iPads, Netflix, and board games are great options for a short period of time. But, for active children who want to run and jump, there are so many possibilities to explore. Every Chicago parent has an ace-in-the-hole location they know they can visit for indoor play. The Gardner School asked parents in Oak Brook to share their favorite locations for indoor family fun. Here are the lucky winners.
Elmhurst Public Library
When the skies are cloudy, and rain hits the rooftops, head to a library! Oak Brook parents know the Elmhurst Public Library is the perfect place for children to discover a new story—or ten. The children’s section is filled with books for all ages, and the youth librarians are great at advising what your child should read next. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a specialized play area, a new maker space, and activities for all ages, it can’t be beaten. Plus, there’s a BrewPoint inside, so parents can treat themselves to a cup of coffee. What’s not to love?
Tivoli Theatre Downers Grove
This classic cinema does movies right, and it can be a great place to catch the latest kid-friendly movie for a reasonable price. But the key parent tip here is the 10:30 a.m. shows by local children’s theater company AlphaBet Soup Productions. With a new season every year, you can see reprisals of classic stories like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, and holiday-themed shows for winter weather getaways. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to the magic of live theater. Parents will enjoy themselves, too, as there are always a few sophisticated jokes thrown in for the adults in the room.
Dupage Children’s Museum
Bright, colorful, and utterly delightful, the Dupage Children’s Museum will keep spirits up when rain is coming down. The museum is set up by exhibit neighborhoods, so children can guide you through each floor they visit. The Children’s Museum is great if you have children of various ages. Kids as little as two years old can find something to explore, and older children can go off on more independent quests if they find something that interests them. With rotating exhibitions, there’s always something new to explore. With 17,000 square feet to cover, filling an afternoon won’t be a problem. There’s even a cafe to grab a quick meal or snack while you’re there.
Downers Grove Library
Yep, two libraries made the final list. We get it! They’re free, they’re filled with stories, and children love them. That’s a winning trifecta! Oak Brook parents love Downers Grove Library because it’s super child-friendly, spacious, and conveniently located. Storytimes are legendary, and the children’s book selection is solid. For a perfect parking spot, here’s a tip: grab a latte at Peet’s Coffee and then head over for storytime.
Safari Land
Safari Lane features 62,000 square feet of rides, play areas, and games for children. With its fun, jungle theme, kids feel like they’re exploring a vast and uncharted territory. Little ones can check out the Lion’s Den soft playground for indoor fun, while older siblings might want to try the MaxFlight Simulator or the Tiger Terror Roller Coaster. The entire family can enjoy bowling together at the on-site lanes. If rolling balls down the lane gets your children hungry, check out Atlantis Restaurant, with child-friendly favorites like pizza and fries.
Enchanted Castle
With mini-golfing, laser tag, go-karts, bowling, and bumper cars, there are enough activities here to keep your family busy for hours. There’s an arcade full of games where children can earn tickets to exchange for prizes they’ll love. If you’ve planned an outdoor event for your child’s birthday that is rained out, Enchanted Castle offers a great rescheduling alternative. That way, no matter what the weather, your children and their friends can all have a fantastic afternoon.
Rainbow Play Systems
Rainbow Play Systems is a play equipment retailer that also hosts parties and indoor playtimes for families with young children. The employees at Rainbow Play definitely know the ins and outs of playground equipment, and their play space allows kids to try out the newest and best. Rainbow Play also houses trampolines, so children can twist and spin to their heart’s content. Playtime costs $10 per child for a two-hour session, and kids under one can enter free of charge.
An Exceptional Preschool for Oak Brook Parents
Parents trust The Gardner School of Oak Brook to care for their children during the day so they can enjoy connected family time at home. Our engaging curriculum and caring teachers keep children engaged and learning on a daily basis. If you’re looking for an exceptional preschool experience in the Chicago area, we’d love to share more about what we do. To learn more about how we fulfill our mission to Oak Brook parents, set up a virtual tour.
