Something for Everyone: The Insider’s Guide to Public Parks in Evanston

From the sunny blue beachfront to the lush green grass, every Evanstonian has a favorite park. Each park offers a variety of amenities, so you’ll be sure to find your favorites as well. You can find everything from soccer and baseball (or softball) fields to basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts to unique playgrounds. We even have a dog park, a community garden, a rose garden, and more.

Some of our nearly ninety parks are along the lakefront – and others are sprinkled throughout the Evanston neighborhoods. There’s at least one that’s convenient to every resident.

When the snow melts and temperatures rise, our parks light up with a wide range of outdoor activities, from picnics to outdoor concerts to evening movie nights. They even house summer camps for many of our younger residents. And in the winter, we have some that house ice rinks, welcoming all who ice skate. And this time of year, you can enjoy the rich Fall colors in all of the many trees.

It’s no wonder Evanstonians love these parks. And it’s just another reason many have renamed Evanston as Heavenston.

To help you find your park paradise, here are just some of the many Evanstonian favorites:

1. Ackerman Park: Located on Central and McDaniel Avenue, this park has a playground, a grassy space for the kids, and two tennis courts. With benches to lounge on, this park is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon with the kids.
2. Alexander Park: With plenty of shade and places to picnic, this small park is located on Larimer Avenue and features a playground and open grassy area. Perfect to bring young children and set up in the shade.
3. Baker Park: An open-field neighborhood park located on Florence Avenue. It features a playground, basketball court, and a vast open grassy area. Plenty of benches border the park, and flowers bloom nearby.
4. Bates Park: Another small park that features a playground. With a slide and a swing set, this park, located on the Northwest corner of Lincoln and Ridge, is a great place for little ones to play.
5. Beck Park: With access at 2525 Church Street on the city’s west side, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the North Shore Channel, which was designed to increase the flow of North Branch of the Chicago River.
6. Bent Park: This park is the place to be for community sports and recreation. Featuring one soccer field, one full basketball court, and two tennis courts, you can find this park on Central and Cowper Avenue.
7. Brummel Park: A neighborhood park that little ones will love to visit. This small park is located on Brummel Street and features a playground and open grassy area. The locals around it will proudly tell you that they “raised their children” here at Brummel.
8. Brummel Richmond Park: Small children truly love this tiny yet colorful “tot lot” on the Southeast Corner of Brummel and Richmond.
9. Burnham Shores Park: Nestled on the lakefront between Dempster and Hamilton, you can enjoy beachside views of Lake Michigan, wide paths that allow guests to run or bike along the waterfront, and two tennis courts.
10. Butler Park: This large, open park is the perfect place to soak up the beauty of nature. With tons of space to breathe, run, bike, or play, Butler Park is popular with families. It also has two baseball/softball fields. You’ll find Butler Park east of Canal from Emerson to Bridge.
11. Cartwright Park: Featuring a gazebo, sculpture, full basketball court, and two tennis courts, you can find this pleasant park on the corner of Grant and Prospect Avenue. Residents emphasize how clean and upkept this park is.
12. Centennial Park: Start practicing your serve! This beachside park has six volleyball courts for you to enjoy. You can find them at the lakefront between University Place and Church.
13. Chandler Park: This park is home to Chandler- Newberger Center, an indoor facility that houses various community sports events, including a full-size gymnasium and a batting cage. The large, grassy, outdoor space has a one-half basketball court. You can find this park at Lincoln Street to the Central Street CTA stop and is nestled against the Evans at Canal Shores Golf Course.
14. Channelside Park: This park is, you probably guessed, located east of the North Shore Channel between Oakton and Main Street. It features two full-sized soccer fields and, on the Skokie side, is home to Pooch Park, an off-leash dog park, as well as the Dammrich Rowing Center.
15. Clyde-Brummel Park: Bright murals border this wonderful little spot. Located on Clyde Avenue, this popular neighborhood park features a playground, basketball court, and an open grassy area.
16. Congregational Park: Located in front of the First Congregational Church of Evanston, this tiny park is perfect for enjoying a seat in the shade.
17. Currey Park: Located at the corner of Hinman and Dempster Street, this park features a playground, two half basketball courts, and a baseball field.
18. Dawes Park: If you love the water, Dawes Park is the place for you. A mighty and airy family-friendly park located on Sheridan Road between Dempster and Church Street, Dawes Park provides views of Lake Michigan and the Arrington Lagoon and features a beach area, playground, picnic space, and remarkable walking paths. The perfect park to carve out space for the whole family, you’ll find something for everyone.
19. Dobson-Brummel Park: This small neighborhood park, equipped with a playground, is nestled East of Ashland Avenue between Dobson and Brummel Street.
20. Dwight Perkins Woods Park: This small forest preserve is the home to lots of deer and flora. You can visit at Grant and Ewing Avenue.
21. Eggleston Park: Located on McDaniel Avenue north of McCormick between Bridge and Hartrey, this serene three-acre park features an international friendship garden as well as a playground, basketball court, and, of course, large open grassy areas.
22. Elks Park and Play Lot: Like its name says, Elks Park is equipped with a small play lot as well as a baseball court and a soccer field. Find it at the corner of Mulford and Callan Avenue.
23. Ellingwood Park: Named after Dr. Frank Ellingwood, this little playground is located at corner of Harrison and Pioneer Road.
24. Elliott Park: Another lakefront park located between Hamilton and Lee Street, this one provides some of the best shoreline views.
25. Emerson Square Park: Perfect for lunchtime, this small playground features a picnic shelter to enjoy a meal or avoid the shade. It is located on Ashland Avenue, South of Foster Street.
26. Fireman’s Park: Fireman’s Park, located on Simpson and Maple Avenue, is a unique firefighter-themed playground dedicated to the memory of all firefighters. Lots of vibrant flowers pair well with the fiery red playset.
27. Fitzsimmons Park: This park located on Mulford Street features a playground, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a walking path. Fitzsimmons sits in a great neighborhood and offers a great space to meet with friends and play.
28. Foster Park: Located in front of the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, Foster Park features a soccer field, full basketball court, baseball field, and two tennis courts.
29. Fountain Square Park: This park is our urban center place for the community to gather. Located in the Downtown Memorial Plaza, the park is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or because historical evidence suggests that it was invented at the pharmacy that once stood on this corner, an ice cream sundae.
30. Fullerton Park: Enjoy this open, grassy space at the Northeast corner of Lincoln and Ridge Avenue.
31. Garden Park: A hidden lakefront park is located along the lakefront on the north end of Sheridan Square. This small area is a good place to relax and enjoy a book or a picnic or bring the kids for its playground equipment.
32. Gilbert Park: Named after Charles J. Gilbert, Evanston’s inaugural village president, it is one of the few places in Evanston – namely its playground – that recognizes Africa and African Culture. Find it at the corner of Emerson and Ashland Avenues.
33. Grandmothers Park: Led by two driven grandmothers who wanted a nearby play space for toddlers, The Grandmother Park Initiative in partnership with Openlands – a nonprofit metropolitan conservation organization – dedicated this small play area to the children of Evanston and their caregivers in 2013 and was turned it over to the City of Evanston for maintenance. You can visit it on Dewey Avenue, South of Crain Street.
34. Grey Park: A large, open space on the corner of Main Street and Ridge Avenue, it often hosts community events and markets.
35. Grosse Point Lighthouse: If you are up for exercise, try tackling the 141-steps to the top of the lighthouse tower. Built in 1873, this historical building sits at 2601 Sheridan Road.
36. Harbert Park: Located east of the canal between Main and Dempster Streets, this one has a full basketball court. Locals report the cleanliness and quietness of this park.
37. Harper Park: A nice place to stop on a bike ride, it’s located on the corner of Lake Street and Sherman Avenue. Enjoy the benches and water fountain.
38. Hinman Park: Located at 641 Hinman Avenue, this small park has a playground, picnic tables and, of course, benches to relax and take in a breeze.
39. Hobart Park: Another “tot lot”, this tiny outdoor gem can be found at the corner of Ridge and Foster Street.
40. Howell Park: This chill, grassy area is located at Hartzell and Walnut Avenue.
41. Independence Park: Located at Central and Stewart Avenues, you’ll find a playground and space for community gatherings.
42. Ingraham Park: A nearly 3-acre expanse of open land on the corner of Asbury Avenue and Leonard Place, it features a fountain, gazebo, and walking paths and is perfect for playing catch or bringing the dogs out to play (on leash of course).
43. James Park: A park for sports lovers, it features lots of sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, gardens, and a fieldhouse. You can find a baseball field, tennis court, basketball court, and plenty of space for any activity of choice.
44. Kamen East Play Lot Park: This large, open field has one soccer field and is home to the David Wood Fieldhouse. Visit it at South Blvd and Barton Avenue.
45. Kamen West Park: Just across the street from the play lot park, on South Blvd and just east of Asbury Avenue, it features a soccer field, a baseball field, and a half basketball court.
46. Kee Lee Tot Lot: Looking for another tot lot? This small park, located on Callan Avenue and Mulford Street, is the perfect place to bring your toddler to let them wear out some of their energy.
47. Kelly Park: With the range of playground equipment to interest kids of any age, parents can find a shady bench to sit while their kids play. Find it on the corner of Keeney Street and Michigan Avenue.
48. Ladd Arboretum: You can find this gorgeous arboretum Southeast of McCormick from Emerson to Grant Street. While you can enjoy their collection outside as weather allows, during the winter, they host an indoor farmer’s market!
49. Larimer Park: Another small park around an open field. This park is located on Larimer Avenue and features a playground and an open grassy area. Keep a close eye on the family while you kick back and breathe in the fresh air.
50. Lawson Park: Although this park is nestled in the shady trees, it is just steps from the beach. Residents praise the beautiful scenery and wheelchair/stroller accessibility. It is home to Noah’s Playground for Everyone, a fully-accessible playground. You can visit at Sheridan and Clinton Pl.
51. Leah Lomar Park: With plenty of places to sit, play, or walk and lots of trees and plants to enjoy, Leah Lomar Park is located at the corner of Mulford Street and Wesley Avenue.
52. Leahy Park: Another great park for the little ones, Leahy Park is on Darrow Avenue and features a playground as well as an open grassy area. Nearby residents say that it’s the perfect spot to play some soccer or spread out with the kids.
53. Leider Park: A big, open park just steps from Kamen West Park, it includes playground equipment and lots of space for running around. (Perhaps a game of tag, anyone?) It is located at South Blvd and West of Asbury Ave.
54. Levinson Park Tot Lot: Located at the corner of Mulford Street and Florence Avenue, here’s another great place to take the little ones to play.
55. Lighthouse Landing Park: Located at 2603 Sheridan Road, this park is just beside the Grosse Point Lighthouse.
56. Lovelace Park: A peaceful green park with ample space to explore, it features flowering pear trees, open spaces, tennis courts, sports fields, and a playground. This roughly 23-acre park is located on Grass Point Road, is perfect for creating a day full of memories. Join in the action or find a shady spot to read a book, Lovelace Park has the neighbors coming back for more every time.
57. Lunt Park: This park, deemed a hidden neighborhood gem by nearby residents, is a small playground located at the corner of Church and Judson.
58. Mason Park: Packed with activities, this park features one soccer field, two tennis courts, and three full and one-half basketball courts. Who’s up for a game of HORSE? You can visit at Church and Florence Ave.
59. McCormick Park: Runners and bikers, listen up! Residents gush over the beautiful that McCormick Park features. So, grab your running shoes and then head to Hawthorne to Hartey and Bridge to Grant.
60. McCulloch Park: With newly renovated playground equipment and a half basketball court, kids of all ages can enjoy time outdoors at McCulloch Park. It is located South of Jenks between Broadway Avenue and Eastwood Avenue.
61. Megowen Park: This park, located on South Blvd and Hinman Avenue is a small park with woodchips and padding to play on. The lush trees surrounding it allow for shady areas where you’re sitting.
62. Merrick Rose Garden/Merrick Park: The uniquely shaped, geometrical garden features more than 200 vibrant varieties of floribunda, miniature, rugosa, and tea roses for you to enjoy, topped off with a historical water fountain in the center. A fan-favorite of Evanston locals, you can find this park at Lake and Oak Avenue.
63. Monroe Park: This neighborhood tot lot can be found at 1200 Monroe Street.
64. Morris Park: This tiny park, located at Washington Street and Custer Avenue, has a big heart. You will find a peaceful area to enjoy listening to the wind chimes and to watch the birds. It even has a communal herb garden, free for residents to pick and enjoy!
65. Oldberg Park: Located on Elgin Road, Sherman Avenue, and Clark Street in downtown Evanston across from Northwestern, this park gives busy students a chance to breathe and enjoy nature. It is a slice of nature in an urban setting and has benches to enjoy the view.
66. Patriots Park: Seated just in front of the lake at Davis Street and Sheridan Road, this park has a military monument paying respects to our soldiers.
67. Penny Park: Their playground, made entirely of wood, is a unique place to schedule a playdate or enjoy the fresh air. Kids love it! You can find this wooden fortress at Lake Street and Ashland Avenue.
68. Perry Park: Named after Adam Perry Park, who is known for helping start the Evanston chapter of the NAACP, this park features separate playground sections for younger and older children. Find it at 1741 Hovland Court.
69. Philbrick Park: This park has playground equipment, but it also has great space to run around! So, you can bring the kids here to let out some energy as well as your leashed dogs. Find it at Garfield Place and Sherman Avenue.
70. Pooch Park: You guessed it, this is a dog park! You can bring your pups just east of the canal between Oakton and Main Streets to let them have the zoomies of their lifetime. Not only can the pups meet friends, but you can mingle with other dog lovers too!
71. Porter Park: This quiet park, at the corner of Simpson Street and Bennett Avenue, has a playground and a half basketball court to enjoy as well as lots of shaded areas.
72. Quinlan Park: Found between Elm Avenue, Lincoln Street, and Pioneer Road, this tiny, triangular park is great to take a lap around. Check out the sculpture in the middle, which was selected by neighborhood residents!
73. Raymond Park: Located between Lake and Grove Streets and Chicago Avenue near downtown Evanston, Raymond Park has something for everyone. Whether you want to take a stroll, kick a ball around, use the playground equipment, or enjoy some fresh air, Raymond Park is the place to be. Be sure to check out its “abstract” chair sculpture, a great place for holding a conversation.
74. Reba Park: Fire alarm! This vibrant firetruck-themed park has colorful equipment as well as plenty of space on the woodchips for little ones to run around and fight the imaginary fires. Located at Reba Place and Custer Avenue, it also has a full basketball court, which is enjoyed by all ages!
75. Ridgeville Park: To be at this park. Or not to be at this park. That is the question. Make sure to catch live performances of Shakespeare in the Park and join in on community events and check out its playground equipment. Access it between Ridge and Elmwood Avenues along South Boulevard.
76. Robert Crown Park: This massive sports complex, located at Dodge Avenue and Main Street, features two soccer fields, three baseball fields, and four tennis courts. Inside the Robert Crown Community Center, you can even find a full-sized ice rink, a branch of the Evanston Library, and more!
77. Sargent Park: Another small tot lot perfect for small people, it is located at Reba Place and Elmwood Avenue.
78. Smith Park: A peaceful park with playground equipment, picnic table, and lots of grassy space to enjoy, you can find it at Ashland and Lyons Street.
79. Snyder Park: With swing sets, shade, and picnic tables, this park is the perfect place for a quiet afternoon with the kids. It is located at Judson Avenue and Kedzie Street.
80. South Boulevard Park: A long stretch of park, which is behind the beach at Sheridan Square, offers a view of Chicago, and is perfect for watching the sun rise over the lake.
81. Southwest Park: Deemed by its neighbors as Evanston’s “hidden park,” this gem offers a range of playground equipment as well as picnic benches. Located on Seward Street and Wesley Avenue, there is even a small hill to sled on in the Winter.
82. Paul Park: Located on the west side of Chicago Avenue between Main and Kedzie next to the Main Street El Station, this small park has a seating area and rental bikes.
83. Stockham Park: Named after Alice Bunker Stockham, a physician, author, publisher, and women’s rights advocate, this quiet stretch of grass that is perfect for taking pets on a walk, taking a lap, or throwing a ball around. You can find it along Michigan Avenue between Hamilton Street and Burnham Place.
84. Tallmadge Park: Located in front of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, this park, which is accessible to wheelchair users, features three half basketball courts and two baseball fields. Inside, you can check out art installations and even take a circus and aerial arts class!
85. Torgerson Park: An airy park, equipped with a playset and lots of trees, that is perfect for taking the kids or the pup to have some fresh air. It is located at Poplar Avenue and Jenks Street.
86. Trahan Park: A lush green, relaxing space on the corner of Ridge Avenue and Monroe Street, make sure to check out their garden!
87. Twiggs Park: Here’s where you’ll find a skatepark featuring combination of rails, quarter pipes, a bowl and ledges. You’ll also find benches, water fountains and greenery around the skate ramps. In other words, Twiggs is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the sun while your kids burn off their energy.

But of course, your favorite park might be one we didn’t even list here. For a comprehensive list of the parks and the amenities in them, check out this handy spreadsheet from the City of Evanston. One look at all the various options and you’ll know why many residents call our city Heavenston. Perhaps you will too.

To help you keep track of all your visits to all these parks, an Evanstonian created a cute park “passport,” which can be purchased at niceLena & Friends Shop, 1235 Chicago Ave. Evanston IL 60202

For any additional questions, you can contact us at Jackie@JackieMack.com and/ or 847-274-6676. We’re here to help you get the most out of Evanston – and your home!