14 Best Libraries for Kids around Chicago

Thomas Hughes Children’s Library sits on the second floor of the Harold Washington Library Center as a lively, modern space tailored to kids from birth through early teens. Organized into three “neighborhoods” for early learners, elementary kids, and tweens, it blends play-based learning, STEAM activities, and cozy reading nooks—all anchored by a central “plaza” for families to gather and participate in storytime, puppet shows, and creative exploration.

The Bucktown–Wicker Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library has a lively children’s area with hands-on activities like LEGOs, board games, and educational computer games. Families can join regular story times, early literacy “Play Day” programs, and other kid-focused events throughout the year.

The Evanston Public Library's Main Library features a fun and colorful Children’s Room, filled with books, games, cozy reading spots, and hands-on activities. Kids can enjoy storytimes, crafts, scavenger hunts, and other exciting programs designed just for them. It’s a friendly place where young readers can learn, explore, and use their imaginations every time they visit.

The Orland Park Public Library has a bright and fun Children’s Library with a nature‑themed entrance and a big mural of local plants and animals that looks magical. There are special rooms like the Sensory Space for calm breaks, a cozy preschool zone with storytime corners, and “The In‑Between” where older kids can craft, game, or study. Every spring, a real chick‑hatching display lets you watch adorable baby chicks hatch right in the library!

The Main Branch children’s section features imaginative play zones like a “Baby Garden” for toddlers, a fun “diner” and interactive walls for preschoolers, and the hands-on Acorn Lab mini makerspace for creative explorations. Kids can also check out toys and games, explore scavenger hunts, use study rooms, or play at one of the eight child‑friendly computer stations. 

The Skokie Public Library’s Kids Room is a sunny, colorful place filled with picture books on easy-to-browse displays, cozy reading spots, and a fun Storytime Room complete with a cheerful ceiling mural. Kids can enjoy drop-in crafts, play in the Activity Room, take quiet breaks in the Sensory Room, or explore outside in the courtyard with water play and nature-based fun.

The Hinsdale Public Library offers a cozy and inspiring kids’ space featuring light tables with Magna-Tiles, LEGO stations, and train tables that spark creative, hands-on play and exploration. It supports young readers with interactive weekly storytimes, sensory‑friendly events like “Sensory Storytime,” and fun family traditions such as Tiny Toes Music, Donuts with Dad, and summer reading programs filled with crafts and prizes 

Addison Public Library is a warm and inclusive space where kids can dive into self-guided play and learning, with toys, books, and computers available even without a library card—and fun after-school snacks, homework help, and activities offered every day. It encourages early reading through programs like the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” and the “500 Book Challenge,” challenging young readers to grow their literacy skills in playful ways.

Gina I. said:  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.

The Early Learning Area at Indian Trails Public Library District is a vibrant playground for little ones, featuring dramatic-play favorites like a dollhouse and kitchen, alongside a giant Lite-Brite wall, LEGO and train tables, a magnet wall, a sensory pathway, and the captivating Interactive Wonder Wall that inspires creativity and hands-on discovery.

The Children’s Services area, located just inside the main entrance at Fountaindale Public Library District, is a vibrant and encouraging space filled with books, audiobooks, movies, video games, puppets, and puzzles—plus toys and tech like Playaway Launchpads and Tonieboxes that spark curiosity and learning. The library hosts nearly daily programs, such as storytimes, arts & crafts, family movies, STEAM and maker activities, and even puppet shows. Families can join fun initiatives like the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge or the year‑round “Reading Dragons & Friends” reading program, which rewards reading progress with prizes and playful incentives

Gina I. said:  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.

The Schaumburg Township District Library’s kidsZone features a magical Enchanted Forest, with three‑dimensional murals, themed toys, and immersive play areas inspired by classic books and nursery rhymes—perfect for creative adventures and storytelling. Children can explore hands-on learning with a STEM table that demonstrates gravity, engage in puppet shows, shop in pretend marketplaces, and build with MagnaTiles.

The Barrington Area Library’s Youth Services area is a super‑fun play space where children can climb through playhouses, stage puppet shows, try out a giant Light Bright wall, shop in a pretend marketplace, and even slide around—all in one vibrant room! It also hosts exciting storytimes, STEM and art workshops, live music, and theater experiences that spark creativity every month. Older kids can hang out in Studio Kids or the game room, and families can borrow Activity Kit backpacks to take the adventure home. 

Gina I. said:  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 cardholders. You'll also catch on their calendar a recurring Harry Potter Fan Club, 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!

The library’s KidSpace features a nature-inspired play area complete with three interactive workshops, a towering 15-foot bubble wall, and a tranquil "baby garden"—perfect for imaginative play and gentle discovery. They’ve transformed the old Early Learning Center into a modern, open, and inclusive space designed to spark creativity. The Youth Center also includes engaging areas for different age groups—offering everything from an aquarium and Creation Station with crafts to computers, iPads, toys, and a resource room for hands-on activities.