Bison's Bluff Nature Playground — Attraction in Schaumburg Township

First the good: this is a great park for the most part. We aren't fans of the water features but before the water goes on for the summer this is our favorite place to go.

Unfortunately after the water goes on the rocks are extremely slippery, the sand turns to sludge and children fall over each in the small space to try and play. Bring extra clothes and shoes, maybe more than one set of each.

And now... the atmosphere. There are many signs reminding Parents to let their kids get dirty and have fun. The signage encourages free play and exploration. I used to like that. After today though, I wonder if we will be back.

This was our first visit since Fall and it was rough. Over the 2 hours we were there I felt a bit like a helicopter Parent, and felt that I had to be that way- because no one else seemed to be watching their own kids. Given that this happens from time to time at other playgrounds, in 10 years of taking my kids to play this was still the single worst it has ever been.

After spending the majority of the visit reminding others to be nice and take turns, my son (age 36-1/2 months) started to play in an area 2 other children had 'claimed'. This resulted in my son being pushed onto sharp rocks by an older boy and his sister. Prior to that, I had already asked their mother to help me because her children were being very rude, saying he couldn't play and that 'it's not his (my son's) house!' I asked repeatedly for help from their Mother and for her intervention but it was not until after he was injured and I twice more sought their Mother's help afterwards, my own son in tears, that I finally became fed up.

Despite her son's apologies and explanation for why he pushed my son, she LOUDLY insisted he didn't speak English and her children didn't do anything wrong. Talking over her denials and telling her exactly how they were acting (Finally just shocked at her denials after all of that, I said 'This is ridiculous, that little girl is acting like a little b** and I shouldn't have to be policing some e else's kids every 5 minutes just to remind them to share and be nice!') but that only cemented her denials despite her daughter's continued behavior right behind me! I had hoped to stay just long enough to get a smile instead of going home on a sour note but I left with my boys who wanted to go home.

I understand that it isn't the Park's fault. But perhaps in this age of cell phones and distraction we should have signs reminding Parents to be Parents rather than to reminders to give them more independence.

And just a note on this: if my kid hit someone the first thing I say is Im Sorry! And I get in there to help them remember their manners. This...

I take the kids to all kinds of parks around the area and this is, by far, their favorite and my favorite.

It's not your typical playground by any means. There are no swings, only a few slides, and no sports fields. It's a park that really encompasses what it's like to be in nature. It has climbing structures made of rocks and wood, streams and waterfalls to play in, all sorts of pretend animals and plants (as well as real ones), and a free-spirited attitude rarely seen from parks these days.

The rules at this park are all about having fun and helping others have fun. Not only are you allowed to climb and play on anything and everything, you're encouraged to do so. There are signs around reminding parents to allow their children the freedom to explore while keeping an eye on them and expanding their learning, rather than lessening their experience by being too protective.

Some people complain that you have to pay, which is not true; it's entirely free. Some people complain about the crowdedness, but even when it is crowded, there is plenty to do because it is a huge playground. Some people complain that there aren't swings, etc. like a normal park, but there are 100 other parks nearby; that's not what this one is for.

The only gripe I could possibly have with this park is that there is no bathroom right there. There is one at the nature center (maybe a three minute walk) as well as porta potties by the parking lot the same distance away, but it's not a big deal to run the kids to there when they have to go. Outside of that, it's really the perfect place for kids to play and enjoy the warm weather. We're always ready...

Updated: Ever since they changed the entry fee and added reservations this park is no longer what it use to be. While the play area is amazing still it just is not worth it to come here. The fee is not much but why make people pay to see nature or have fun at the play place? I would gladly donate the cost of entry but making it a fee just turns me off. Plus an hour to play is pathetic. By time the kids start running around it is time to go. I would not bother anymore with this place. There are so many other places in the area that you can experience for free or have unlimited time to explore that I would just avoid this place now.

Amazing park with so much for kids to do. Entire area is themed around prairie life and animals that would call this area home. Sight lines are good and entire play space is fenced in. Multiple levels of play areas with a music instrument section, picnic area, and sand area included. Missing a more tot friendly area but there is still things for them. Attention to details here are amazing. During warm weather water runs through a stream in the park for fun with water dynamics and dam building. If you can, you should plan a fun day...