We’re back answering questions to help Chicagoans better navigate the city. You can ask yours here.
Ali K., a parent of a toddler, is looking for indoor and outdoor activities for kids besides museums, parks, and zoos.
For city kids …
- Go to
Brown Books & Paintbrushes, a free activity center in South Shore with a movie theater, play area, Black children’s library, and more. - Chicago Public Library branches have storytimes, crafts, and other socializing opportunities for babies and kids.
- Kiddos can play with instruments at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Lincoln Park or Lincoln Square.
- Little Hoppers Cafe in Beverly has open play Tuesday through Saturday for kids under age 7 — and parents get complimentary coffee.
- Who says playing with food is a bad thing? Kidz Can Cook in Edison Park has Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and Lunar New Year–themed classes aimed at kids 5 and up.
- Let kids burn some energy at Altitude Trampoline Park in West Town.
— City Cast Chicago team
For suburban kids…
- Oak Park Conservatory is a godsend in the winter— it’s lush and humid inside, and the kids love checking out the parrots and koi fish. (City kids can explore Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories.)
- Technically, Bison’s Bluff is a park but it’s a bit of a hidden gem and worth a pilgrimage out to Schaumburg. It has a massive nature wonderland with streams, boulders, and bridges. There are group-sized slides, huge towers and tunnels for climbing, and instruments to play.
- “The Train Store,” aka Berwyn Toys and Trains, is an incredibly good toy store that also has multiple elaborate electric trains plus some wooden ones for smaller kids. No purchase required to play with the trains.
- When you’re looking to create a sense of “adventure” for a day, take the train to Glen Ellyn for burgers and milkshakes at 2 Toots, a train-themed diner. It’s dorky, and you’ll encounter at least three kids’ birthday parties, but it’s worth it to have your food delivered on a train.
—Andi McDaniel, City Cast chief creative officer and Oak Park parent
