What To Do Indoors With Kids Of All Ages
Just because it's freezing outside, doesn't mean you need to stay all bundled up at home. Get the family out of the house to enjoy some time together and burn off a little energy. There are plenty of exciting indoor activities to keep the family entertained while keeping warm. Here is a list of some fun ways to burn energy for everyone from toddler to teens to the entire family.
TODDLERS
Little Monkey Bizness
4700 Gilbert Ave, Ste. 51,
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-9600
Monkey Bizness, Western Springs
229 Rice Lake Square
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 384-2300
Monkey Bizness, Wheaton
Admission - $5 – $7.50
Mon., Wed., Thurs: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tues and Fri.: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. for family Night
Sat. and Sun.: 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Not only will little ones love this indoor play area with a multi-level soft playground, club houses, dance floor and arts and crafts area, but parents will swoon over the full-service coffee house with fresh and healthy food choices. This is a clean and spacious play spot, which can be a welcomed change from fast food play areas. Both locations offer family nights and parties.
Pump It Up
Multiple locations including Elmhurst, Schaumburg, Lisle, Glenview, and Orland Park
1-866-977-JUMP
www.pumpitupparty.com
Admission: $7 or $8 per child, adults free
Pop-In Playtime is the perfect opportunity to let your little one jump, bounce and jump some more. Kids love moving from one giant inflatable to another. Be sure to bring socks! Each Pump It Up has its own schedule of pop-in playtimes during the week. Most afternoons and weekends are filled with birthday parties, making it nearly impossible for kids over 6 to participate, unless they are invited to a birthday party. Some locations have family jump night where you can add pizza and drinks for the family at an additional cost. Parties for all ages are available.
TWEENS AND TEENS
Game Pazzo
2011 63rd St.
Downers Grove, IL 60516
(630) 541-8719
Monday – Wednesday: 11 a.m. -10 p.m.
Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m.- 1 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. -7 p.m.
gamepazzo.com
This indoor video game emporium bills itself as "the world's largest gaming center." Inside are tons of large screen TVs, each with their own game system and adjacent sofa and chairs. You can play all the latest video games on XBox 360 and PS3, play Guitar Hero on a real stage with real instruments, and reserve areas for group game play. Of course, they host birthday parties as well. Game Pazzo features a full bar and café. There is also a retail store that sells new and used video games. Be sure to check out their Web site for an extensive calendar of events.
FAMILIES
Safari Land
701 W. North Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181
(630) 530-4649
www.safarilandfun.com
Monday - Thursday: 12 noon – 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 12 midnight
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Admission: Approx. $15 per person
This huge indoor play land boasts all your carnival favorites, like roller coasters, tilt-a-whirl, games of chance, inflatables and more. Older kids will love the 170+ video arcade games or the rifle shot gallery. Little ones can explore the Lion's Den Soft Play Area. Safari Lanes bowling features 12 lanes of "jungle" bowling that the whole family will go wild about! Plus, they are open rain or shine!
Mayan Adventure Waterpark
The Waverton Hotel
624 North York Rd.,
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 279-1100
Admission: $20 half-day pass, $30 full-day pass
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and some holiday seasons
www.mayanindoorwaterpark.com
It's always summer in the Mayan Adventure Waterpark. Tube slides, body slides and a lazy river can make you forget the snowy days of winter. Get a friendly game of water basketball together or just hang out underneath the giant dumping bucket and wait for the fun to come pouring down. The waterpark is part of the Waverton hotel, so you can stay overnight and make a mini-vacation out of it.
