Your Family Guide to Woodfield Mall

As one of the largest shopping destinations in the United States, Woodfield Mall is no doubt a shopping haven. And if you have a family, a trip to Woodfield Mall also offers a place to hang out, eat, and play. Arm yourself with this guide to navigate the mall with the family.

Shop

As one of the largest shopping malls in Chicagoland with nearly 300 stores, you can no doubt shop ‘til you drop at Woodfield Mall. Here are a few stores where kids will gravitate to:

Build-a-Bear Workshop

You can definitely build your own bear, but you can make almost every other kind of stuffed animal. The fun experience allows kids to customize their own stuffed animal from stuffing them to choosing a special outfit.

Tip: Sign up for their Build-A-Bear Bonus Club, where you can get a Birthday Treat Bear for as much as the birthday recipient’s age.

BoxLunch

From your favorite superhero to all things Game of Thrones, BoxLunch has all the pop culture-themed gifts you never thought you needed. Thanos Funko Pop? Check. Game of Thrones dragon egg candle set? Yes, please. Rest assured knowing that purchases made benefit Feeding America.

The Lego Store

Whenever I say we’re going to the mall, my boys jump for joy because they associate the mall with a stop at the Lego store. Find plenty of building sets as well as the option to buy Lego brick pieces.

Brickmania

Serious brick building enthusiasts will need to stop here for custom model building kits, mini figures and accessories and more.

Disney Store

Find all things Disney here for both the young and young at heart.

Photo Credit: Cheryl Eugenio

Eat

You’ll find no shortage of food here with sit-down restaurants like Uncle Julio’s, Texas de Brazil, and The Cheesecake Factory. If you prefer eating without the hassle, the Dining Pavilion is perfect for families who want their food fast. Need a quick snack? All it takes is a quick walk around the mall to find places that serve treats and snacks. (Hello, Garrett Popcorn!) Here are some of our family favorites:

Blaze Pizza

We are a fan of Blaze Pizza with its made-to-order pizzas. Kids can watch them make the pizza right in front of you and cook in the wood-fired oven. The pizzas are a pretty good size and enough to share if you have multiple kids. For pizzas starting at $6, this is a great budget-friendly option. Plus, the pizzas are quite delicious!

Stan’s Donuts & Coffee

Looking for a sweet treat? The delicious donuts have made their way to Schaumburg and they are calling your name. Choose from a variety of flavors from the famous lemon pistachio old fashioned to the simple glazed donut. They also offer gluten free donuts.

Tip: Stan’s opens at 8 a.m. Grab a coffee and donuts and enjoy the quiet before embarking on your play/shopping adventure.

Nic’s Organic Fast Food

We visited the standalone restaurant when it first opened, and am glad to hear of another great organic option has made its way to the Dining Pavilion. You’ll find burgers, nuggets and even organic ice cream with organic sprinkles.

Play

Children’s Play Area

The play area in front of Macy’s is the perfect place to bring young kids for a little distraction and plenty of room to run about. Parents will be happy to hear the entire area is enclosed surrounded by seating with only one way in or out (no gate, though). Imagination’s run wild as kids pretend to blast off in a rocket, row a boat, hang out a wagon and drive a car. You’ll find plenty to climb on as well as a small slide to keep the kids entertained. Did I mention it’s free?

Tip: Daily cleaning is at 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

Yu Kids Island

Head to the visually stimulating Yu Kids Island (next to Sears) to burn off energy. Those 48” and under can experience interactive features such as a spinning tunnel and a couple of merry-go-round type rides. Other hits are the inflatable slides or trying to hang onto the spinning balls as they go round and round. The play structure with the tunnel slide is also a big hit. My daughter’s absolute fav is the two balloon areas where the balloons “float” around. Read more about the fun and bright play oasis here.

Tip: On Tuesdays, play for 1 hour is $5.

Blocks to Brick Museum

The Blocks to Brick Museum is a great diversion from shopping if you have someone that loves building and, of course, bricks. The 12,500 square foot museum takes visitors through 150 years of three-dimensional building toys, from stone to paper to bricks and everything in between. Read about our experience here.

PAC-Man Entertainment

For fun for the whole family with good food, bowling, and arcade games head to PAC-Man Entertainment (formerly called Level 257). You’ll find newer games including those ticket redemption games kids go crazy over. My personal favorites include those old school classic games from the 80s and 90s we used to play “back in the days” like pinball machines, Space Invaders and, of course, PAC-Man.

Tip: You can enter PAC-Man Entertainment from the new entrance towards the back at the Dining Pavilion.

Woodfield Choo Choo Express

Hop on the Woodfield Choo Choo Express as it takes you around the area in front of Sears and Rainforest Cafe. Tickets are $5.

Explore

Here are some other tips to know before you go:

  • Head to the Dining Pavilion to use the Family Restroom. The large washroom includes regular size toilets as well as little potties for tiny tots. Other Family Restrooms located at the upper level of the JCPenney and Nordstrom wing.
  • Sign up for the mall’s Family at Simon program and receive emails about fun kiddie events. For instance, they offer photos with the Easter Bunny as well as Santa.
  • For a private nursing room head to Nordstrom. The Dining Pavilion also has one too.
  • Have strollers? It’s easy to navigate the mall thanks to the ramps and elevators located throughout.
  • Don’t want to bring a stroller? Strollers are available for rent for $6 at these locations: Entrance 1 near JCPenney, Entrance 4 Upper Level, Entrance 5 Lower Level
  • The mall opens at 7 a.m. so you can join the mall walkers or bring your stroller to get your exercise on!

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