Best Indoor Playgrounds In Chicago
With the weather in Chicago being fairly unpredictable, this year more so than usual, you may find you need a few options for indoor areas where kids can burn off that energy now that they're out of school. We're here to help with a refresh of the Best Indoor Play Spots in Chicago article to hopefully give you some new options when that summer thunderstorm ruins your plans for an outing to the local park.
Kookaburra Play Cafe
2267 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-5400
www.kookaburraplaycafe.com
One of the best things about this cafe, aside from its mounds of play areas and toys for kids of several ages, is that you are welcome to bring and eat your own snacks even though the cafe has options for purchase. The adults can sit and have a latte and enjoy some good (non-kid) music, like classic rock for a bit of a break from Elmo's World. The kids can't possibly play with everything available in the short time they are there. The prices are reasonable (you get a discount on a sibling after paying for the first kid, great if you have two or three) and Kookaburra does have options to book parties and events.
Little Beans Cafe
1809 W. Webster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 251-1025
www.littlebeanscafe.com
There's a lot going on at Little Beans Cafe that you can join, or not, as you choose. Don't be worried that the array of classes offered will disrupt any open play time as they are held in a separate area. Enjoy a cup of coffee while you watch your children play and there is food available for purchase if you get hungry. There are dance classes, music classes and more offered each season at Little Beans as well as weekly events such as Date Night Drop Off where your kids enjoy pizza and play while you get out on your own for a while.
Legoland Discovery Center
601 N. Martingale Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 592-9700
www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago
If you've decided on a more intense day out with your kids, try the Legoland Discovery Center. Especially if you're children are into legos, it's something that should be done at least once. Tickets will get you into all of the rides (as many times as you want), 4D movies and exhibits and kids under two years of age enter free. You can stay as long as you like once you're inside of the exhibit to make sure you've experienced it all. The staff is friendly and it's a great outlet for high-energy kids that need to run around. Be sure to purchase your tickets online to avoid waiting outside for entry.
Kid City
1837 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 829-6775
www.kidcitychicago.com
From crawling babies to five-year-old toddlers, Kid City will keep them be entertained. It really is a mini city with a little play store, play cars, dress up and just about everything else imaginable. There is complementary coffee, tea and hot chocolate for the parents in the working kitchen area as well as a nice parent area with sofas to relax on. Kid City is family owned and the staff is friendly and welcoming. As a bonus, there is free parking. Booking Kid City for birthday parties and other events as well.
Monkey Island
2100 N. 15th Ave.
Melrose Park, IL 60160
(708) 344-4803
www.playmonkeyisland.com
With 100,000 square feet of space to play in, you're sure to watch your kids burn off their excess energy at Monkey Island. There is a three-story-high climbing structure just for the kids to climb on as well as several sections for kids of different ages and one section for adults (18 years old and up). There is something to occupy kids of every age at Monkey Island. There is an arcade area (admission included in the fee, but games accept quarters) and a concession stand with hot dogs and pizza and soda varieties. There is no hourly rate so you are free to stay as long as you like.
Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
