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When the weather turns frightful but your kids are still begging to do something fun, move the play inside! We’ve been creating and tweaking this
Indoor Play in Lake County
We’ve broken the list down into the following categories. Click on any of them to be taken to that sections listings. Facilities are listed in alphabetical order under each category.
Indoor Playgrounds | Museums | Bounce Houses | Trampoline Parks | Open Gymnastics Gyms | Roller Skating | Ice Skating | Arcades | Creative Play | Indoor Sports | Library Playspaces | Nature Centers | Rock Climbing
Indoor Playgrounds in Lake County:
Run, climb, slide and play! Just like their favorite neighbhood park only inside and well padded.
Chick-fil-A
701 N. Milwaukee Ave., Ste 360, Vernon Hills | (847) 247-8000
This small indoor playground is
Deerfield Park District Tree House
Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield | (847) 945-0650
If your kids are at least three years old and under four feet tall, they will love the climbing, sliding, imaginative fun that’s on the upper level of the Jewett Park Community Center. Check the website for extra hours during school breaks.
Gurnee Mills
6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee
Children can live out their Godzilla fantasies as they climb over miniature versions of signature Chicago buildings. Enter at entrance B, it’s located in Center Court near Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Hawthorn Mall
122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills | (847) 362-2600
Renovated in 2014 this is best for toddlers and preschoolers with small and colorful structures for children to climb, slide, and sit on. There are seats surrounding the area for parents to watch. The play area is located on the lower level in front of JcPenny’s. Insider tip: You can play in the play area before the mall stores open if you have early rises.
Rainbow Play Systems Showroom
300 Corporate Woods Pkwy., Vernon Hills | (847) 955-9300
Try out a state-of-the-art, new-to-your kids play system for two hours during the day here Monday through Friday until March. You must supervise your own children; please check the website for current rates and any exclusions.
Tree House
985 S. Rand Rd Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047 | (847) 438-8887
This indoor play place has climbing, sliding, swinging, and a basketball hoop. There is a soft, crawling area for itty bitties as well. Throw in some healthy snacks (for an additional fee), comfy seats, espresso, and Wi-Fi for parents, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours. Don’t forget your socks! See our TreeHouse Lake Zurich Review.
WeOrbit
1736 1st St., Highland Park | (847) 904-0028
Geared toward kids ages six and younger, babies, toddlers, and kids will love playing here. This facility offers a soft play area for younger children, an indoor play structure with slides, nooks and climbing walls as well as a toddler area for structured and imaginative play. Whether you drop-in once in a while or make a longer-term commitment to play by purchasing a visit pass or membership, your kids will certainly thank you for a fun day of play here.
Whimsy Play Cafe
282 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove | (847) 996-9603
Whimsy Play Cafe is a new play space and coffee shop opening in Buffalo Grove (Town Center Plaza). Best suited for children 6 months to seven years.
Yu Kids Island
122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, 60061 | (847) 969-9000
Located inside of the Hawthorn Mall, Yu Kids Island is a great place to drop your kids off for some fun while parents get some shopping done. They have one small bounce house which is perfect for toddlers. This past year they remodeled making it even more fun. Kiddos have to be under 48″ and have socks on their feet to have unlimited hours of fun. Learn more about Yu Kids Island Vernon Hills and save on admission with Groupon.
Worth the trip: Little Beans Cafe Evanston
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Museums in Lake County:
Museums are a great way to sneak in some education while letting the kids play in a new enviroment.
Dunn Museum
1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville | (847) 968-3400
Newly opened the Bess Bower Dunn Museum offers an opportunity for children to play in history. Ride on a boat to the Chain O’Lakes, build trains, dig for dinosaurs, and more! Tuesdays are discount days or you can save with Groupon. Take a look inside the Dunn Museum.
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Boulevard Glenview | (847) 832-6600
Kids love the permanent, hands-on exhibits here, which include interactive areas such as a pet vet, cafe, supermarket, musical instruments, a pretend car wash, live turtles and other nature-themed activities, book nooks and building activities. The museum also offers a calendar of programs and special traveling exhibits. Exhibits here are designed for children from birth to age eight.
Round Lake Children’s Museum
814 Hart Road, Round Lake (inside the Robert W. Rolek Community Center) | (847) 546-8558
While this play area is technically called a “museum,” it’s truly a very large room with individual areas or “stores” for kids to play in. Since there is only one door, it’s an incredibly safe place for your kiddo to explore and play. My kids love exercising their imaginations on the stage, grocery store, baby nursery, and fire station–just for starters! The hours are a little limited, and I suggest getting there early because there is a capacity limit.
Nature Centers in Lake County:
Meet some local animals and learn about natural habitats without bundling up or traveling to the city at these local nature centers.
Heller Nature Center
2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park | (847) 433-6901
Owned and operated by the Park District of Highland Park, The Heller Nature Center has a lot to offer. There are children’s nature classes and hikes for kids as young as four, camps, birthday parties, and
Prairie Grass Nature Museum
860 Hart Road, Round Lake | (847) 740-9823
Admission is free.
Explore the ecology of Lake County at the free Prairie Grass Nature Museum. At this museum you will find habitats, live animals, and plenty of activities. In addition, they offer a variety of nature-related programs for both families and adults, year-round.
Wildlife Discovery Center
1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest | (847) 810-3663
Admission is free for families with less than eight people, but donations are recommended. One of our family’s personal favorites, The Wildlife Discovery Center allow you to visit with a variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. New ones are added every year, and now there is a bald eagle! Read why it’s one of Loralie’s favorites.
Volo Bog State Natural Area
28478 W. Brandenburg Rd., Ingleside | (815) 344-1294
It was a surprise to me when I first visited that not only is it a nature
Bounce Houses in Lake County:
Release the energy from your bundles of joy at one of the following indoor inflatable and trampoline parks. Many require socks, so be sure bring a pair with or be prepared to purchase them on site, and nearly all require signed waivers to participate.
Bella’s Bouncies
1600 North Milwaukee Ave (Route 83), Unit 402, Lake Villa | (847) 546-7000
31223 North US Highway 12, Unit A, Volo
Bella’s has all things bouncy. In addition to a good variety of bounce houses, they also have a tube and climbing structure (Lake Villa) that runs the length of the space. Be sure to get a free balloon and bag of popcorn before you leave. Read about Melissa’s Birthday party experience.
Big Wave Bounce Park
28039 W. Northpointe Pkwy., Lake Barrington | (847) 387-3511
Big Wave Bounce Park offers inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and a climbing wall that will keep your child entertained for hours.
Jump! Zone
1465 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove | (847) 929-9396
Jump! Zone is a clean, safe, indoor playplace with eight massive and unique inflatables.
Funflatables
6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee (Space 201 in Gurnee Mills, use entrance “J”) | (847) 855-2550
Bounce the day away at Funflatables, which is open seven days a week during mall hours. This indoor amusement center is recommended for younger children, as it contains about four large inflatables and a climbing set with slides. Be sure to take everyone to the restroom before you enter to play, as there are no
Trampoline Parks in Lake County:
Jump America
880 Lakeside Dr. Gurnee, IL | (224) 325-5867
Kids want a trampoline, and you don’t want to buy one. No fear, Jump America is a large family trampoline entertainment park. While most of their business hours are for older kids, they do offer a Tot Time jump session. Please note that all jumpers must wear grippy socks; socks are available for purchase at the facility.
Rockin’ Jump Buffalo Grove
950 Busch Pkwy., Buffalo Grove | (224) 676-0660
This indoor trampoline park hosts special Rockin’ Tots hours for parents with children ages six and younger, times deciated for homeschooled children and plenty of other fun activities for older children. All jumpers must wear grip socks purchased from Rockin’ Jump — and the socks are reusable for future visits if you remember to bring them with. Read Chad’s review of Rockin Jump Buffalo Grove and get discounted admission on Groupon.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
701 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills | (847) 984-3434
We can’t wait to see what Sky Zone is bringing to their Vernon Hills location. Sky Zone
XFactor Trampoline Park
4 Oak Creek Plaza, Mundelein | (847) 393-7600
XFactor Trampoline park is more than trampolines offering bounce houses for small children, a rock climbing wall, arcade and a beam battle. Read all about it in Tracy’s review of XFactor Trampoline.
Open Gymnastics Gyms in Lake County:
Flip, jump, burn off energy while practicing your skills or tying out a new sport at these Gymnastics Centers that offer open gym times to non-members and members alike.
American Eagle Gymnastics
701 Sunset Drive, Round Lake | (847) 201-1567
The gym is clean, boasting updated equipment and a curriculum that is proven to develop skills from beginner to advanced levels.
Centennial Ice Arena
3100 Trail Way, Highland Park | (847) 432-4790
Centennial is a premier regional teaching center for both ice skating and gymnastics, with highly qualified staff and progressive programming. The facility features an indoor ice rink and a fully-equipped gymnastics studio.
Gymnastics Factory
888 E. Belvidere Road #202, Grayslake | (847) 223-1555
The Gymnastics Factory is known for their competitive teams and developing quality gymnasts. They offer various open gyms for 6 and under as well as older children.
Gymnastics Spot
915 Tower Road, Mundelein | (847) 949-SPOT
During open gym, you can use all of their equipment. My son loves jumping on the double trampolines as well as the inflatables they blow up for open gym. You do not need to be a member to attend.
Gymnastics Zone
820 Anita Ave, Antioch | (847) 838-4775
1 hour of “parent guided” open gym for children 18 months – 5 yrs. This is a fun time to meet friends and practice skills learned during class. Open gym times available for older children as well.
Libertyville Gymnastics Academy
2610 Commerce Drive, Libertyville | (847) 816-6618
Libertyville Gymnastics Academy opens up their doors to the gym to all. You can use all of their gymnastics equipment during Open Gym, including trampolines. For an additional fee, children can bounce in the inflatables too. You do not need to be a member to attend. Children age six and under need to be accompanied by an adult.
Roller Skating in Lake County:
Tell the kids you’re going retro and lace up some roller skates for some old-school indoor fun.
Skate on Grand Roller Rink
720 E Grand Ave., Fox Lake | (847) 587-2350
If your kiddos are just learning to roller skate, this is a great place to go! They have a learner’s mini rink where skaters can practice their new skills before heading out to the bigger floor. Skaters can also use roller skating aids (think a walker that you push for stability) for an additional fee. read Alli’s review of Skate on Grand.
Just for Fun 2 Roller Rink
139 N. Seymour Ave., Mundelein | (847) 949-7528
For an old-fashioned good time, lace on a pair of skates and take a whirl around the rink! This is indoor play that even moms and dads will enjoy!
While not a roller rink, there is one indoor skate park in Lake County that allows skates (regular and inline), BMX bikes and even scooters:
Asylum Skate Park
29850 N. Skokie Hwy., Unit B, Lake Bluff | (847) 578-5103
Asylum Skate park was built in 2010 and is currently the only indoor skate park in Lake County. It looks like something straight out of a Tony Hawk video game, and is a great place for your tween or teen to go on a rainy day to learn how to master that kick-flip.You can skateboard for FREE on your birthday (ID required) and girls skateboard for FREE on Wednesdays and at a discount on other days of the week.
Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in Lake County:
If it’s below zero, and you still want to partake in winter skating, try one of these local rinks. Or escape the heat of summer and bundle up for some out-of-season, indoor fun!
Barrington Ice Arena
28205 West Commercial Ave., Lake Barrington | (847) 381-4777
Newly remodeled with new owners Barrington Ice Arena offers public open skate as well as lessons and hockey.
Centennial Ice Arena
3100 Trail Way, Highland Park | (847) 432-4790
Centennial is a premier regional teaching center for both ice skating and gymnastics, with highly qualified staff and progressive programming. The facility features an indoor ice rink and a fully-equipped gymnastics studio.
Glacier Ice Arena
670 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills | (847) 362-1222
The Glacier Ice Arena is a premier, state-of-the-art ice arena. Watch a game, or skate in comfortable, modern surroundings. The Glacier was built in 1999, and features two NHL size ice surfaces and has been a place for families to have fun ever since.
The
122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills | (847) 918-1600
Located on the upper level next to JCPenny’s. This is not your typical indoor ice rink. This is a 2,253-square-foot synthetic ice rink is made of Xtraice, a synthetic, self-healing material that looks likes ice. You skate without being cold, a truly wild experience! Read about our experience (including a video). Groupon has a discount for groups of 4.
Arcades in Lake County:
Go old school with Pac-Man or experience cutting edge, virtual reality and current gaming consoles at one of these arcades or video game lounges.
Aloha Falls Miniature Golf & Games
1800 Rt. 45, Libertyville | (847) 549-3630
Aloha Falls offers arcade games from the 1980’s and 1990’s, flat screen tvs with video console games, ping-pong and air hockey. There is also a with a bar and cafe that serves ice cream and root beer floats, as well as craft beer and wine for adults.
Chuck E. Cheese’s
1512 Nations Dr., Gurnee | (847) 249-1120
700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills | (847) 327-9122
This is the holy grail of toddler, preschool and early elementary age children’s entertainment. With climbing features, arcade games, and a restaurant (most serve beer and wine for the adults, too), the sounds and smells of this place are indelibly etched into many parents’ brains.
Dave & Buster’s
424 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills | (847) 549-2118
With hundreds of video and arcade games like Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, Candy Crush and more, little kids, big kids, and kids at heart will have hours of fun. Save on powercards using Groupon.
Gamers HQ
34165 US-45, Third Lake | (847) 986-6406
Gamers HQ combines the concept of a retro arcade with current gaming consoles and computers. Expect to find Nintendo Wii U, Xbox One, and
Kristof’s Entertainment Center
421 W. Rollins Rd, Round Lake Beach | (847) 546-2512
This is a play place for the sports enthusiast. With bowling, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, a huge arcade and more, you will find plenty to do here! You can save with
Nova VR Lounge
1826 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake | (224) 541-4898
Escape to virtual reality at Northwest Illinois’ first virtual reality lounge. Enjoy the latest trends in VR gaming and experiences in a clean, fun environment. Experience underwater life with the Blu, play a fun session of Fruit Ninja, try a single or play multiplayer games here. Plan your visit in advance as this gaming center requires an online reservation, which is easily completed on the Nova VR Lounge website. And FYI, if you are going with a group of adults, this is a BYOB establishment. Discounts available on Groupon.
The People’s Choice Family Fun Center
2411 Grand Ave., Waukegan | (847) 360-8000
This indoor play place is 43,000 square feet of fun! With 150 arcade games, kid’s rides, video games, and glow in the dark mini golf there is something for everyone–even the adults! Read Natalie review of Family Fun Center. Save on Mini-Golf using Groupon.
Creative Play in Lake County:
Leave the mess far from home and take your budding artists to explore creative fun out on the town. Call ahead to confirm drop-in times and in most cases, return home with a mini-masterpiece to cherish for years to come.
Artist @ Heart
253 Peterson Rd., Libertyville | (847) 816-4865
If you’re in a creative mood, stop into Artist @ Heart and let your imagination soar. Pick a project and take as long as your need to perfect your creation. (There is no sitting fee). Choose from ceramics to pottery, to painting and so much more! They also have a weekly Artsy Tots drop-in class for younger children.
Clay Monet
532 W. Route 22, #130, Lake Zurich | (847) 540-7772
Drop-in anytime to paint pre-fired bisque pottery, or try your hand at clay sculpting as a walk-in (cost is per pound of clay and includes the use of tools, clay, glaze, and firings). Walk-in sculpting does not include instruction — previous clay experience is required and projects must be left to dry for seven to ten days before they can be fired.
Painted Penguin
122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills | (847) 764-0891
Yes, it’s back — Painted Penguin at Hawthorn Mall has reopened, but now it’s located on the lower level of the mall. Painted Penguin offers plaster and bisque painting projects that can be taken home the same day. In addition, you will find canvas painting, beading projects and “archaeological digs” here! Register online for the kids’ club and receive special offers.
Ceramics for You
1498 N Main Street Antioch | (847)-888-1665
6695-D Grand Ave Gurnee | (847)-855-2022
If you’re looking for a more laid back activity to do with your kids that will last longer than a few hours, then make some art (along with memories!) at Ceramics For You. Their 2 locations offer ceramics, canvas painting
Color Me Mine
700 N. Milwaukee Ave. Suite 127, Vernon Hills | (847)-816-0997
When your kids want to express their creativity, and you would like an art project that you can use over and over, then head to Color Me M
Indoor Sports Play in Lake County:
Battle House Laser Combat
28039 W. Northpointe Pkwy., Unit 4, Lake Barrington | (815) 900-9003
This center is for children age eight and older, and adults. Play tactical laser tag here in teams, and then gather for a refreshing debriefing in the Hornets Nest Lounge; the lounge serves beverages only, but you can order-in from a list of area restaurants.
K-1 Speed
301 Hastings Dr., Buffalo Grove | (847) 941-9400
K-1 Speed is an indoor go-kart racing center with high-performance, electric
Kristof’s Entertainment Center
421 W. Rollins Rd, Round Lake Beach | (847) 546-2512
This is a play place for the sports enthusiast. With bowling, go karts, mini golf, batting cages, a huge arcade and more, you will find plenty to do here!
Ultimate Ninjas
732 E. Park Ave., Libertyville | (847) 787-1130
Ultimate Ninjas offers open play for kids age six to 15 on weekends; participants must wear closed-toe shoes. Choose from a one or two-hour session on the amazing obstacle and agility courses. Ultimate Ninjas students can also book a weekend open play session to practice and perfect the skills they are learning in class. Reservations are recommended (use the website), as once capacity is reached, no additional children will be admitted. Read all about Mom-in-Chief Melissa’s visit here.
WhirlyBall
285 Center Drive, Vernon Hills, IL | (847) 918-0800
Imagine if you combined lacrosse, basketball, and hockey with bumper cars… you’d get
Worth the Tip: iFly
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Bowling in Lake County:
Pinstripes
100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington | (847) 844-9300
1150 Willow Road, Northbrook |(847) 480-2323
Bowling, Bocce, delicious food and coffee drinks sounds like a perfect place for a playdate! Tots Playtime available. Choose your sport, order some appetizers, and have a fun afternoon! Check out Loralie’s review.
Bertrand Lanes
2616 Washington Street, Waukegan | (847) 244-1300
Bertrand is truly an old-time experience from the decor to the staff (although you don’t have to keep score on paper and pencil). The workers and owners are kind, the lanes are fast, the pizza great.
Lakes Bowl
601 Railroad Avenue, Round Lake | (847) 546-2800
Lakes has been fully renovated and the welcoming staff makes you feel as though you bowl here every week.
Lakeside Lanes
900 South Lake Street, Mundelein | (847) 949-5700
Lakeside Lanes is stocked with ramps to help little bowlers enjoy their experience to the fullest. Friendly staff welcome you to this home town alley that’s been around as long as I can remember. It is clean and the customer service is excellent.
Bowlero
350 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove | (847) 821-9000
The fun doesn’t end here with bowling, laser tag, an arcade, billiards and a restaurant all under one roof.
Brunswick Zone Hawthorn Lanes
316 Center Dr., Vernon Hills | (847) 367-1600
This bowling alley and arcade offers fun for the whole family. Order a meal from the laneside menu, or opt for “early bird” bowling on Sunday mornings and take advantage of $1.99 games until 12:00 p.m.
Fair Haven Lanes
711 E. Hawley St., Mundelein | (847) 566-4110
Enjoy pure bowling joy here but don’t overlook the weekly specials offered on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Visit the website for complete details.
Lakes Bowl
601 Railroad Ave., Round Lake | (847) 546-2800
Bowl, play pool, Baggo and a enjoy food hot off the grill here in an atmosphere that is exactly what you’re looking for in a small town bowling alley. This family-owned establishment has been open since 1968. Visit the website for open bowling times and list of special offer
Indoor Rock Walls for Kids in Lake County:
Let them climb someone elses walls for once!
Hunt Club Park Community Center
920 N. Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee | (847) 623-7788
The community center has a 24-foot climbing wall, hours vary, so check the website. Children must be at least six years old and 40 inches tall to use it.
Field House Sports & Fitness Center
Waukegan Park District, 800 Baldwin Ave, Waukegan | (847) 360-4700
In the Waukegan Park District Field House, you’ll find a three-story climbing wall. You must wear tennis shoes and sign a waiver. Children must be at least six years old and weigh a minimum of 70 pounds to use the auto-belay.
1025 N. Old McHenry Rd, Lake Zurich | (847) 438-5300
The wall is available Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. You’ll need to sign a waiver, and non-members get their first three visits for free.
Libertyville Sports Complex
1950 N. Highway 45, (corner of Peterson Rd & Rte 45) Libertyville | (847) 367-1502
Children must be 40 inches tall and have a guardian present to sign a waiver. Tennis shoes must be worn.
Worth the Trip: Funtopia, Glenview, First Ascent Climbing, Avondale
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Lake County Library Play Areas
So many of our local libraries go beyond books and
- Grayslake Area Public Library
- Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich
- Warren-Newport Public Library, Gurnee
- Waukegan Public Library
- Deerfield Public Library Baby Garden
- Indian Trails Public Library, Wheeling
- Fremont Public Library, Mundelein
- Wauconda Area Library
- Barrington Area Library
- Highland Park Public Library
- Vernon Area Public Library District
Let us know if we missed any of your favorite places! Have fun out there, Lake County!
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There is also open play Monday’s and Tuesday at gymnastics factory in grayslake
Julie J studio has closed
Glencoe no longer does the open tot gym.