The Obama Presidential Center welcomed visitors earlier this summer, and numerous features immediately drew my attention.

The 19.3-acre site in Chicago's Jackson Park features lovely native plantings, modern artwork, and key historical items. All of these appealed to me greatly. Yet as a parent of two energetic children, I felt especially excited by the size and scope of the playground area.

It ranks among the biggest outdoor play areas my 6- and 9-year-olds have explored. Divided across two levels, it provides many options suited to various ages and skill levels.

Here is what our family of four discovered on a mild, overcast summer evening.

The campus offered clear signage and simple navigation.

Situated in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side, the playground lies just north of the main entry near the Home Court building, a large 60,000-square-foot athletic and event venue.

Plenty of maps and directional signs appear throughout the grounds, helping visitors find their way with ease.

The enclosed playground area provided a sense of security.

Two entrances serve the playground, each staffed by security personnel during our weekday visit around 5 p.m.

Although my children understand the need to remain inside the boundaries until permitted to leave, the presence of extra supervision near the gates added reassurance when watching younger visitors.

Separate play zones accommodated a range of ages.

Posted signs indicated that The Duck area targets children ages 2 to 5, while other sections suit ages 5 to 12. Two nest swings in the northern section welcome children of any age.

The play equipment featured imaginative designs.

Creative shapes and forms throughout the playground sparked plenty of ideas for play. A large frog and lily pad setup formed part of The Duck zone meant for ages 3 to 5, yet my 9-year-old headed straight there and enjoyed it since no younger children were present at the moment.

The younger children's section included a sandbox.

The Duck zone also contained a sizable sandbox. This feature stood out, since many parks near our home in Westchester, NY, have removed sand elements during recent updates.

A water fountain for play sat beside the sand, though I encouraged the children to stay tidy during this outing.

Multiple water stations were available near the playground.

Cold water access proves essential on warm days. Several refill stations stood in and around the playground, allowing easy bottle refills or quick drinks from fountains.

The fountains maintained strong pressure, so the children could drink without touching the spout.

Natural features blended with the modern play area.

Children could reach the Climbing Forest section via smooth ramps, climbing routes, or a winding nature-style path, which my kids preferred.

Slides link the upper and lower play levels.

Two extended slides, reachable on foot or by other means, join the upper tree-themed structures with the lower lagoon-themed zones.

A canopy shades the metal slides, preventing excessive heat on sunny days.

An attendant watched slide use during our visit but offered no specific directions.

Note that the slides move quickly. My son remarked on the speed after his first ride yet returned three more times. My husband tried one and nearly veered off the edge while feeling some strain.

Additional details emerge upon closer inspection.

A dragonfly-shaped climber initially appeared simple, yet closer examination revealed many ways to interact with it. Handholds invited climbing to the top, nets provided resting spots inside the body, and several good hiding places existed within.

Climbing and hanging options abound for active children.

New and unexpected play elements appeared around every corner. The structures suited a broad spectrum of ages, abilities, heights, and comfort levels.

Shade remains limited at present.

The grounds display attractive landscaping with pollinator plants and numerous young trees that will eventually provide shade.

Currently most plantings are small, leaving the playground quite open. Families visiting in strong sunlight should bring sunscreen and hats.

A public restroom stood near the playground.

A clean, convenient restroom sits a short walk from the south entrance. Stroller users can bypass stairs by taking a slightly longer route around them.

Another parent mentioned restrooms inside the Home Court building, worth checking when open.

Supervising children can prove challenging.

The multiple spaces, levels, and activities, while appealing, also present a challenge for oversight.

The two-level layout made it difficult to monitor children exploring separate zones. With younger kids or larger crowds, more active supervision would be needed.

Caregivers of young children may prefer focusing on one area at a time.

Ample seating lines the play areas.

Benches and other seats border each play zone, allowing parents and caregivers to rest while children play.

A smaller section with picnic tables offers space for meals or snacks.

Grills stand ready near the playground for prepared families.

Just outside the Home Court basketball pavilion, additional picnic tables and shared grills sit adjacent to the playground.

Though unused during our visit, the spot seems ideal for gathering with friends.

The playground promotes inclusivity.

Except for the sandbox, play surfaces consist of wood chips or rubber, common in contemporary parks. Strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs can reach both levels and most structures, though some walking may be required.

A limited number of swings are present, including two that meet ADA standards.

Other attractions await within Jackson Park.

We reached the playground after spending time at the nearby Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, which the children enjoyed. The presidential center lies about a 10-minute walk south from there.