Out and about in Chicago's Maggie Daley Park

Chicago's official motto is “Urbs in Horto,” or “City in a Garden.” It's an appropriate slogan, considering that nearly 9% of the city's land is devoted to parks, several of them landscaped by such architectural icons as Frank Gehry, Daniel Burnham and Frederick Law Olmsted. From beloved Millennium Park to the 1,200-acre Lincoln Park—one of the most visited green spaces in America—Chicago offers a multitude of places to enjoy the great outdoors. One local favorite that's not to be missed is Maggie Daley Park. Read on to discover this top spot for taking a break in Chicago.

Situated near the Lake Michigan shoreline, Maggie Daley Park is an urban oasis in the heart of Chicago, just a five-minute stroll from the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago. The park was designed by noted architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, who is renowned for his innovative use of natural materials. With 20 acres of beautifully landscaped space, the park is the perfect place to toss a Frisbee on wide-open lawns, start the morning with a vigorous tennis game, or entertain the kids at one of the whimsical play areas.

Planning to take part in the Chicago Marathon? Or simply looking for a great location to get your exercise in while you travel? Our Radisson Blu hotel is located right next to the park and not far from the Lakefront trail which is perfect for jogging. If you're planning on catching the race on 13 October, the start and finish line are located right in the park!

On the park's southeastern side, the three-acre Play Garden is composed of six distinct, age-specific areas. Van Valkenburgh's landscapes were designed to invoke the wondrous worlds of classic children's literature. Kids may feel as if they've wandered into a fairytale when they stumble upon the Enchanted Forest, a network of pathways complete with upside-down trees and a mirror maze. If they venture farther into the Play Garden, they'll embark on a magical journey through the Sea, the Wave Lawn and the Slide Crater Zone, which features a suspension bridge, looming towers and spiral slides, all bordered by a canopy of sumac that's breathtaking in autumn.

Feeling adventurous? At the center of the Skating Ribbon you'll find two unique rock-climbing structures that form Chicago's first and only Climbing Park. Perfect for kids as well as adults! Visitors of all experience levels can challenge themselves on two climbing walls, with or without harnesses, at heights of up to 40 feet.

For a magical winter experience, spend an afternoon gliding along the park's ice-skating ribbon, which winds through groves of evergreen trees and is designed to mirror an Alpine experience. The city skyline serves as a dramatic backdrop to the quarter-mile loop. Admission is free, and skate rentals are available. In warmer weather, the ribbon serves as a viewing area for the climbing park.

A post-picnic stroll to the northern side of the park brings you to the Cancer Survivors' Garden, a reflective, inspiring space created to celebrate life. It's marked by two 40-foot granite columns, remnants of the city's circa-1905 Federal Building that were salvaged from beneath Lake Michigan. The garden feels at once manicured and wild, and lends itself to serene walks and contemplation. Its three “rooms” were designed to mirror the three stages of healing: acceptance, support and celebration. If you want to celebrate the strength of survivors, or find your own inspiration, amble down the perennial garden walkway, a flower- and tree-lined path decorated with uplifting quotes and words of wisdom.