14 Best Libraries for Kids around Chicago

The bright and colorful children's space located on the second floor of the massive Harold Washington Library offers plenty of fun kids activities in Chicago's South Loop. Areas organized by age are filled with fun STEAM and tech activities, play opportunities, a tween digital media space, and plenty of cozy seating and reading nooks.

The Bucktown - Wicker Park Library is a joy for kids with frequent reading circles, as well as a large play area with blocks, dinosaurs, puzzles, dolls, and more. Drop in or schedule your time during "Play Day" and meet others during this weekly recurring playtime for tots. The upper floor has a closed-off section for studying and reading, so kids can play at a "non-shhh!" noise level on the lower floor without disrupting other patrons. Additional recurring opportunities include FrankenSTEAM Tuesdays, Create Wednesdays, and even 30 minute guitar lessons (ages 8+) — guitar provided or BYO!

Lisa R:   The Evanston Library has 3 branch locations and an excellent family calendar, including a wide assortment of drop-in singalongs and story times (ages 0+). And quite helpful to working parents; there are plenty of weekend weekend events.

Molly Weber:  As a parent who works during the day, I love when I find options for story times after working hours. What's great about their story time program is that, because it is in the evening, they focus on soothing songs and stories to help relax your child (Night Owl). Feel free to bring your little ones in their PJs. They also have evening bilingual story times (Buenas Noches).

Other programs for kids include Video Game Club (multiplayer fun), an encouraging 1,000 books before Kindergarten Challenge, and tons of Teen Volunteer opportunities to assist in the little kid literacy programming.

Vanessa M.:  The Main Branch of Oak Park Public Library has an expansive children's area loaded with tablets, computers, toys, activity tables, books and more to ensure you have an enriched experience. Resident students (K-6th) can also appreciate a dedicated study room stocked with supplies and resources called Homework Hub.

Play groups and story times are segmented by age group starting at age 0, including some that include energizing music. There are also sensory story times and the Main Branch hosts Read to a Dog. This presents young readers the chance to share in a book with a friendly canine.

Lisa R:  The Skokie Public Library offers many story times for children of different ages throughout the week, including family, weekend and bilingual reads (Syriac, Spanish, Hindi, Russian). Some story times also run concurrently with "Together Time," which is an open play area and socialization space for children under 2 years old and their parents. A large play area equipped with a toy kitchen, Legos, magnet tiles, puppets and more is open throughout the week.

Kids may also enjoy Lego Club, Knit and Crochet All the Way, Science Clubs, Anime Appreciation Club, Wellness Wednesdays and Movie Nights.

HPL is great for kids, from infancy to teenagers and family fun. The library has a clean kids play area with numerous toys and games, as well as recurring story times, Toddler Art, Read to a Dog, homework help, reading competitions and fun trivia nights to inspire young readers. There are many book nooks, too.

In addition to reading, drop in for Retro Fridays to watch classic cartoons. Attend a Lego Show to proudly display a masterpiece you created at home for fellow enthusiasts. And, Family Fun Mondays are fantastic events that range from meeting exotic animals, to magicians, to bubble shows!

Brittany Kozielski:  The Fountaindale Public Library has a spacious childrens/family department on the first floor, as well as a special room designed for Teens (The Vortex). Family programming throughout the year can range from magicians and the bubble man to wild animals. Programs for older kids include Minecraft Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Chess, Teen Volunteering, Maker Lab, Knitting and more.

Weekly story times are broken out by age group beginning with babies to enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, puppetry, crafts, movement and more. Story times are also frequently offered in Romanian and Polish. Cieszyć się!

Gina I.:  Addison Public Library is an excellent place to read, relax, or get work done while the kids play. The kids section has one entrance, so it's easy to keep kids corralled, and there are lots of fun activity centers, including a doll house, Legos, play kitchen and more. Unique recurring activities include one-on-one literacy time with a librarian, ARTventures, Maker Friday (STEM), and Code Blast (computers, robots). Homework help is offered for grades K-12. Tip: parking is limited; you may need to find street parking on busy days.

Yoli B:  The Indian Trails Public Library is newly renovated with all the bells and whistles that make new age libraries special. The kid's area, with toys and plenty of space, is separate, which allows for kids to run around freely and explore to their heart's content. In fact, one story time is proudly entitled Noisy Time with stories, rhymes and lively music and movement.

Making Mondays Special is a recurring monthly event to get creative and enjoy new literacy-based themes. And popular clubs for kids include: Lego Club, Gamers, and Book Clubs starting as young as 2nd grade.

Gina I.:  From the moment you step inside Kids' World at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library your child will be ready to explore! The sprawling children's area is filled with colorful decor, a life size chess board, building blocks, train table, and much more. Recurring family-friendly events include many story times (with drop-off options for some ages), evening hour Jammin' in Jammies, Art Cart Crafternoons, First-Time Parents Meet Ups, playgroups, singalongs, and a fun Family Book Club (ages 5+)! Tip: Kids' World is very open. So, it may be difficult to keep little ones contained.

Gina I.:  With storybook garden for kids 5 and under, plenty of computers with learning and creative games, and a huge collection of children's literature, kidsZone at the Schaumburg Library is a great place for kids to explore new interests and enjoy excellent programs. Be sure to check the website for information on their upcoming story times, events and exclusive programs for kids like LEGO League, movie matinees, Read to a Dog and more.

Gina I.:  A lego room, puppet stage, huge foam building blocks, play structures, and a life-size light brite...you'll find all this and more at the Barrington Area Library! There's also an impressive MakerLab (3D printers, laser cutters, Carvey), though its use is reserved for resident card holders. You'll also catch on their calendar a recurring Harry Potter Fan Club, Yoga for Kids, Lego Club, and Babywearing Mama dance parties. A lovely Family Book Club also invites kids in, ages 4 - 8.

Tip: don't expect to get too much work done while the kids play. The kids area can be quite lively and loud!

Vanessa M.:  The extensive children's section at the Gail Borden Public Library is a wonderland for small children. With a large indoor climber/play area, lots of hands-on toys, children's programs and story times, this library will keep your children busy!

An adjoining section is available for older children and teens. Check out their calendar and you'll find Chess Club, Piano Performances in the Lobby, Mad Science for Preschoolers, and more. The library also boasts a great view of the Fox River!