Cabin fever is real for Chicagoland parents, especially when the unpredictable weather keeps the kids cooped up indoors. If you’re looking for the best ways to keep your little ones active and entertained, you’re in luck!
Wheaton is within driving distance to numerous indoor playgrounds, play spaces and play gyms that are perfect for burning off energy — rain or shine. From toddler-friendly zones to action-packed areas for older kids, here are our top picks for indoor play destinations near Wheaton.
Read more: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Wheaton
The Play Pen
- Address: 501 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn
- Cost: $16/child and up to two free adults
- Best for ages: 0-6
In this cozy playroom that’s reminiscent of home, kids can play with trains, climb on small structures, engage in pretend play in a kitchen, coffee shop and more. There’s a separate section for babies and toddlers with age-appropriate equipment and a coffee bar for adults.
Kids Empire
- Address: 1835 N. Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago
- Cost: $19.90/child, includes 2 free adult entries. Kids Empire socks are mandatory for everyone for $3/pair.
- Best for ages: All ages
Kids Empire is a floor-to-ceiling play haven, complete with climbing walls, giant play structures, ball pits, slides, mazes, obstacle courses, a block area, dance room and more. Tots will enjoy a separate play space with smaller ball pits, trampolines and bounce rides.
Enchanted Castle
- Address: 1103 S. Main St., Lombard
- Cost: No admission fee. Enchanted Castle offers a ‘pay as you play’ policy.
- Best for ages: All ages
With 60,000 square feet of indoor family fun, there’s literally something for everyone at the Enchanted Castle. Popular attractions include go carts, laser tag, inflatables, bumpers and mini golf. An adventure playground with several interactive features (rock climbing challenge, dragon slide, caterpillar crawl) caters to those under 54”.
DuPage Children’s Museum
- Address: 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
- Cost: $19/kids and adults; free for kids under 1
- Best for ages: All ages
Families can spend hours inside this beloved children’s museum. The exhibits focus on subjects like science, math, art and more, with a goal of helping children develop a strong foundation of creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. There are even Young Explorers spaces for kids under 2.
Jumps ‘N Jiggles
- Address: 1000 Wellington Avenue, Elk Grove Village
- Cost: $6
- Best for ages: 8 and younger
Located inside the Elk Grove Recreation Center, Jumps ‘N Jiggles is a hidden gem for the toddler and preschool age group. Here, young kids will love to climb around the indoor playground, featuring a maze of tunnels, a spiral slide and a bouncing yo-yo ball. The big draw, however, is a 28-foot-high freestanding carousel, where kids can ride on jumping horses and swan chariots.
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