Question

What indoor options are there to entertain a toddler (other than the children’s museum)?  

Answer 1

The libraries are great because they are definitely kid friendly and are free, so you can make the decision to leave whenever you feel the time is right without being tempted to stay longer to get more bang for your buck. I also took my little guy to Fox Valley Mall and couldn't believe how geared toward experiences they've made it! So many neat things to do, but also lots of neat things to look at! He was totally intrigued by all the public art and loved seeing other people and little kids walking around.  

Comments

@wasp I took my one year old to Fox Valley earlier this week and thought the same thing. They are really turning things around there.  

Answer 2

Playroom cafe 2 is super cute for littles

Answer 3

Grounds for hope in Lisle is another option

Answer 4

Sky Zone has a toddler hour

Answer 5

My son also loves the library in downtown Aurora.  

Answer 6

I took my 4yr old to a McDonald's with a big play area yesterday and she had fun. only cost me a small coffee and fries to share:)

Answer 7

Pelican harbor has zero depth and toddler slide

Answer 8

Libraries usually have story times

Answer 9

Kidstreet -Grounds for Hope perfect place place open 9-4 and I believe it’s $9 for kids adults free love the people and atmosphere great activities too

Comments

@ammoniac agree  

Answer 10

Grounds for Hope

Answer 11

We spend a lot of time at McDonald’s my 4 year old plays hard meets other kids cheap and easy

Answer 12

Brookfield zoo has these free days right now. Zoo Free Days Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from January 1 through February 29. They still charge $15/car for parking though. When my kids were little, we loved going to the zoo in winter. We parked at the South lot which has easier access to buildings. We would visit the Hamil Family Play Zoo, the swamp house, the penguin house and some times the ape house. We'd bring a lunch and eat it at the restaurant dining room next to the penguin house. We absolutely LOVED how not crowded the zoo is in winter.  

Answer 13

Airtastic has an area for smaller kids.  

Answer 14

We also loved Garfield Park Conservatory in winter. Free parking and free admission. My kids were enchanted with the giant palm trees, indoor fern forest, koi ponds and 2 story tube slide. Bring a lunch and eat in the Horticulture Hall.  

Answer 15

Yorktown Mall . the playplace is amazing. And free. But there is also a bounce house place for $10 a kid all day pass.  

Comments

@woody what age is this good for, Amy?  

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@bellina Blake STILL loves it but def for all three of yours.  

Answer 16

Avery ymca indoor water park

Answer 17

Thank you for the suggestions!  

Answer 18

Library. tour them. a new one each time.  

Answer 19

Check out mykidlist. com

Answer 20

Home Depot! Hours of entertainment

Answer 21

Funtopia, kiddy club, the mall

Answer 22

Nature centers! Love them!  

Answer 23

FIT4MOM Naperville works out at Naperville Yard during the cold weather months. You get a discount to play upstairs at their awesome indoor play space. There are workouts 5 mornings a week and a play date each week. Your first class is free  There is a huge event this Friday!  

Answer 24

The arboretum has an indoor train exhibit right now