The Best Chicago Parks Directory

Chicago is known for its parks (among so many other things!).

The city has nearly 8,000 acres of parks, which is more than any other city in the United States. The two most popular parks in Chicago are Millennium Park and Lincoln Park. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, as well as the Lurie Garden and the Crown Fountain.

Lincoln Park is one of the largest parks in the city, with over 1,200 acres of space. It’s home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Chicago History Museum. If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy the outdoors, Chicago is the perfect place to be, and we’ve got your guide and map to more than 300 Windy City parks.

Note: There are SO many parks in Chicago, we had to divide them into two maps.

Did we leave something off the list? Send us the info, and we’ll be sure to add it.

More To Do and Chicago Seat Filling, Too!

We’re all about fun and affordable (or free) things to do in Chicago, across the US, and in London here at OTL.

The OTL City Guides includes a dedicated Chicago City Guide with directories, event calendars, and restaurant recommendations. But we leave the comments, negativity, and biased reviews to social media and shopping sites. Instead, OTL City Guides provides resources and suggestions for Things to Do, Things to Eat, and Things to Learn. Then, YOU decide.

That doesn’t mean we don’t welcome contributions, though. If you have a directory addition, blog post, or discount to share, just use the handy submission form.

Chicago Seat Fillers

Oh, and did you know that OTL has a sister site – OTL Seat Fillers? The club has been in Chicago for eight years, providing members with free pairs of tickets to local theatre, comedy, music, sports, and more.

Seat filling also benefits the arts and entertainment communities. Venue partners end up with a bigger audience, more food and beverage income, and new patrons.

How Does Seat Filling Work?

• When a local venue (aka OTL Seat Fillers entertainment partner) anticipates having some open seats, they privately invite seat fillers to attend, offering a number of free admissions.
• OTL posts the opportunity in the members-only area.
• Interested seat fillers make an online reservation through OTL.
• OTL compiles the reservation list and sends it to the venue partner on the day of the event.
• Seat Fillers present their IDs to pick up their complimentary tickets at the venue right before the show starts (just like other patrons picking up tickets at Will Call).

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Chicago Parks – FAQs