeting spot before splitting up, and use bright clothing to help spot your group among the play equipment. The splash area is another reason to bring a towel and spare clothes.
Skating, climbing and Chicago landmarks
The Skating Ribbon curves for a quarter mile around a climbing wall at the park’s northern end. It is used for ice skating in winter and for activities such as roller skating or scooters in warmer months. Online reservations are required for ice skating, so check the park’s website and book ahead if that is part of your plan.
An outdoor climbing wall and an 18-hole mini golf course add more active options. The mini golf route includes small versions of local landmarks, among them Willis Tower and the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza. Picnic groves offer space to pause between activities, and the park’s paths and gardens provide a quieter change of pace.
Connecting to Millennium Park
The BP Pedestrian Bridge links Maggie Daley Park with Millennium Park, so the two green spaces can be visited together on foot. The bridge was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Across it, Millennium Park adds another stop to a downtown outing; within Maggie Daley Park, the gardens, picnic areas and open views give families room to slow down between play activities.
The park also contains the Bloch Cancer Survivors’ Garden, with three garden rooms associated with acceptance, support and celebration. Its setting offers a more reflective visit alongside the park’s recreational areas.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Maggie Daley Park?
It is at 337 E Randolph St in downtown Chicago, in the northeast corner of Grant Park. The BP Pedestrian Bridge connects it to Millennium Park.
How long should you spend at Maggie Daley Park?
Allow about two to three hours if you plan to explore the play areas and try activities such as mini golf or skating.
Do you need a reservation to ice skate?
Yes. Online reservations are required for ice skating on the Skating Ribbon.
What can children do at Maggie Daley Park?
The three-acre Play Garden has themed play areas with slides, climbing structures and rope bridges. The park also has a splash area and an 18-hole mini golf course.
