Named for the 15th Governor of Illinois, John McAuley Palmer, this seven-acre park located between Logan Square and Humboldt Park dates back to the creation of the boulevard system in the 1870s. Palmer Square was a popular spot for cyclists (or "wheelmen") in the early 1900s, though you're now more likely to find runners on the track that circles the park's perimeter. Kids will appreciate a playground inspired by the classic book The Velveteen Rabbit.
This sprawling green space is the perfect spot to pass Frisbee or just have a nice summer picnic. There's a bit of a pretty nice walking trail there, too, and places for the kids to play if you have a family. Honestly, it's just nice and quiet even right there in the middle of a fairly busy traffic area. You'll want to sit down and read a book in the grass (or at least I always do).