Playground Fun!: Paulus Park, Lake Zurich

Paulus Park

Rt. 12 just north of Rt. 22, Lake Zurich

http://lakezurich.patch.com/listings/henry-j-paulus-park

Yet another amazing park in the area! Thanks so much to Jodi for the suggestion. This park is located right on Lake Zurich and includes a beach, splash pad, large wooden playground, walking paths, fishing dock and many acres of other activities. Pack a lunch and go enjoy the weather!

When you turn onto Whitney Drive off of Route 12, turn left and park in the northern parking lot. It is closer to the entrance of the playground and beach. Use the other parking lot if you want to hit the skateboard park.

The playground structure is huge and can be very fun. But be prepared to lose your children, especially if you are tracking more than one! This is a large wooden structure with lots of climbing and hiding spaces. Littler kids are able to climb and play, but it is very difficult to see inside the structure from the ground. Dressing your kids in bright colors helps! Parents can go in as well, but it would be very difficult to follow in all areas for the very tall (or very pregnant.) There is a "Tot Lot" area with a smaller structure and baby swings. This side is fenced and nicely shaded in the morning.

Bathrooms are right next door to the playground in the concession stand building. The concession stand is open from 11am to 6pm.

If you would like to visit the beach and splash pad, there is a daily fee. According to the posted sign at the gatehouse, children 3 and under are free, Ages 4-17 $5, 18 and up $8. This includes entrance to both the swimming beach and splash pad (they call it a "sprayground", which I love!) The splash pad is nicely shaded and fenced. There are no strollers allowed in the beach and splash pad area, so be prepared to leave it outside the fence if you bring it.

There is also another part of the beach available for free. You can't swim, but you can make sand castles! Bring lots of sand toys - there are also two sandboxes available in the playground area. There is a fishing dock located next to this stretch of beach.

Plenty of shaded picnic spots and tables available. There are also horseshoe, bocce ball and volleyball courts as well as lots of paved walking paths around the park.