A list of the best indoor play spaces in Chicago that will entertain and tire out your kids, written by a Chicago mom.
All of these places are in the city, offer memberships, and host birthday parties. I am talking about what makes each one unique and which age group they are best for. Many of these places also offer day-off camps and some even offer parents nights out!
Updated: October 2026
Best Indoor Play Spaces in Chicago
All Ages
Altitude
Altitude is an indoor trampoline park with a small arcade. Toddler time is available for children six and under. Kids can jump on individual trampolines, play dodgeball, jump into foam pits, or play on sports courts.
Ages: Toddlers and up! I recommend bringing toddlers to the toddler-only toddler time.
Location: Altitude has locations in West Town and Roscoe Village.
Chicago Children's Museum
The museum's centerpiece is Cloud Buster, a massive climbing structure. Children are given helmets before entering. It can be tricky for young children, and parents definitely need to watch their heads! But you can easily skip this and opt to spend time in the art studio, water play area, dinosaur dig, firehouse, or other exhibits.
Ages: Toddlers to about 10 years old.
Location: The Chicago Children's Museum is located at Navy Pier.
Fit City Kids
Fit Kit Kids is a massive soft play space for children. There is a large climbing structure, sports courts, and a gymnastics area. The giant bouncy obstacle course is my daughter's favorite.
Ages: Toddler - 8
Location: Ravenswood
Bigger Kids
These indoor play places cater more to school-aged children.
Urban Air
Urban Air has it all: obstacle courses, trampolines, climbing walls, giant slides, laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars, and a zip line. Urban Air and ClimbZone are the best play spaces in Chicago for big kids - they have the most challenging equipment. My daughter recently went to a birthday party here, and this is the place she keeps asking to visit again.
Ages: 5-12
Location: Lincoln Park
Skyzone
Skyzone is best for kids 4 and up. There is a soft play section and a trampoline area that younger kids would like, but most of the equipment is best suited for bigger kids. My 6-year-old loves the big slides, sports courts, obstacle course, and the gladiator jousting.
Ages: 4-12
Location: Lincoln Park (by Whole Foods)
ClimbZone
Like Skyzone, there is a soft play area for young children, but the climbing is the main event. The space has dozens of themed climbing walls at different difficulty levels. Young children do need help clipping onto the safety ropes. There is also an aerial ropes course, bumper cars, and laser tag.
Ages: 4-12
Location: North Center (just north of Lane Tech)
Best Indoor Play for Little Kids
These are the best places to bring toddlers.
Playstreet Museum
This playspace is centered around a tiny town. Crafts, pottery, and slime are also available.
Ages: Toddler - 5
Location: South Loop
Wonderplay & Coffee
Wonderplay is a play space and a coffee shop. There is a jungle gym climbing structure, an arts and crafts area, a pretend cafe and market, plus books and toys. The packed event calendar includes Super Hero Training, Mommy Meet Ups, Storytimes, Puppet Theatre, and Kids Yoga.
Ages: Toddler - 5
Location: Avondale
Mini City Play Cafe
This play cafe is opening soon and will have a tiny town and soft play area.
Ages: Toddler - 5
Location: West Town
What to read about immersive museums like the Color Factory, the Museum of Ice Cream, and Sloomoo Institute? Check out this guide to the Best Things to do in Chicago with kids. I didn't include these in my guide because they are a bit different. The play spaces listed here have areas where parents can sit and do some work while the children play. The experiential museums involve going from room to room along with your kids and are more of a family experience instead of a place to let your child play with other kids.
