Millennium Park

By Christine Escobar

Millennium Park is one of the best known parks in the city. Less than 5 years old, it is a unique architectural masterpiece that caters to all ages. Families with preschoolers can enjoy free performances, activities, crafts, ice-skating and more at this beautiful and expansive park.

Millennium Park is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the North and Monroe Street to the South.

Preschooler Friendly Sites and Sounds At Millennium Park

In addition to the many shaded and grassy areas to picnic and run around, Millennium Park's most popular feature with preschoolers in warm months is the Crown Fountain. Consisting of two glass block covered towers that display images of various faces, the fountain is buzzing with the laughter of kids most summer days. Preschoolers love to splash in the shallow water surrounding the fountains and most of all love to watch the faces appear to "spit" the water out of their mouths.

Prepare to spend lots of time in this section of the park. Swimsuits are allowed, but regular clothes are suitable as well. Just be sure to bring a change of clothes for your child, and a towel if desired to make drying off easier. They are sure to be soaked.

During summer, a special Family Fun tent is erected on the north end of the park and various children's museums take turns sponsoring free crafts and projects for kids. Kids concerts also take place here each afternoon in summer and on weekends, too.

What Parents Should Know When Visiting Millennium Park

The Park Grill consists of a full-service restaurant and bar and a small ice cream shop that serves ice cream from the classic southside parlor Original Rainbow Cone, as well as chips, fruit and bottled water.

Restrooms are located in several areas of the park: in the building housing the Park Grill and near the Pritzker Pavillion as well.

Nightly free concerts featuring world music, dance and the Grant Park Symphony take place at the Pritzker Pavillion. If you pack a picnic or purchase one from the grill, you could make a family nite of it under the stars and listen to some world renowned musicians with your preschooler.

Visit the Millennium Park Welcome Center located at 201 E. Randolph Street in the Northwest Exelon Pavilion for information about the park, maps and program schedules or download a map of Millennium Park online.
You can also download the Millennium Park Brochure for detailed information about the park's art and architecture.

Details

Hours: daily from 6am - 11pm.
Admission: free.
Credit cards are accepted at the Park Grill 
Map