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Playgrounds

Cotton Tail Park

πŸ“ Near South Side, IL

β˜…4.5(163 Google reviews)πŸ’°FreeπŸ‘ΆAll ages

Fully fenced 2.35-acre neighborhood park in Chicago featuring a pirate ship play set, swings, jungle gym, sandbox, pavilion with picnic tables, and walking paths. Named for the cottontail rabbits kids love to spot.

βœ“ Fully fencedβœ“ Pirate ship play setβœ“ Sandboxβœ“ Pavilion availableβœ“ City skyline viewsβœ“ Dog friendly
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Jaclyn Stuard

This park is one of my favorites in this area. It's largely fenced, which makes wrangling younglings a bit more secure. It isn't on a main road either which means another added safety layer. There is a small pavilion with picnic tables, a pirate ship play set, a seesaw, a sand pit (we don't use it because it is uncovered and sand isn't that dissimilar to kitty litter outdoors...you know what I mean...but this does SEEM to be clean. It's just my own rule), a nice jungle gym with a bridge and several slides and places to climb, a swing set (2 normal height and size for little kids, one normal swing at a taller setting, a chair swing, and two baby swings), and a large patch of grass surrounded by a sidewall dotted with benches. The brick pavers at the entrance could use a touch up, so if you bring a stroller be ready to dodge a few "potholes". The kids always enjoy coming here. It has a variety of activities and is generally well kept. I do wish the folks who bring their dogs would follow the leash regulations more strictly, but that happens at every park, so at least this park has space enough to safely accommodate everyone. Just be mindful and operate that any dog may be unleashed at any time. And watch for waste. On a perfect day where everyone follows the rules of behavior for critters and kids alike...it's a pretty perfect park. Frisbee and bubble space. Sidewalk galore for chalk. Lots of play places. Lots of opportunities for pretend play. I recommend it.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with young children who need a safely enclosed outdoor space with diverse play equipment. The fencing gives toddler parents extra confidence. The pavilion suits birthday gatherings. Dog owners frequent the park β€” watch the sandbox for cleanliness and be alert for the occasional unleashed animal.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘The park is fully fenced β€” a secure option for families with young toddlers
⏰Pavilion with picnic tables is available for parties and group lunches
🎟️Water fountains serve both children and dogs on-site
πŸš—Check the sandbox before use β€” it is uncovered and shared with park animals

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.5
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163 Google reviews

Safe fenced enclosure40%
Variety of play equipment30%
Community atmosphere and views20%
Dog-related cleanliness notes10%
J

Jaclyn Stuard

4 years ago

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β€œThis park is one of my favorites in this area. It's largely fenced, which makes wrangling younglings a bit more secure. It isn't on a main road either which means another added safety layer. There is a small pavilion with picnic tables, a pirate ship play set, a seesaw, a sand pit (we don't use it because it is uncovered and sand isn't that dissimilar to kitty litter outdoors...you know what I mean...but this does SEEM to be clean. It's just my own rule), a nice jungle gym with a bridge and several slides and places to climb, a swing set (2 normal height and size for little kids, one normal swing at a taller setting, a chair swing, and two baby swings), and a large patch of grass surrounded by a sidewall dotted with benches. The brick pavers at the entrance could use a touch up, so if you bring a stroller be ready to dodge a few "potholes". The kids always enjoy coming here. It has a variety of activities and is generally well kept. I do wish the folks who bring their dogs would follow the leash regulations more strictly, but that happens at every park, so at least this park has space enough to safely accommodate everyone. Just be mindful and operate that any dog may be unleashed at any time. And watch for waste. On a perfect day where everyone follows the rules of behavior for critters and kids alike...it's a pretty perfect park. Frisbee and bubble space. Sidewalk galore for chalk. Lots of play places. Lots of opportunities for pretend play. I recommend it.”

R

Rajan G

8 years ago

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β€œCotton tail park is a great neighborhood park with a walking track and areas for kids to play. You will always find local residents walking their dogs or kids playing in the evenings. There is also a gazebo under which kids birthday parties are sometimes held. The view of the city is great from the park too!”

F

Francis J

8 months ago

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β€œCotton TailPark is a very nice park. Great area to walk. Some nice skyline views. If you’re in the area and it’s a nice day,you should come check it out.”

A

A HacK

7 years ago

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β€œMy furry children and I love this park. There is a real sense of community to include children and animals alike. Wholesome and attractive and well-maintained. Water fountains for both humans and four-legged friends. Swings,sandboxes, Monkey bars,Shaded pavilions, A grassy area for running and games, an oval walkway and benches for all. What more could you want in the park. Take some time out of your busy day sit down eat some lunch make some new friends and breathe. Enjoy....... Thank You Chicago.We the neighborhood love you.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Cotton Tail Park is a fenced community park offering a pirate ship play structure, swings, seesaw, sandbox, jungle gym, shaded pavilion with picnic tables, paved walking path, water fountains for humans and dogs, and city skyline views. The enclosure provides a secure environment for young children. Dogs are welcome on leash and the park is popular with local walkers.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday06:00 – 21:00
Tuesday06:00 – 21:00
Wednesday06:00 – 21:00
Thursday06:00 – 21:00
Friday06:00 – 21:00
Saturday06:00 – 21:00
Sunday06:00 – 21:00

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