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Our 8 Favorite Spots for Indoor Play!

By Sara Yaniga, Macaroni Kid Chicago (Midtown) December 10, 2021

The weather may not be cooperating for outdoor play, but the city has plenty of options for indoor fun for children!  Check out 8 of our favorite city spots for getting those winter-wiggles out and connecting with other parents and caregivers.  I recommend checking out the websites to get the latest info on hours, class opportunities and pricing before your visit - and it is a great time to complete any waivers in advance.  Also, don't forget your socks for safe indoor play!



Altitude Trampoline 

404 N Armour Street

  • Highlights include toddler time and unlimited jump passes 
Check their website for more details


Bubbles Academy 900

900 N Michigan Ave, FL 6

  • Highlights include drop-in art daily with new projects each week, plus a host of winter activities beginning December 20th at the newest Bubbles location!
Check their website for the Macaroni KID event calendar for more details


Harmony Learning Center
725 W Wrightwood Ave
  • This Montessori center offers everything from drop-in classes to full sessions of learning & play.  For those who also work from home with a child, check out their unique "Work & Play" offering!
You can find all of the details here about the options at Harmony Learning Center


HelloBaby Chicago 
600 E. 61st Street

  • Free indoor play space for children up to age 3 (and their caregivers) and they offer a variety of special programs 

Please visit their website to learn more about this beautiful space created on the belief that all children deserve the opportunity for safe and creative play, regardless of income and neighborhood.  (HelloBaby is a non-profit organization)


430 Asbury Avenue, Evanston

  • Open play is available weekdays and weekends beginning at 8:30 am and play passes are available for those who plan on visiting often.  Individual drop-ins are $20 with sibling discounts.  They also have a cafe on site which is great for a snack or lunch break. 
Check their website for full details


2369 N Lincoln Ave (Lincoln Commons area)

  • Play2Day offers Drop Off Play in addition to Stay & Play sessions (and regular classes) in their Lincoln Park location. The Stay & Play option is $25 for up to 3 hours and reservations can be made directly on their website.
Check their website for full details


Present Place Chicago - 2 Locations!

3701 N. Ravenswood Avenue, #247 

314 W. Institute Pl, #2W

  • These beautiful play spaces offer an inviting spot to meet friends or even participate in a class (see calendars for options).  Drop-in play begins at $20 with sibling discounts, also monthly memberships are available. Open play is offered Monday through Friday and some weekends.  Private reservations for groups up to 12 are also available and great for getting the playgroup together!
Check their website for location details, sibling discounts, and annual membership options


Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon Drive


  • A longtime personal favorite the Nature Museum just announced they were beginning construction on a new indoor play area for guests!  This will elevate how great of an indoor destination this is for families.  Children under 3 are free, and only $6 for ages 3-12 and adults are only $9 - but if you think you will visit Peggy Notebaert at least four times in a year, consider an annual family membership at $60 and get loads of extra benefits as members!


Check their website for location details, sibling discounts, and membership options