What a great park! Lots of green space and a world class wooden playground; swings, slides, mini castles and more. Wonderful place for a kids birthday party! read more

Indian Boundary Park - Fountain and pond - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you're all about the playgrounds, definitely check out the one that they have here. This park is ginamormous and the playground just got revamped. It looks like a giant treehouse community, if that makes any sense. Came here for a Halloween event a few days ago. They had a live band playing fun music and even had trick or treating activities for the kiddos. Great park to run around in and do some running. This place is huge and covers a lot of ground. Definitely worth checking out with or without kids! read more

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Took my daughter here 2 weeks ago.. I would've loved to come here as a kid. The play structure is awesome/huge. They have a sprinkler system as well as swings & a pond stocked with koi fish & turtles. Pretty cool never seen a pond as stocked as this one here in Chicago. read more

The park is pretty clean. Plenty of trail to walk. You're also able to sit by the pond with a small sized fountain. Portable garbage cans are spread out throughout the park. Plenty of space for volleyball playing. The real highlight here is the playground with over a dozen unique wooden structures to enjoy. Plenty of picnic tables too! read more

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This is a special neighborhood park with thoughtful & creative spaces for people of all ages.

This is an excellent park in West Rogers Park. The playground itself is a series of large wooden structures connected by bridges. My two kids loved the place and now keep asking to return. The park itself was clean and in pretty good shape. The wood was replaced this year in a few places and generally in good condition. There are huge, mature trees so you can find plenty of shady places to relax. The park was crowded, but kids had plenty of room to run around like crazy. A family was having a kids birthday party and it seemed rather low maintenance and fun. There is a large Fieldhouse with clean restrooms. The big pond with walking path is an excellent place to burn off some calories. There is also some sort of petting zoo village, but we stuck to the playground. This is well worth making a drive to check out. I highly recommend checking it out. read more

Indian Boundary Park - Cool wooden park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Since I am a former resident of West Rogers park I sometimes come to this place. Its a awesome solitary way to enjoy yourself. I was there today to hang out with one of my cousins from Zimbobwe who last visited in 1989. Back then there were goats and other animals here. Sadly there are no animals to be found except for the ducks in the pond. It's an OK area. not too much crime. You can play tennis here in the summers. I hope they dont knock down this park..I understand that chicago park district employees are not at this park..I am sure they are taking the resources for the missing workers and the unrefurbished field house and putting more police out on the streets or into a community development program in Englewood. Probably not read more

I really enjoy coming here. The park has a decent sized play area for kids, with slides and little play houses. During summer time there is this really cool area with water fountains. The water comes out of these bear statues made out of cement. There is a beautiful pond with gold fish, ducks and turtles. Almost forgot to mention the tennis court. There is something for everyone. Families with children, people walking their dogs, exercising or couples having a romantic day out enjoying the nature. read more

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Hey, have you ever hung out on the swinging platform in the playground? I BUILT THAT SHIT! Back in, I want to say, 1989, there was a series of community work days for Chicago residents to help assemble the elements of the new awesome playground that replaced the crappy one I used in elementary school. My little crew helped get that platform nice and level, and I personally did the first round of quality assurance and product testing in exchange for a slice of Edwardo's pizza and a handful of Sunkist fruit gems. Indian Boundary is still the best playground I've ever used, and you bet your ass I still use it whenever I get a chance. You're welcome. read more

As a kid loved going there. The best place to go. I remember the zoo in the park quite well in my youth. This place is a Chicago land mark for me. The playground was and still is the best. The metal slides the wooden equipment. Total fun. read more

This park is a gem! Hidden away in West Rogers Park, this place has a lot to offer. From classes to concerts, playgrounds to paths, and farm animals to frisbee...this park has it all. If you have to entertain a kid for an afternoon, this is a great destination--the park boasts a mini-zoo with farm animals like goats and llamas. It's fun for the city kids to get to take a look at the animals. Also, the playground here is really cool. It's like a big wooden castle with all kinds of slides and tunnels and obstacles. It's cool and definitely different from other parks. The field house is nice and has restrooms (a plus for any park!) and offers dance and drama classes. Concerts are also held here. I really like the tennis courts here. Each court is enclosed on four sides so you don't have to worry about hitting your ball into the next court, like I always do because I'm a horrible tennis player. There's also ample lawn space for frisbee and catch, a duck pond, a spray pool and lots of walking paths. I would have given this park a five star rating except that misfortune befalls me here. I've had my car broken into while spending time at this park, and I sprained my ankle while playing tag. So, don't be like me, be careful! read more

My parents used to take me and my siblings here. It was so magical (no seriously). This park is huge and when you're little, it feels as if you're in a different world. They even have a petting zoo here and a creek with ducks. I always wanted to live here as a kid. Fast forward to adulthood - I take my nieces here sometimes and they always loved it. The first time I took them here, they stood there in shock and proceeded to run into the jungle gym maze and I couldn't find them. Make sure to keep your eye on your kids because it gets confusing. Just don't use those dumb kid leashes or the other parents will gang up on you. Great place for the kids - great place to reminisce about the times when your fat butt could still fit into these jungle gyms. read more

I did not know a place like this existed in Chicago till I saw it for myself. Where else can you go to see farm animals on exhibit, a duck pond, and a massive wooden playground with intricate bridges and tunnels. Surrounded by 2 and 3-story apartment buildings, this park is a beautiful place in the concrete jungle encircling it. My son loves to climb through the seemingly endless network of passages that comprise the playground. It is easy for a kid to get lost in this place. As a plus, there's even a sandbox in the middle of it. When he gets tired, we can walk around and see the sheep and cow, which are his 2 favorite animals at the north end of the park. For grownups, there's plenty of lawn to set up a picnic or small BBQ. Spanish ice cream or elote vendors with their carts or bicycle wagons work the place extensively on nice days, so you can even grab a snack while you're there. Even on weekends, there is usually some street parking open in the area, if you come from elsewhere to enjoy this secret gem of the Chicago Park District . read more

Truly one of the hidden gems in the city of Chicago. It is one of the most peaceful and clean parks in Illinois. It contains one of the best preserved lagoons and wildlife sanctuary. Great for walking and jogging and spending quality time with family and friends. They used to have a zoo with llamas at one time but now only have a few smaller animals. read more

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This is a great little park right by my domicile, it's a fun place to just go hang and get a little nature going on. It has a duck pond, and playground, and a little petting zoo! I have seen a great blue heron in the pond, as well as ducks, geese, goldfish and lots of turtles. On a sad note, the beautiful small field house type building (seen in one of included photos here) had a fire in May of 2012 and is STILL not fixed. They have (finally) started some reconstruction efforts recently. Chicago Park district repair division gets a negative 2 stars on dropping the ball with that effort, or rather lack there of. read more

Briefly went by here the other day, and to my joy, it turns out they still do have some variety of animals in the cages, including several goats! Good to see I'd previously hit the park at a bad time, when not many of the animals were out. Now if these goats could just find it in their hearts to allow the Cubs to have a decent playoff run into the WS, for once! read more

Another of my favorite parks. The kids love the playground which is large and maze like. It has wooden castle type structures with varying levels.All kinds of stuff for kids to climb and hide in. The pond with the ?willow? trees hanging over it and all the ducks, is pleasant to look at and relaxing to sit by. There's a sprinkler for the kids, and of course the mini zoo. Usually when we've been there it's pretty shaded (except the kids playground). To me, it's not one of the busier crowded parks. A nice retreat for any age. read more

Big wood playground. At least twice the size of a normal park Pond that had ducks to feed. Path for bikes, if there are not to many walkers. Big round cement fountain during the summer time. Tennis courts. Areas to play with your dog if not too crowded. Small zoo with animals, sometimes. But a little nature area to walk in read more

Huge wood fortress placed in a gigantic green space. This park is a gem with so much to do. 3 slides, monkey bars, climbing platforms, a tightrope, at least 10 swings and a zoo! There are also tennis courts. This may be a bit out of most peoples' way but definitely worth the trip for those with kids! read more

Indian Boundary Park - From the middle of the fortress - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Can't beat Indian Boundary as far as neighborhood parks go. As a kid I would go here occasionally and it would be the highlight of my carefree life. They used to have a decent collection of animals including cows, bighorn sheep and the trumpeter swan. Unfortunately the animals there have declined over the years. The playground however, has been a consistent highlight of the park. There is a huge wooden playground that is awesome year round. The duck pond is cool especially being in Chicago, and the sprinklers are great for hot summers. read more

I used to go here when I was a kid and, overall, it's every bit as beautiful as I remember it if not more so. A duck pond, weeping willow trees, and lush green grass surround the playground. The playground equipment is looking a bit weathered but it's still fun, considering it's probably about 30 years old. The wood is graffitied in places and it did cross my mind that it might be splintery - but we didn't run into an issue. A huge sprinkler is right next to the playground equipment. The field house needs repair from a fire and the zoo no longer exists (which is probably for the best). We had a blast and will definitely return. read more

My daughter calls this park "the Castle". Your kids will have fun for hours, playing in the huge wooden castle. I am not even sure I have seen one so big, at any other park in the city. There is a big water sprinkler that turns on and can be enjoyed the the adult "little kid" as well (bring towels and/or bathing suit. This park also has the only other zoo in the city (LP zoo is the other). There is a big tennis court area, trees to climb, and even a big pond with geese and ducks. The parent can sit here and read a book or just catch some rays. The key word is "big". It seems like they squeezed a animal conservatory, Grant Park and water park into this neighbourhood gem. Bring food for a picnic and it a done deal. There is a diner and Mcdonalds a block 2 blocks away on Western and Lunt. You can take a walk around the neighborhood too. West Ridge is known for beautiful "big" bungalows. Some look like small castles. We have a trend going here. We Love Indian Boundary Park! Even the name is sounds magical. BTW - Bonnie, I remember the pumpkin. I even have a pic of me in it. In the pic I have a huge fro, socks up to my neck, and some Pony's sneakers, no shirt and fat rolls hanging everywhere. It was a super hot summer in like '84. I will look for it and post it! (or maybe onot since it might scare people away from this park). read more

Indian Boundary Park is a great place to spend an afternoon. This park has it all: playground equipment, walking paths that go by beautiful gardens and a pond that has fish, turtles and ducks, an icy cold spray pool, and lots of open field to kick a ball around, or have a picnic lunch. The tennis courts on the west end and the mini-zoo to the north are nice touches too. And naturally, ice cream vendors ride through here on days when the weather is good. read more

Old high school tough guy wannabe hangout. It's much nicer now than in the 1970s... we used to hang here Ann's smoke our cigarettes. Still had animals in the small part of the zoo, the chi town hooks living. read more

I love the pond with the turtles sunning themselves. The playground makes me wish I was young enough to run all over it and get splinters. This is a very relaxing place to take some time to wander. read more

We love Indian Boundary Park. Great tunnels-a funny little zoo-lots of places for the kids to run and climb! By the way I didn't know that racist opinions were allowed on this site as the last person didn't like Indian Boundary because "hispanics are taking over." One of the great things about this park is the diversity and all the kids that play together. I think the "whites only" park was located in Alabama in 1950. read more

As a child this place seemed magical. It seemed like the kind of thing you saw in movies. Wooden castles and towers, column, bridges, secret little holes and passageways, statues, a small zoo and lots of trees everywhere. This is truly one of the little gems this city has to offer. The older I've gotten, the more fond I am of this spot. I love taking my nephew here to play. I even drop by late night to reminisce and have a cigarette and a little conversation after the kids are all asleep. If I ever have children of my own (god help me, and them) they'll be Indian Boundary regulars. read more

Great park and play area for the kids....one of the biggest playgrounds I've seen! The park is also big, clean and well maintained. Port-a-potties, trash cans and benches give you all the basic amenities to spend a long afternoon here. All of that said, the "petting zoo" is currently a "looking at chickens, geese and goats but not petting anything" zoo...and we were disappointed that the sprinklers weren't on for the kids at all. Overall...great place....just don't expect to come for more than the scenery and play area. read more

What a huge muddy mess! Everywhere! The swinging platform thing doesn't swing anymore. No more animals. It looks like they are redoing the water sprinkler area. I'll update when it's done. read more

Any normal looking park with a zoo gets 5 stars from me. Beyond the quaint Tudor-style field house, visitors can discover a beautifully restored, duck-filled lagoon, a public zoo area, a children's spray pool, sandbox, huge kids playground and four tennis courts. Visitors can meet Beth, the cow; an alpaca; goats; sheep; birds and more at the park's small zoo. read more

Looks like others have already said plenty about Chicago's secret wonder -- but I'd like to add that this is wonderful place to people-watch -- everyone hangs out here, black, white, Hispanic, Orthodox Jewish, Central Asian, etc. -- and nature watch -- in addition to the ZOO, there's a bird sanctuary in the beautiful lagoon which is surrounded by willows and other lovely trees, and in the evening all kinds of forest creatures come out to forage. Also, the surrounding neighborhood showcases many examples of the loveliest Chicago architecture from the first decades of the 20th century -- great castles and lodges that upon closer examination turn out to be apartment buildings, and few blocks away, some of Chicago's biggest and most beautiful bungalows. read more

Look at a map of Chicago and you will see that it's dotted with many "pocket-sized" parks that seem to be set there for each community or neighborhood. This is one such park and one that has a few special features. The main one is a small zoo that is held over from a special circumstance many years ago that required the park to house a donated animal there. It has most of the family amenities you would expect of a neighborhood park: diversions for the children and a couple of tennis courts. It's in a quiet setting away from the hustle-bustle of busy Western Avenue to the east and Touhy Ave. about a mile north. It's also not far from a number of synagogues and small yeshivas. There was an ice cream shop nearby, but it is gone now. read more

Best park ever!! This park has huge nostalgic significance to me. I have been coming here as long as I remember being alive. I attended summer camp at this park as a child. I got into trouble here as a teen. As an adult with my old child I often frequent this park with him. It has everything you need from a park. Beautiful views, a duck pond, field, tennis courts, and of course an unforgettable wooden playground. I miss the petting zoo from the old days which has since been turned in to some sort of toddler area, which is cool I guess that petting zoo had not been used in years. I highly recommend getting some frozen custard from Lickity Split and heading over to this park while there is still some summer left! read more

SAVE INDIAN BOUNDARY PARK ZOO!! www.indianboundaryparkadvisorycouncil.org Indian Boundary Park Zoo will be destroyed if the Chicago Park District has it's way. Neighbors have united to save it from extinction..... People United for an improved IBP (improveIBP@gmail.com) Built in 1915 it will not make it to 100 if we don't send emails and letters to: Chicago Alderman Debra Silverstein Board President of the Chicago Park District - Dr. Brian Traubert. Please sign the online Petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/225/705/785/save-indian-boundary-park-zoo/ Read some wonderful comments about IB Park Zoo Join to SAVE INDIAN BOUNDARY ZOO read more

This is a biased entry...because the five stars I'm giving is based on memories from the 80's! My favorite thing about IBP was when the sprinkler drain would get stuffed up with leaves and debris in the warm weather. If memory serves, the water got pretty high...well, high enough for a child to swim comfortably. I liked going there better than going to the beach! read more

When I lived in the Ro-Pa I walked here for tennis all the time. Great courts really kept up, unlike many in the area. Usually pretty busy on nice weekends though. Lots of fun stuff for kids to climb on too. read more

I was born in 1953 and I remember as a toddler or most likely in a baby carriage as they had back in the day that my mother and/or father would take me to this park to see the bear. I loved the bear. I still remember the bear. Although, the bear's quarters were very much lacking, no doubt. I talked to my father today and he grew up on Coyle and he told me the name of the park, Indian Boundary Park. It certainly is odd to think that a small city park would have a bear in Chicago, but I certainly remember way back then. read more

Indian Boundary Park, I love you! You fill my mind with memories of growing up in Rogers Park in the 70s, way before the new (OK, not so new anymore) play equipment was built. I remember the Cinderella Pumpkin that you could sit in. Anyone else remember that? The goats and other animals that lived in their zoo were always so fun to visit, and feed but I do admit that I am glad that they don't keep many of the large animals there that they once had. I loved watching my friends parents play tennis while we climbed mulberry trees and picked the berries. I loved playing in the fountain that everyone also remembers would get clogged up with debris, sometimes deliberately so that we could swim at its base. I loved planning to one day jump the fence to the big pond and swimming over to the Island in the middle. Yea, high hopes back then! And I really love having these memories that make me realize what a great childhood I had. Thanks Indian Boundary! read more

this is great fun lots of things to do and you can bring your own food to eat and grill. very clean well kept and child friendly .

I am writing this review based on my years at the park when I was growing up. If it is half as good and magical these days I'd even rate it higher. When I was younger my brothers and I attended Day Camp at the park. We used to bring bread and grains to feed to the ducks and the goats that where there back then. They also had a raccoon and a puma and some other animals that escape me at the moment. The groups and the playground and just the all around atmosphere were wonderful. The park back then was in walking distance from the most wonderful candy store! They had the best lollipops and other candies. I just loved the wading pool/Spray area. I remember it being all cement and round with so much spray that we would figure out a way to block it up so we could actually SWIM. Oh the memories... one of these days I am going to take my Hubby and my Granddaughter who is 4 for a ride to see the place where I used to play when I was a kid. I grew up in Rogers Park and I have very fond memories of the area as well as Indian Boundary as you can read..lol read more