Best Playgrounds For A Playdate In Chicago
A huge aspect of development for young children involves socializing with their peers. For parents, setting up a playdate can be a great way to keep the kids entertained while in a social situation. A playdate at a playground can be the perfect atmosphere to build relationships for both children and their parents, and Chicago features a number of great options to pick from. Whether you're looking for an indoor playground to get away from the bitter cold or an outdoor playground for the warmer months to come, Chicago has the perfect playdate playground to choose from.
Mt. Greenwood Park Playground
3721 W. 111th St.
Chicago, IL 60655
(312) 747-6564
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Mt. Greenwood Park Playground can be used for enrolling your kids in a class for a regularly scheduled playdate, but it isn't necessary to register for a class to make the most of your visit. With multiple facilities, programs, and special events throughout the year; this park encompasses over 24 acres, and has numerous sections devoted to their own specialty. Shock-absorbent flooring throughout the play area helps to keep bumps and bruises at a minimum, and over-sized musical instruments are a huge draw that make this park unique. Completely enclosed with a single entrance gate, playdates with multiple children can be easily facilitated.
Adams Playground Park
1919 N. Seminary Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-7787
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Adams Playground is open year-round and offers both camps and classes for young children. While many parents take advantage of the Mommy and Me type classes, there are a number of great outdoor areas to create the perfect warm weather playdate. While the kids play in the playground, waterpark, or sandbox; parents can socialize in the shaded areas or set up a picnic in the Adams Picnic Grove. Because the park focuses on early childhood classes, this is a great place for parents with small children looking to socialize in their age group.
Explore & Much More
3827 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 880-5437
www.exploreandmuchmore.com
Like any other playground, Explore & Much More has slides, ramps, and pathways to get your child moving. However, this indoor playground also focuses on active minds. Each play area works to enhance motor and tactile skills, as well as sensory development. Open play is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week for $12 per child, $9 per siblings and free adult admission. Admission prices also include music or art classes offered with each session. Geared towards children as young as 6 months old to 8 years of age, this is a perfect playdate choice for those with multiple children looking to stimulate both their mind and body during socialization time.
Related: Best Playgrounds In Chicago
Monkey Island
2100 N. 15 Ave.
Melrose Park, IL 60160
(708) 344-4803
www.playmonkeyisland.com
Located just outside of Chicago in Melrose Park, Monkey Island is the largest indoor playground in the Chicago area. This 100,000 square foot facility features a three story climbing structure, inflatable bouncy houses, giant slides, arcade games and even billiards tables. With a basketball court and soccer field, kids of all ages will be worn out after a day at Monkey Island. For adults looking to set up a playdate, there is an admission price of $8.90 for children and $4.70 for adults. Perfect for parents with older siblings, Monkey Island isn't just for young tots.
Kid City
1837 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 829-6775
www.kidcitychicago.com
While other playgrounds can sometimes divide children to do their own thing, Kid City encourages interaction through pretend play. Whether it's exploring their very own city or dressing up in the boutique, the design of this facility helps to facilitate socialization. Classes are offered for as low as $20 or $30 for children to have story time, crafts, games and even guest appearances from their favorite characters. For those looking for a playground playdate with more of a focus on the socialization aspect, Kid City knows just how to get those little minds interacting. All day admission prices are $14 for one child, $24 for two children, $30 for three children, $35 for four children, and $5 for non-crawling babies.
Related: Best Indoor Play Spots In Chicago
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
