Glik Park

If you live in Highland and have kids under eight, you probably already know Glik Park — and if you don’t, fix that. The playground has a solid climbing structure and slides that keep the little ones busy while you actually get a minute to breathe, and the water feature is a genuine lifesaver on hot Illinois summers. There’s a pond nearby where you’ll spot geese and the occasional heron, which gives the whole place a relaxed, unhurried feel that’s hard to find at busier parks. The soccer field and open grass are great for after-playground energy burns, and the walking path loops around nicely if you want to stretch your legs. Restrooms and parking on-site — which sounds basic, but anyone who’s dealt with a toddler emergency knows that matters more than almost anything else.