Stuck at home with a stir-crazy toddler or preschooler? Don’t let the rain get in your way! We’ve got the best places to play indoors for the little ones. Keep this list handy for whenever the weather does not want to cooperate and share with your friends.
Treehouse, 985 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich
Facebook | (847) 438-8887
There’s a separate play area for small children; however, little ones will enjoy exploring the Treehouse itself while big kids are in school during the day. Our 2011 review.
Pinstripes
South Barrington Location: 100 W Higgins Road, South (847) 844-9300
Northbrook Location: 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook (847) 480-2323 (other Chicagoland locations)
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Every Monday-Friday from 10am-12pm enjoy Tots Playtime! $3 per child/game plus $4 shoe rental and parents bowl FREE. Check out Loralie’s review.
Artist @ Heart
Libertyville Location: 344 N. Milwaukee Ave., (847) 816-4865
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We’re longtime fans of the Artsy Tots program for ages 1-4 at Artist @Heart. Little ones have fun, get messy, and learn and discover through different art mediums. $5 for ages 1-4. Wednesdays and Thursdays in Libertyville from 9:30 - 10:15 am but you can come by for open studio any day. Artist @ Heart was one of our 12 Shops of Christmas.
Bella’s Bouncies Indoors, 1600 N Milwaukee Ave #402, Lake Villa
Facebook | (847) 546-7000.
Mornings are the perfect time for small children to enjoy bouncing while the big kids are in school! Read Melissa’s Birthday Party Review.
Skate on Grand Roller Rink, 720 E Grand Ave, Fox Lake
Facebook |(847) 587-2350
Thursday mornings from 10am - 1 pm, join them for Little Nuggets Toddler Roller Skating. (CLOSED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD - TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Check Facebook for up to date hours.)
Jump America, 880 Lakeside Drive, Gurnee
Facebook | (224) 325-JUMP (5867)
Wednesday mornings from 10am-12pm are Toddler Time! One caregiver admitted FREE per paid toddler admission.
Deerfield Park District Tree House, Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive
Facebook | 847-945-0650
Be on the lookout for our upcoming review!
Round Lake Area Park District Children’s Neighborhood Museum, Robert W. Rolek, Community Center, 814 Hart Road, Round Lake
Facebook | (847) 546-8558 Read our story on their remodel.
Yu Kids Island, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
Facebook | 847-680-3800
Yu Kids is restricted for children under 48″ tall and is located inside Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center. Read our 2013 review.
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Boulevard Glenview
Facebook | (847) 832-6600 (CLOSED SEPTEMBER 15-18 - For Clean-Up Week.)
More Ideas
- Read our Stir-Crazy Siblings post and Where to find a Train Table in Lake County for more ideas on indoor fun for toddlers.
- Want to splash in a pool instead of a puddle? We know where the Indoor Pools and Waterparks are in and around Lake County!
- Kids have off but you need to be able to work remotely? Cheryl has a listing of where you can go to play with free Wi-Fi in No School? AHHH I Have Work to Do!
- Need a cup of coffee while the kids play? Tracy tells us the Best Indoor Playplaces to Drink Coffee While They Play.
- Check out Spring Break in Lake County Area Museums where Holly shares with us a listing of some tried and true favorites as well as little known gems that are waiting for your visit. It doesn’t have to be Spring Break to enjoy them!
FREE Admission
Wildlife Discovery Center, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest
Facebook | (847) 810-3663
A place for learning and wonder where children of all ages can come face-to-face with reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals (but mostly reptiles!) Admission is always FREE. Exhibits are open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Read why it’s one of Loralie’s favorites.
Frolic at the FREE playspace inside Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center in Vernon Hills located on the lower level near JC Penney.
The Round Lake Area Children’s Neighborhood Museum is FREE Wednesday evenings from 5-6:30 pm.
Chick-fil-A in Vernon Hills has a FREE playspace for little chicken-eaters that is ideal for kids under 5 years old. They also keep a full calendar of family-friendly events, including their popular storytime with Miss Bonnie.
Don’t forget your local library will usually have lots of family-friendly programming on a daily basis. Nothing like curling up with a good book on a rainy day!
As always, please check our daily event calendar for low-cost/no-cost family events.
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