Baby it's cold outside! Today I finally hit the point where I would just rather hibernate than go outside. But you can't always do that with kids or they go stir crazy. Luckily for us, there are plenty of indoor play spaces in Skokie, Niles, Park Ridge, far NW Chicago and surrounding areas that both kids and parents love. Take a look at this list below compiled by our readers. Have you tried them all yet?
The Exploratorium - Skokie's Imagination Playground
Location: in the lower level of the Oakton Community Center
4701 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076
847-674-1500 ext 2744
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri from 9 am to 5 pm; Sat from 9 am to 1 pm
Cost: For Skokie residents, $4 for kids & $3 for adults. For non-residents, $6 for kids & $5 for adults. Multi visit passes are also available.
Why our readers love it: Kids love it because it's on the lower level and "kind of like a secret play world you just have to know about." It also has a water table and a giant lite bright.
Little Beans Cafe - Evanston
Location: 430 Asbury Ln, Evanston, IL 60202
847-807-3731
Hours: Mon - Fri from 8:30 am to 7 pm, Sat & Sun from 9 am to 3 pm
Cost: $17 for first child, $12 for second child, $6 for each additional child after the second. Multi visit passes and memberships also available.
Why our readers love it: Our readers love that there are play spaces for both younger and older kids, including a ninja course for the older kids. They also love that there is a cafe for lunch and/or snacks.
Mini City on 21
Location: 5900 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
773-295-5861
Hours: Tue through Sun 10 am to 3 pm, closed on Mon.
Cost: $10 for first child, $8 per sibling. Multi visit passes are also available.
Why our readers love it: "It's small enough where you can see everything but big enough where the littles won't get bored." They also offer classes and have special events around the holidays.
Jump Zone - Niles
Location: 6347 W Howard St, Niles, IL 60714
Hours: Open jump hours vary from day to day, but you can find the schedule here.
Cost: $13 per child per jump session. Multi visit passes are also available.
Why our readers love it: It's great for the kids to get their energy out. They also have a few arcade games and an air hockey table. Thursdays are family night and include pizza with your open jump time.
Kohl Children's Museum
Location: 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026
847-832-6600
Hours: Mon from 9:30 am to 1 pm, Tue through Sat from 9:30 am to 5 pm, Sun from 12 to 5 pm
Cost: $14 for kids and adults, $13 for seniors. Memberships are also available.
Why I love it: There is so much to do that my daughter never gets bored. There are hands on learning activities and play areas both indoors and outdoors.
Kiddie Kingdom
Location: 4711 Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714
847-983-8286
Hours: Sun through Sat from 11 am to 9 pm
Cost: There is no admission fee, but you will need to purchase credits to play the games. Check out their special offers page for current offers.
Why our readers love it: It's local and family owned and they often have deals on game cards and pizza.
Kids Yard
Location: 6615 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634
773-290-2550
Hours: Sun through Thu from 10 am to 7 pm, Fri & Sat from 10 am to 8 pm
Cost: 3 yrs and under are $10 during the week and $12 on the weekend. 4 yrs and up are $12 during the week and $14 on the weekend. Multi visit passes are also available.
Why our readers love it: It is clean, affordable and fun for all ages. They have separate enclosed areas for babies and smaller children and tons of inflatables for the older kids.
Altitude Trampoline Park - Skokie
Location: 7037 Central Ave, Suite #11, Skokie, IL 60077
847-983-8777
Hours: Mon through Thu from 10 am to 8 pm, Fri & Sat from 10 am to 11 pm, Sun from 11 am to 9 pm
Cost: $15.95 for 60 mins, $21.95 for 90 mins, $25.95 for 120 mins, $2.95/pair of jumping socks. Check the schedule for weekly deals.
Why we love it: When I asked my daughter about her favorite indoor play place, I knew she would say Altitude. She just loves being able to run and jump and I love that it wears her out every single time.
Funday
Location: 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL 60077
847-410-7690
Hours: Mon through Thu from 10 am to 8 pm, Fri & Sat from 10 am to 9 pm, Sun from 11 am to 6 pm.
Cost: Mon - Thu $14/hr, Fri - Sun $18/hr. Rates are half off for second sibling and half hour increments.
Why I love it: They have all different kinds of activities including arts and crafts, games, a pretend play area, reading, basketball, interactive video games and more and it's drop off. Meanwhile you get to go shopping or out to eat or to a movie, etc. Read more about Funday here.
I know it's cold outside, but no more excuses! Get out of the house and go play.
Macaroni Kid Skokie-Niles-Park Ridge-Far Northwest Chicago is a website and free weekly newsletter focused on family and kids events and activities in our community. We are delighted to help you Find Your Family Fun® not only in Skokie, Niles and Park Ridge, but also Harwood Heights, Norridge, parts of Morton Grove, Schiller Park and Rosemont as well as the far northwest Chicago neighborhoods of Edison Park, Forest Glen, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, parts of Portage Park and other nearby areas.
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