Top Rated Parks to Visit in Melrose Park

"Situated next to Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park sits on over 20 acres next to the waterfront in downtown Chicago. The park's most popular kids' attraction is a mini-golf course, which has a series of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks at each hole. The Play Garden is a big hit with younger kids, where they can play pirate on a huge land-bound ship complete with rope bridges and plenty of room to imagine."

"Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago photo courtesy of Ranvestel Photographic. Located just east of Millennium Park, the new park recently opened the ribbon ice rink this winter. The rest of the 25-acre park, which will feature a playground for kids and many picnic tables and benches, is slated to open in 2015."

"The northeast corner of Grant Park has been turned into a GIANT playground. (Seriously – it’s giant!) The lakefront recreation center also features a climbing wall and a skating ribbon."

"Polk Bros Fountain and Plaza at the entrance of Navy Pier greets children with an exciting 12,500 square foot signature fountain (during warm weather) with more than 150 programmable jets that mimic the movements of waves, schools of fish and flocks of birds. While at the park, kids will have fun posing with the vibrant “Meet Me at the ‘P’” art installation."

"Located at the entry point of the Pier, I have a love/hate relationship with this fountain. I love how happy it makes my water-obsessed toddler but I hate how long it takes me to coax him into leaving. The 12,500 square foot fountain isn’t just a regular fountain."

"Logan Square Founded as a brewpub in 2010 by former Goose Island employee and Handlebar founder Josh Deth, Revolution has helped lead the local craft beer revolution to become the largest independently owned brewer in Illinois. Picking up the mantle left by Goose Island following its sale to InBev, Rev’s massive 90,000-square-foot Kedzie facility houses a German beer-hall inspired taproom that starred in the 2013 film Drinking Buddies. Famous for its aggressive flavor profile and hop-heavy creations, Rev is known for year-round core ales like Anti-Hero and Fist City, but its popular seasonals and excellent deep wood series ales showcase its deep pool of talent.Must-try beer: For something a little different from Rev’s typical lineup, dig into their deep wood series to try the award-winning Deth’s Tar barrel-aged imperial oatmeal stout brewed with English specialty malts to create a rich, chocolaty profile with notes of vanilla, toasted coconut, and caramel candy."

"While Revolution has branched out and built an actual pub in Logan Square, there’s nothing quite as homely as visiting the taproom in Avondale, where bench seating and large barrels of beer corral you into its rustic setting. Having served hundreds of beer flavors over the years, Revolution is constantly coming up with new brews to present to its fans and they never, ever disappoint."

"White chocolate, caramel pretzel pancakes, I dream of the day I’ll be reunited with you in Wicker Park. Known for their outrageous and oversized pancake, Benedict, and French Toast creations, their sweet and savory breakfast menu was designed for sharing (and you can actually order half portions). Snooze is Denver’s cheap imitation, and nowhere near as good as those sinful syrups."

"Just down the street from Jerry’s is the newer Bongo Room (the original is in Wicker Park). I am in LOVE with this back patio. Every time I go, I swoon over the cozy feel, the natural-looking wood-work, and the vertical gardens on the slated walls."

"Must-Try Item:  White Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Pancakes ($6.95). 5 Words: White Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Pancakes are all you need to know about what Bongo Room has to offer. This breakfast/brunch spot offers a seasonal flare."

"The Alarmist Brewing taproom, near Albany Park and West Ridge, is different for a reason. The family-owned spot wanted to create a community space where people could come together (which is why you won’t see any TVs in the taproom). It’s also super family-friendly, welcoming kids with snacks and juice boxes."

"Swing buy and shop for some brews, or order online for curbside pickup. Either way you get a top-notch drink!"

"Thalia Hall is a historic music venue, a massive building along 18th Street in Pilsen, that’s owned by 16” on Center, a company that runs venues like Promontory Hall in Hyde Park and Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village. The building also houses Punch House, a lower-level ‘70s chic bar where patrons by drinks by the punch bowl. Then there’s Tack Room, a piano bar that dabbles in things like punk rock karaoke."

"The iconic Pilsen hall has punch-filled cocktails in the basement, a beer hall on the main floor, and a music venue upstairs for all your Instagramming glory."

"Hopleaf Bar is a Belgian-inspired tavern that serves a wide selection of beers and brews and delicious Belgian fare. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and long, wooden bar tables create a tavern-like ambiance, while tasteful décor, music, and mouthwatering aromas add to the casual and relaxed vibe. The gastropub menu features excellent steamed mussels while the bar is home to no less than 41 beers on tap (mostly Belgian brews) and over 260 craft brews and bottled imports."

"This Belgian-style Andersonville bar doesn't do regular old pub food. Instead of wings and burgers, they serve incredible mussels and charcuterie, with a lengthy menu of craft beers."

"When hops devotee Michael Roper added a dining room onto the back of his beloved tavern, swillers were thrilled with the opportunity to sop...Read More"