Well, duh. That’s the best part of the warmer months, isn’t it? There are a lot of factors to consider though, like with any other venue, like food and theme, but outdoors can also mean watching the unpredictable weather. But not to worry; if all goes according to plan, then these Outdoor Party Venues in Chicago will be a smashing success. Just maybe keep bug spray handy.
Chicago outdoor party venues at a glance
| Venue | Area | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Maggie Daley Park | The Loop | Outdoor |
| Oz Park | Chicago | Outdoor |
| Oasis Water Park | Niles | Indoor & outdoor |
| Outdoor Café | Chicago | Outdoor |
| Summer House | Chicago | Indoor & outdoor |
Details as listed by each venue when we last checked — confirm with the venue before booking.
5 spots below, hand-picked for Chicago.
Maggie Daley Park
This 20-acre public park in the Loop community area near the Lake Michigan shoreline hosts a vast array of activities for outdoor adventures – a climbing wall, mini golf, rollerblading, picnic groves, tennis courts, beautiful gardens and a skating rink for colder months if you want to brave the chill. If you have something in mind for more than a picnic and mini golf, you can apply for permits and rentals to set up tents and tables and the whole shebang.
- Setting
- Outdoor
Oz Park
Who doesn’t love the Wizard of Oz? This Oz themed playground features Dorothy’s Playlot, filled with swings and climbing equipment, and the Emerald Garden for a stroll through the greenery. Check out statues of Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion and Toto, and activities like soccer and t-ball, tennis, and basketball courts. Outdoor events that have more than 50 people, or tents, inflatables, animals and bicycles require a permit. Check out their website for a full list.
- Party size
- Up to 50 people without a permit
- Setting
- Outdoor
Oasis Water Park
Splash away the heat with a beach-entry pool, children’s splash pad, slides and diving boards at the Oasis Water Park. There is also a room for rent if you want to get out of the sun (they have party packages for this too), and concession stands for food and drinks. You are welcome to bring your own food and use their picnic area, but no glass containers or coolers allowed. Kids must be at least 48 inches tall to use the slides and splash pad.
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
Outdoor Café
A funky venue with an outdoor courtyard and place to have great ice cream, this simply named Outdoor Café also serves up tasty milkshakes and bubble tea, which is their claim to fame. They also serve cake, sandwiches, paninis, soups and Asian specialties.
- Setting
- Outdoor
Summer House
This kid friendly restaurant is one you’re going to want to visit again. Their botanical aesthetic extends to their outdoor seating area, with white tables and natural wood tones completing the look. Their kids menu consists of grilled cheese, chicken fingers, cheeseburger, pasta and meatballs, mac ‘n cheese and dessert pancakes. They also offer catering packages and private use of the restaurant and courtyard.
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
Booking the entertainment too? We’ll check who’s free.
Venue sorted, cake ordered — now the wow. Tell us your date and we’ll confirm which vetted Chicago entertainers (face painters, balloon artists, magicians, characters) are actually available.
Free to ask · vetted & insured · money held until after the party
Looking specifically for a kids’ birthday party instead of a general outdoor gathering? Our newer Outdoor Birthday Party Venues in Chicago guide is built around birthday packages, ages and pricing — including two picks from the list above, plus a few more from around Chicagoland.
Chicago’s Best Outdoor Party Venues — FAQs
Do you need a permit for a birthday party in a Chicago park?
Only for a bigger setup: at Oz Park, an outdoor event with more than 50 people, or with tents, inflatables, animals or bicycles, requires a permit. A smaller picnic around Dorothy’s Playlot, with its swings and climbing equipment, doesn’t. At Maggie Daley Park in the Loop, you can apply for permits and rentals if you want to set up tents and tables rather than just use the picnic groves, climbing wall and mini golf. Check the park’s website for the full list of rules before you plan around it.
Which Chicago restaurants have an outdoor patio for a kids’ birthday?
Summer House on North Halsted and Outdoor Café on West Bryn Mawr both have outdoor space for a relaxed party. Summer House carries its botanical look out to an outdoor seating area and offers catering packages and private use of the restaurant and courtyard. Its kids menu covers grilled cheese, chicken fingers, a cheeseburger, pasta and meatballs, mac ’n cheese and dessert pancakes. Outdoor Café has a courtyard and is known for ice cream, milkshakes and bubble tea, plus cake, sandwiches, paninis, soups and Asian specialties.
