Chicago Debut: Ice Skating Ribbon and Slide Crater at NEW Maggie Daley Park

Chicago’s Maggie Dailey Park is a Dream

Millennium Park in Chicago has a newer, younger (and cooler?) cousin to compete with… Maggie Daley Park.

Both Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park sit within Grant Park on Chicago’s waterfront. Located near Museum Campus, the area is a magnet for locals and tourists alike.

Now, families have a whole new reason to visit the windy city any time of year.

Maggie Daley Park Is All Play

Maggie Daley Park is located on the north end of Grant Park. Enter off of Randolph Street.

*Chicago Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park*

If you are coming from Millennium Park, you can easily get there by walking over the 925-foot-long winding footbridge over Columbus (formerly known as the BP Bridge).

The park was as advertised – a year-round destination!

*Skate Rentals at Chicago Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park*

A winter highlight -slated to stay open til March 8, 2015- is the Ice Skating Ribbon.

This 1/4 mile winding trail goes up and downhill, giving skaters a thrill not usually found on the average ice rink. Skate rentals are $12 per pair (located in the Field house), with free admission to skate.

We had a blast on the slippery ice… Zambonis periodically come out (temporarily closing the ice) to resurface the skating area and keep everything in tiptop shape. For up-to-date ice skating hours and dates, check here.

Slide Crater Park Makes the Trip Worth It

My kids, ages 4, 7 and 10, probably liked the slides more than the skating. That says a lot, because our visit happened on a very frigid, blustery Friday evening in February. The kids were bundled in their snowsuits and played for at least an hour before we peeled them away from the massive, Dr. Seuss-like slides rimming the slide crater.

*Chicago Slide Crater Park at Maggie Daley Park*

*The park is located in downtown Chigago*

Just A Taste Of What Is To Come

Maggie Daley Park opened in late 2014. We’re still anticipating other features of the park, yet to come. Additional things we’re looking forward to include:

a Climbing Park with features on the wall for experts and beginners
a Play Garden for children
an Enchanted Forest with a mirrored maze and kaleidoscope
The Lagoon, The Sea and The Harbor play apparatus for toddlers
a Wave Lawn for all ages
Using the Skating Ribbon in the summertime for rollerblading, roller-skating and scooters, etc.

If Chicago wasn’t already on your to-go list, it should be now. Maggie Daley park has solidified the Chicago vacation appeal for young (and older!) families.

Have you been to this park yet? What planned new feature do you anticipate the most?