You really have to try hard to be bored in Chicago.  There are so many things to do and so many great resources available to Chicagoans with kids.  One of my favorite and wallet friendly resources is the Chicago Park District.  From parks and pools to classes and events; the Park District has something to offer kids of any age during all types of weather.

Following are the 8 Chicago Park District activities I recommend exploring:

1. Parks & Playgrounds - There are an astounding 570 parks with 518 playgrounds. When I first had children, I was amazed at how many parks there were near my house.  Many of which, I had never noticed before.  Funny how you notice more pregnant people when you are pregnant and more parks when you have a toddler.

In addition to the shear number of parks, I was also astounded by the variety of facilities available (indoor play areas, pools, water playgrounds, etc.).  The Park District website allows you to search by Zip and by type of facility.  Although the zip finder is not ideal (it searches within a mile of your zip code instead of within a mile of your actual address); it does provide each park’s address and a link to Mapquest so that you can see exactly where the park is located and get directions. If your like me, you end up going to your same neighborhood park over and over again. Click here to to find a new park to explore in your neighborhood…or maybe one further afield.

2. Pools – The Park District manages 26 indoor pools and 51 outdoor pools. In addition, there are 18 Chicago Public School Pools with community programs.  With 26 indoor pools, who says swimming is a summer time activity! Indoor pools are open year round.  Outdoor pools are open mid-June through Labor Day. Click here to find a pool near you.

3. Beaches – There are more than 26 miles of open and FREE lakefront including 31 beautiful beaches.  Lifeguards are on duty May 22-September 7 from 11am to 7pm daily.  A number of the Park District beaches are very family friendly, including the 31st State Beach on Chicago’s South Side.   This beach is not only clean, but boast parking, a playground and even stroller beach mats so you can wheel your kids right up to your umbrella.  Loyola Leone Beach is among the cities largest and also has free parking, a play lot and stroller beach mats.  Unfortunately I was unable to find a list of the beaches with kid friendly amenities on the Park District site.  They do however list the available parking.  Click here for a list of  beaches and parking options.

4. Water Playgrounds – There are 30 water playgrounds.  These range from giant water parks (Adams Playground Park) to smaller water playgrounds that are more like sprinklers.  I was thrilled to find these little treasures last summer.  Water playgrounds are open mid-June to Labor Day.  Most are open from 10am-6pm weekends and 10am-8pm during the week.  Click here for a list of water playgrounds.  Here is my daughter enjoying the Adams water playground.

5. Classes/Programs – The Chicago Park District has an astonishing array of classes for all ages.  They range from organized sports, yoga and creative writing for adults to Tiny Tot Tumbling and Mom’s, Pop’s & Tot’s Music for toddlers.  The classes are targeted to specific age groups and in some cases ability (swimming).  The programs are well organized and can be found in just about every neighborhood.  They offer four twelve week sessions a year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall).  Classes are incredibly affordable too.  Instead of the standard $20 to $30 per class you usually pay Gymboree or Old Town School of Music, the entire twelve week session will cost you somewhere between $35 and $45.  It is quite the bargain!   Not surprisingly,  they fill up fast, and I do mean FAST!  To ensure a spot in your preferred class I recommend signing up online the day registration begins. Click here to search for classes near you.

6. Events – The park district also offers a wide variety of events year round.  These include music, movies, dance, workshops, festivals, tournaments and holiday parties.  I have attended a number of the children’s concerts at my local parks.  They are fun, a great place to meet your neighbors and, best of all, they are FREE!  I generally pack a picnic for me and the kids and bring a blanket.  You can search for events by type of event or by month.  Unfortunately the Park District site only lists the events they sponsor.  Many parks have additional events put on by their local neighborhood association or businesses.  For example, my park had four Tuesday night events in August for kids.  None of these events were listed on the Park District site.  Best way to find these local events is to check near your parks gates and bulletin boards for notices. Click here to search the Park District Site for an upcoming event. Below is my daughter dancing with a hula hoop and bubbles at a local Park District event.

7. Skate Parks.  The Park ditrict also boast six skate parks for your skate board enthusiast.  Click here to find a skate park near you.  Unfortunately none of these parks are indoor.  A private indoor skate park, Armed Star, recently opened up in Logan Square.  It is by appointment only (630-901-4373).

8. Ice Skating Rinks – The Park District has nine rinks throughout the city.  If you bring your own skates, you can skate free.  All rinks do offer skate rental.  McFetridge is the only indoor rink and is open year round.  All other parks are open from the end of November through the end of February (weather permitting). Click here for a list of rinks and schedules.

Get out there and enjoy this wonderful resources.  The Park District has something to offer kids of all ages year round!