![Family photos at a pavilion in Chicago's Chinatown](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0003.jpg)
This client reached out to me with a location request that had “architecture but not cars” and this gorgeous park in the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown fit the bill! Come check out these family photos in Chicago’s Ping Tom Memorial Park!
![Mom, Dad, and young daughter on a white blanket under a willow tree](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0001.jpg)
Ping Tom Memorial Park is a beautiful recreational area along the south branch of the Chicago river with gorgeous city views, murals, architecture, and landscaping. There’s even a playground as a treat for kids after their photoshoots!
![Fall family photos at a pavilion in Chicago's chinatown district](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0002.jpg)
![Family photos at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chicago with blue and white mural in the background](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0004.jpg)
There were two stunning murals – this beautiful and bold white and blue floral design, and a gold-toned mural with clouds and cranes. I love the way the jewel tones of my client’s dress pops with the rich blues of this design!
![Family photos at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chicago with the city skyline and St Charles Air Line train bridge in the background](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0005.jpg)
One of my favorite images of the day! I loved getting a shot of the Chicago skyline with that fall foliage for my clients! 🙂 That cool drawbridge up in the air is the St Charles Air Line Bridge for trains!
![Little girl wearing gray dress, white tights and brown boots dropping leaves](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0006.jpg)
Shocking no one, here is my go-to fall photo prompt: “throw some leaves!”
![Family photos at Chicago's Ping Tom Memorial Park with the Hancock tower and city skyline in the background](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0007.jpg)
![Mom and Dad and toddler daughter leaning against an ornate red bridge](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0009.jpg)
My clients loved the beautiful red bridges at this park! It was so fun to incorporate them into their photos!
![Toddler girl in a gray dress running across the red bridge at Ping Tom Memorial Park that goes over the South Chicago river.](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0008.jpg)
The little girl’s pure joy at zipping up and down the bridges was a delight…and then she got caught by Mom and Dad. 🙂
![Mom and Dad holding this toddler daughter in a field with yellow grass](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0010.jpg)
Ping Tom Memorial Park as a Family Photos Location
I love that this location provides so much background variety! The Chicago skyline, bright murals, pavilion, delicate bridges, but also beautiful natural areas for more fall color! It also happens to be one of those rare locations that is lovely in the sunshine but would be equally nice (or better) on an overcast day! The one downside? Bathrooms are easily accessible only in the summer at the kayak rental office, otherwise the choice is at the Ping Tom Memorial Park Pool, which is one block east and two blocks north.
Where to park for Ping Tom Memorial Park
Ping Tom Memorial Park is easily accessible via a path from the corner of W 19th St and S Wells St. Free street parking is available on W 19th St and S Wells St, while there is also parking at the nearby Chinatown North Parking Lot two blocks south of the park entrance.
![Mom, Dad, and toddler daughter leaning on a red bridge rail at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chicago](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0012.jpg)
I absolutely love the way Mom’s emerald dress pops against the vibrant red of the bridge!
![Toddler girl in gray dress laughing in a field of white wildflowers in Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chicago's Chinatown.](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0013.jpg)
I love this little girl’s bright smile!
![Family of three at Ping Tom Memorial Park with the W 18th St overpass in the background](https://kristenhazelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ping-tom-park-family-photos_0014.jpg)
This family has a history of a Christmas themed outfit change for their little one! I loved the festive plaid choice for this year and the evergreen trees we found to complement the look!
Do you have location ideas for your photoshoot but don’t know the right spot that will fit the bill? It is a pleasure to help clients find a photography location that perfectly suits them. Reach out!
Kristen Hazelton is an Oak Park, IL (West Chicagoland) and Livermore, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) senior, family, and engagement photographer. She occasionally photographs in San Diego, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Seattle, WA. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!