The park's landscape architecture uses elevated terrain to act as a noise barrier against surrounding downtown traffic.
The ice skating ribbon is designed to mimic the movement of an alpine trail rather than a traditional circular rink.
The park is named in honor of the former First Lady of Chicago, Maggie Daley, who was an advocate for children's programming.
The site was formerly occupied by the Bicentennial Plaza and was renovated as part of the Millennium Park expansion project.
The Play Garden's structures are constructed with materials resistant to Chicago's extreme weather fluctuations.
Maggie Daley Park is a 20-acre public park in downtown Chicago designed by architect Michael Van Valkenburgh. It features an expansive Play Garden divided into themed zones like the Enchanted Forest, Slide Crater, and Sea Creature Shipwreck. During winter, the park hosts a quarter-mile long, ribbon-shaped ice skating track. The park serves as an accessible bridge connecting Millennium Park to the lakefront via the BP Pedestrian Bridge. It includes a 40-foot climbing wall managed by the Chicago Park District. Visitors can utilize picnic groves, open lawns, and tennis courts situated across varying elevations. The park was constructed on top of an underground parking garage adjacent to the Chicago Pedway system.
The highest point of the skating ribbon looking toward the Chicago skyline and the Pritzker Pavilion.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to enjoy the play areas without peak summer crowds.
Check for local events or festivals that may partially restrict access to public lawn areas.
Use the elevated walkways to get a unique vantage point of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
Do not attempt to walk across the landscaping beds; stick to designated gravel and paved paths to protect the horticulture.
The skating ribbon is only operational during the winter season, weather permitting.
Athletic footwear required for the climbing wall; no motorized vehicles on walking paths.
