Welles Park Playground
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
2–13
About
Welles Park Playground in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood has earned a 4. 8-star rating from 148 Google reviewers — placing it among the most highly regarded playground spaces in the Chicago Park District system. Located at 2333 W Sunnyside Ave, this park combines quality outdoor playground equipment with a full Chicago Park District field house and surrounding green space that makes it a genuine destination rather than just a quick stop.
The playground equipment serves a wide age range, with options for toddlers up through tweens. Parents consistently praise the maintenance, cleanliness, and the community feel of this particular park. Ravenswood is a family-friendly North Side neighborhood, and Welles Park reflects that demographic with a well-invested, well-used space.
The Welles Park field house adds real value. It includes a seasonal swimming pool — check the Chicago Park District website for current season dates and any associated fees. The field house also runs youth programs, fitness classes, and seasonal activities that can extend the value of a visit.
Beyond the playground itself, Welles Park has baseball diamonds and open turf, making it suitable for a full afternoon outing for active families. The park is accessible from the Brown Line Montrose stop, making it reachable without a car.
After the park, the surrounding Ravenswood and Lincoln Square neighborhoods offer some of Chicago's best neighborhood dining. The Lincoln Ave and Montrose Ave corridors both have family-friendly restaurants, bakeries, and cafes within easy walking or short driving distance. This combination makes Welles Park a strong anchor for a full North Side family day.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or early weekends before noon
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
Ravenswood and Lincoln Square neighborhoods have excellent dining nearby. Montrose Ave and Lincoln Ave corridors both have family-friendly options within a 5-10 minute walk.
Why Kids Love It
Welles Park is one of Chicago's most highly rated neighborhood playgrounds — a 4.8 out of 5 from 148 reviews speaks for itself. The park is large, well-maintained, and has a genuine community feel. A field house with seasonal programming adds value beyond the outdoor playground equipment.
What Parents Say
“They have swings for toddlers and big kids, a jungle gym, slides, etc.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- 4.8 rating from 148 reviews — one of the highest-rated playgrounds in the Chicago Park District system
- The field house has a seasonal swimming pool — check CPD website for pool hours and whether fees apply
- Welles Park also has baseball diamonds and open space — good for a full afternoon outing
- The Ravenswood neighborhood has excellent dining nearby — check out restaurants along Montrose Ave after your visit
- Accessible via the Brown Line Montrose stop
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks
- Swim gear if using the pool
- Ball or frisbee
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0
Tips to Save
- Free admission.
- The Welles Park field house has a seasonal pool — check the Chicago Park District website for pool hours and fees.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 6AM-11PM
- Monday
- 6AM-11PM
- Sunday
- 6AM-11PM
- Tuesday
- 6AM-11PM
- Saturday
- 6AM-11PM
- Thursday
- 6AM-11PM
- Wednesday
- 6AM-11PM