Top Rated Parks to Visit in North Riverside

"Named for a former first lady of the city who passed away in 2011, Maggie Daley Park is one of Grant Park’s newest treasures. Laid out by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, the park opened in the northeast corner of Grant Park 2014 and shines for its recreation and family facilities. The whimsical Play Garden, for kids up to 12, is a playground like you’ve never seen, with six different zones like the Watering Hole which has a giant breaching whale, and the Enchanted Forest where you’ll walk under upside down trees ."

"Maggie Daley Park is THE park I take my toddler to when we have a good block of time for some serious fun. The 20-acre park really is a spectacular playground for toddlers. With plenty of green space to run around on, the best part of this park is the play garden."

"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."

"At 280 acres, Big Marsh certainly lives up to its name, but this far southeast side public park—opened in 2016 in the Calumet Area Reserve—is still a relative secret to most locals. The park includes 45 acres of recreation areas designed specifically for mountain and BMX biking and casual trail riding. The rest (234 acres) is a nature preserve great for hiking and bird-watching."

"Whether you want to relax with a nature walk or go on an adventurous hike, this park is a great place to check out. Forty-five acres of the park are dedicated to more intense endeavors, such as hiking, adventure courses and off-course biking. The other 235 acres is devoted to more passive activities like bird-watching and nature walking."

"This park is a 119-acre, man-made peninsula with excellent spots for fishing and walking paths. This urban nature sanctuary has prairie grasslands, a five-acre pond and walking paths for wildlife watching. Northerly Island is also home to 12th Street Beach and Huntington Bank Pavilion."

"Located in the Lincoln Park itself, the North Pond Nature Sanctuary is yet another one of the animal exhibits that is loved and adored not just by the locals but by the tourists alike. It is believed that the same is around 130-year-old pond nature sanctuary, which in itself is an amazing thing to witness. It is located in the N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA and opens when the Lincoln Park Zoo opens as well."

"The Lincoln Park Conservatory, with its glass walls and exotic plant species, feels like a sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. The Victorian-era building is divided into four spaces: the Fern Room, Orchid House, Palm House, and the Show House. Each houses thousands of plant and flower varieties that thrive in the conservatory’s balmy conditions all year round."

"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!"

"One of Chicago’s most popular breweries moved its operation to a new venue in 2019 and added a restaurant as well. Head to the Bar at Moody Tongue to try executive chef Jared Wentworth’s fine-dining-caliber dishes paired with brewmaster Jared Rouben’s beers. The German chocolate cake is a must-try that features 12 layers of rich chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, espresso cheesecake, and German chocolate filling with toasted pecans and coconut."

"The gist: After moving to its new brewing facility just south of the Motor Row District, Moody Tongue wisely tapped Michelin-starred chef Jared Wentworth (Longman & Eagle, Dusek’s) to help hone a culinary experience on par with the chef-driven beers they’ve been crafting for years."

"A neighbourhood bar where lots of locals chill out with a good brew and good friends. This is a smaller, no-frills place where you can drink good, artisanal beer. I recommend Begyle Brewing Co. because you’re likely to avoid the worst of any tourist crowd and get a chance to rub elbows with locals."

"If you’re looking for a no-frills microbrewery that serves up uniquely crafted beer, Begyle Brewing is your go-to place. Dogs are allowed, if kept on a leash, and tours of the brewery are always available. This Ravenswood hotspot also has skeeball!"

"Begyle Brewing offers an approachable and diverse collection of brews. They built a community-supported brewer program for beer lovers. It is a 6 or 2-month  growler fill subscription."

"With walls covered in blonde wood and decor accented in forest green, Hopewell Brewing’s taproom is lighter, airier and less industrial-feeling than most craft breweries. Long tables fit for communal sipping fill up quickly with large groups of friends and family (kids and dogs are welcome), so get there early. On tap, you’ll always find Hopewell’s Swift IPA (a citrus-y ale) and the crisp, refreshing First Lager."

"The Hopewell Brewing Co. brews, sells and self-distributes all their own beer. In doing so, they can connect with beer drinkers on a more personal level than some brewing companies. This fuels their mission to provide accessible, high-quality beer for all."

"Hopewell offers a variety of brews, including mainstay cans that you know and love and limited special releases. Open for limited indoor seating or pick-up. Click here to place an order."

"Chicago locals with a taste for Polish cuisine – or for great cuisine in general – love Staropolska for its hearty Eastern European classics. The Logan Square venue is a bright spa..."

"Late bar is a fantastic nightclub situated in a beautiful neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The establishment has a relaxed ambiance with alternating disco lights and a cozy seating arrangement. The marble-topped bar contains a variety of cocktail drinks, wine, beers, and whiskey."

"Frequently recognized as one of Chicago’s best brunch spots, the family-owned Nana in Bridgeport has just reopened in May 2021. Boasting a delicious brunch menu made with sustainably and ethically sourced organic ingredients from local farmers, Nana offers a unique array of Mexican-American food. There are some extraordinary Latin-influenced brunch options that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the Windy City."

"The grilled shrimp for Nana's po' boy are season with Chile de árbol, garlic and parsley, while the oysters are soaked in buttermilk for two days, dredged in a Cajun rub and deep-fried. The sandwich is finished with a house-made gribiche flavored with whole grain mustard, roasted garlic, tarragon, caperberries and fresh lemon juice. Watch the Video: Elaborate Shrimp-Oyster Po'Boy"

"With a heavy emphasis on local and organic products, Nana is a Bridgeport favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Avocado fries served with chipotle-lime aioli are a (slightly) healthier alternative to fried potatoes."