Parks in Bloomington IL | 16 Places for Year-Round Fun!
Staying in Bloomington, Illinois and looking for a place to get some fresh air? There are loads of parks in Bloomington IL and its sister city of Normal that offer all sorts of great amenities. Get the kids, get the dog, pack some sandwiches and head out to one of the many green spaces near you.
Let’s have a look at the huge variety of parks in Bloomington IL - there are a whopping 16 of them on our list of favorites, to be precise! There’s always a park near you in McClean County.
Forrest Park in Bloomington, IL
Located in a green area in Bloomington that also contains other parks, Forrest Park is a 20-acre space perfect for an afternoon of family fun.
Aside from a playground, restrooms, trees to provide shade, picnic tables and a bunch of other amenities, this park also features covered areas with grills that can be reserved for use by visitors. There’s even a disc golf course
Ewing Park I, II and III in Bloomington, IL
Next to the Ewing Cultural Center venue at historic Ewing Castle is Ewing Park I, which has everything you need in a park. It features a playground structure for kids, plenty of shade and nice trails to stretch your legs on. A local favorite, this is one you can’t miss if you’d like to get a bit of fresh air during your stay.
So if there’s a Ewing Park I, does that mean there’s also a Ewing Park II? Sure! There’s even a number III. They’re all part of the same large park area, so there’s plenty of space to walk around and explore.
Rollingbrook Park in Bloomington, IL
Rollingbrook Park is a green haven for sports fanatics in Bloomington IL. It has so many different sports facilities that everyone will be able to find something they enjoy: a basketball court, roller hockey rink, soccer field, softball diamond, tennis courts, trails… you name it.
Of course, there’s also a freshly renovated playground area for the little ones to enjoy, as well as picnic tables so you can bring a bite to eat. Check it out!
Franklin Park in Bloomington, IL
At 4.8 acres, Franklin Park (a National Historic Site) is definitely not one of Bloomington’s larger parks. Still, we think it’s well worth a visit if you’re staying nearby!
Located in front of Illinois Wesleyan University, the private liberal arts university, this one’s a favorite for local kids thanks to its supersized sandbox. It also features additional play areas, as well as plenty of large trees for shade and benches to rest on.
Miller Park in Bloomington, IL
Located around the corner from the aforementioned Forrest Park, Miller Park is one of the BloNo natives’ favorite places to hang out with the family. It’s known for its war memorials for the Civil, Korea and Vietnam wars, but Miller Park has a lot more to offer than just that.
As well as a lake (yes, it’s possible to fish there, and there are also paddleboard rentals!), pavilion, water play park, softball diamond football field, grilling equipment and a kids’ playground, this 67.6-acre park also has its very own little zoo. A must-visit if you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained for an afternoon.
Miller Park Zoo tickets cost $7 for adults and only $5 for kids under 12 at the time of writing - kids under 2 get in free! The zoo is not large, but we think it’s more than worth stopping by, especially since you can explore the rest of the park after.
Fell Park in Normal, IL
The first park on our list that’s located on the Normal side of town, Fell Park is a little piece of local history. It was donated to the city of Normal by Jesse Fell in the 1880s and contains a historic water tower built in 1898.
Visit to enjoy the baseball field and basketball court, or relax at the picnic area while the kids have fun at the playground.
Walt Bittner Park in Bloomington, IL
In a subdivision right on the edge of Bloomington IL is a decent little 11-acre park called Walt Bittner Park, named after one of the city’s former mayors. It features a basketball court, football field, soccer field, softball diamond and more, making it a great place to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors!
This park is well-maintained and has a playground area for the kids. There’s also a picnic shelter, so be sure to bring sandwiches.
Carden Park in Normal, IL
Another little gem in Normal, IL is Carden Park, which has a bunch of nice amenities that make it perfect for both kids and adults. There’s a playground area, a small basketball court, softball diamond, fitness area and even a tiny safety town to help you teach your littlest ones about traffic safety while you hang out. The grills and tables are perfect for a summer picnic.
Carden Park is located next to a preschool, so it can be busy during and right after school hours.
Clearwater Park in Bloomington, IL
Looking for something a little different? Clearwater park in Bloomington has its very own sand volleyball courts! Practice your volley skills while the kids play in the recently renovated playground, or walk the short paved trail together. Picnic tables offer a place to rest afterward.
Try going to Clearwater Park in spring to see the cherry trees blossom in bright pink!
Holiday Park in Bloomington, IL
If you’re in need of a place to cool off during Bloomington’s blazing summers, Holiday Park may just be the perfect spot. Unlike the other parks on this list, it doesn’t just have its own little lake, but also a public swimming pool! Bring your fishing gear, go for a swim or let the kids splash around in the separate children’s area.
Once you’ve had your water fun, don’t forget to take a walk around the park, check out the playground or have a bite at the picnic tables.
Underwood Park in Normal, IL
Named after a former Illinois Supreme Court Justice, Underwood Park in Normal IL is one of the best parks this side of town has to offer. It has plenty of space and loads of amenities, including a playground, parent-child swing, soccer field, tennis courts, basketball hoops and more!
You can rent the Underwood Park shelter area for your own outdoor events, making use of the grills for a nice summer barbecue. Or head onto the Constitution Trail, a former railway turned into a nice trail that runs through the Bloomington-Normal twin cities.
Anderson Park in Normal, IL
Another local park that features its very own aquatic center with swimming pools, this one’s a perfect place to spend a summer afternoon alone or with the kids. It’s no surprise that Anderson Park is a local favorite.
Even when the pools are closed for winter, there’s still plenty to do here: there are playground facilities for the little ones, grills and picnic shelters with tables, a batting cage, tennis courts, basketball hoops and a little paved trail for the dog walkers. There’s even a zipline!
Maxwell Park in Normal, IL
One of the largest parks on this list, Maxwell Park has a LOT to offer. If you enjoy disc golf, it’s a must-visit, but there are loads of other things to do here as well: take your furry friend to the dedicated dog park, get some exercise in at the tennis court, soccer field, softball diamonds or just on the trail, or hang out while the kids enjoy the playground. You can even organize a BBQ at the spacious picnic shelters!
The back of Maxwell Park also has a little wooded area perfect for enjoying a bit of nature without leaving the city.
Gaelic Park in Bloomington, IL
Another great place for a few hours of family fun in Bloomington IL is Gaelic Park. At 11.5 acres, this is not the biggest green space in the area by any means, but don’t be fooled by its size! This little neighborhood park still has plenty to offer.
Among the amenities at Gaelic Park are a little lake to go fishing, plenty of playground equipment, a softball diamond, basketball court and a nice walking trail. The park itself is known for being well-maintained and safe.
McGraw Park in Bloomington, IL
This park, named after a former Bloomington mayor, measures a whopping 30 acres. Not surprising, then, that it’s a great place to spend an afternoon with family or friends. There’s really something to do for everyone at McGraw Park!
Athletic folks will enjoy the various sports facilities here, ranging from softball diamonds to tennis courts, a football field and even an outdoor athletic track. Kids will love the water splash park and playground, while dog walkers can make good use of the long walkway, which passes a nice fountain. Everything is well-maintained and (private and public) events are held regularly.
Tipton Park in Bloomington, IL
More water fun for the little ones at Tipton Park in Bloomington, the last park on our list! This 50-acre area is another one of those excellent parks in Bloomington IL that’s packed with activities for both kids and adults. The splash pad is a big summer favorite.
Tipton Park offers a little pond to fish at, the Constitution Trail runs right through the park, there are loads of sports facilities (basketball, softball, soccer, bike trail), and, of course, it features an excellent little playground. There’s also a nice picnic shelter for your family gatherings and BBQ needs.
Conclusion
There are loads of parks in Bloomington IL where you can hang out with the whole family and catch some sun. If you’re still looking for a place to stay in Bloomington-Normal, why not book the House of Games?
This fun-filled AirBnB is the perfect place to stay for families and friend groups looking to have a good time. House of Games sleeps up to 10 people and features an arcade basement, rec room, game console room and fully equipped backyard with a grill!
