Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago for Toddlers & Babies

1. Hello Baby — Woodlawn

The name says it all. This is a great place to meet other moms with babies and toddlers, and it's FREE. This free-standing building just south of Washington Park offers free play, or drop in for a music class, story time, or sign language class. You can even meet with a doctor to ask questions about child development once a month. It's clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate for kids under age 5.

2. Play Room Cafe and Play Room Cafe 2 — Mount Prospect and Naperville

These cafes are limited to kids under age 6 and under 48 inches tall. The kids can enjoy a soft baby area, wooden toys, a climbing area for the preschool set, and imaginary shops and cafes to play pretend. Grown-ups will enjoy the coffee and menu of healthy foods for both kids and adults.

3. Purple Monkey Playroom — Bucktown

This 1,500 square foot Chicago indoor play space has toys and preschool size climbing structures for kids up to age 5. Schedule an open play time with friends, sign up for a STEAM class with your 1-4 year old, or plan a birthday party! Coffee and water are always free.

4. Nelly's Playground — Wood Dale

Created for parents by parents, this 4,000 square foot soft play space is dedicated to kids under age 7. It's clean, everything is padded, and it opens at 9 a.m., which is great for parents who have already been up for more than three hours at that time. Plan a birthday party at Nelly's, or just come to enjoy daily play with friends.

 
Luna Y Cielo offers Spanish classes. Photo courtesy of Luna Y Cielo Play Cafe

5. Luna y Cielo Play Cafe — Logan Square

This playroom is designed with Latinx families in mind! Bring your little kids up to ages 6 to play in the soft open play area, or bring along bigger kids to read a book in the lounge. Take a Spanish class for babies or toddlers, or enjoy story and music times with Latin themes. Join a bebe meet-up to find new parent friends! Everything is brightly colored to add to the multicultural fun.

 
Enjoy open play or a birthday party. Photo courtesy of Marshmallow Play

6. Marshmallow Play — Elmhurst

Dress-up, imaginary play, and small climbing structures abound in this west suburban play room. You can buy a one day pass or a punch card to enjoy the play room between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. when big kids are at school. Enjoy character meet and greets with favorites like Tinkerbell, Mirabel, and Bluey, or book your child's birthday party here.

7. Edgewater Play House — Edgewater

This north side play place has two separate rooms — the open gym and the toy room. Reserve a spot for your kid based on what they want to do. Kids up to three years old can play in a safe and fun environment in the play room. Crawlers through six year olds can be a little more active (but still safe) in the open gym. Kids can even enjoy a gymnastics class to increase their movement during the day.

8. Waterlemon — LaGrange

This indoor playground is as cute as its name! This clean and pastel play space is perfect for kids ages five and under. Adults love it because of its coffee and esspresso drinks and free wifi. Plus, there are no blind spots, so you can work on your computer while your child plays. Special events include character visits and story times. Book your toddler's birthday party here for an extra special day of fun. 

9. Tiny Tots Play Cafe — Frankfort

This indoor playground has a climbing structure, ride-on toys, and imaginary play sets for kids up to age six to enjoy. There's also a designated toddler area so that the littlest of kids can play without disruption from 4 and 5 year olds. The actual cafe is fully stocked with concessions and coffees for little ones and grown-ups. Kids must be under 48 inches and no outside food or drink is allowed.

10. The Playpen — Glen Ellyn

Kids can enjoy small climbing structures, a train table, craft area, imaginative play, and more, while adults grab a coffee or tea at this west suburban play space. It's a great way for parents and kids to develop new friendships while getting out of the house. Started by local parents, this cafe offers day passes that include re-entry, so you can come back if you need to leave for an unexpected meltdown.

11. Giggles Play — Highwood

This Reggio inspired play space in the northern suburbs has open play with interest-based centers for kids under 8 years old. Visit to play, or take a music class, attend a story time, or take part in the caregivers social club once a month.  Buy a one-day pass, a punch card, or a membership to keep coming back for a good price.

12. Kiddy Club Playground — Aurora

This play space in the far western suburbs is meant to be just like a playground but inside. It's big draw is an indoor sandbox. The playground also boasts climbing structures, ball pits, and a soft play area for babies and toddlers. Book your child's birthday party or another private event here for playground-like fun even in the middle of winter.