43 Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago & Beyond

Kids love the maze-like, two story, padded play structure at this play space inside the Mayfair Recreation Center.

Windie said:  Is a smaller playground with separate places to eat for birthday parties. Has a tiny section for crawling babies that has a slide but also a flat soft ish half walled area to roam. 2 year Olds are able to push the doors open to leave. Bathroom with changing table is inside the playground. Parking is tight but not bad. No food or drink is allowed in the area but everyone had bottles/ sippy cups/ coffee available in their strollers. Large benches for parents to see kids. Everything is pretty visible from benches. Not individual seats. Socks needed to play. Can return if wanted. Stroller accessible.

Lisa R said:  This inclusive gym provides kids with a positive space where they can have fun while practicing movement, sensory play and processing, and communication. The space offers a mix of creative gym equipment, such as tunnels, swings, a zip line, and trampolines as well as sensory-based toys and a craft area for building fine motor skills.

Lisa R said:  Check the Open Gym schedules at the American Academy of Gymnastics location closest to you: Northbrook or Wheeling.

Windie said:  Indoor playground with more toys than park. One big slide with climbing wall. Small area for crawling babies. Targeted to children under 5 years old. Socks needed to play. Small eating area with food available for purchase. Parking is great. Stroller accessible.

Westmont Yard’s Playroom features an indoor sports field with inflatables and more! The Playroom is located on the 30x60yd turf soccer field and includes many toys geared toward younger children. But they also have stuff for the big kids, too!

Kristy Pepping said:  With a variety of play areas for kids to explore, gated toddler and baby areas, ball blasting arena, mega blocks, and more this play place offers an exciting setting for crawlers up to 12 years old.

Alexandra F. said:  Playroom Cafe offers an indoor space where your little kids can climb, run, jump and slide while you enjoy a tasty treat or coffee at their café. A separate baby area allows crawlers to play safely with developmentally appropriate toys while the bigger kids enjoy the larger playground.

Windie said:  Good place for older kids. No food or drink allowed. Plenty of seating. They sell snacks. Must register and sign waivers. Can get extremely busy. Small area for children 2 and under with bench seating for parents and a ball pit. Tight fit for strollers. Parking can get difficult even though it's a huge parking lot. Outlets not easily found or accessible. Chairs are very uncomfortable.

Some IKEA locations have a supervised play place called Småland, where kids of customers are welcome to play for one hour. The on-site restaurant menu includes kids meals at reasonable prices, organic options, and classic Swedish meatballs.

Lisa R said:  The Children’s PLAY Area is a 2,000 square-foot play space that combines art, technology and a playground to provide interactive learning opportunities for all ages. Run, jump, laugh and learn at the Children’s PLAY Area, located on the Lower Level in Center Court.

Windie said:  Wonderful place for mixed ages. Toddler area that's closed with a latch so toddlers can't walk off. Separate area for birthday parties. Socks needed to play. Different bounce houses for kids that are bigger. Giant building block room. Little food area where they sell snacks and coffee. Bathrooms have changing table. Stroller accessible. Parking is great. Outlets available to charge phones. Massage chairs available but must pay. Not much seating available but there is one big couch in the back. People are so friendly. Must register and sign waivers. Money machine rides for smaller kids available.

Erin P. said:  Nelly's Playground is a great, colorful indoor playground featuring soft play areas, a ball pit, ride-on toys, a climbing structure and more!

Shila said:  Located indoors at the Jack A. Claes Pavilion, the 28-foot carousel at Jumps n' Jiggles features 18 hand-painted jumping horses and a swan chariot with unlimited rides. A soft play area and climbing structure with maze tunnels is located in the adjacent room.

Joseph Kelley said:  Don't let the winter months stop your kids from playing on swing sets. At Rainbow Play Systems, a showroom for playground and trampoline equipment, kids can play on more swing sets than they can find at a park outside!

Kristy Pepping said:  Designed and manufactured in Japan, this play system features movable rides that offer hours of fun for children between 1 and 7 years of age (48"). Set in a colorful and cheerfully decorated environment, popular rides in the play system include the Spinning Palm Tree, Dancing Balloons, Sky Rider and the Air Ball Pool.