Top 20 toddler activities in Chicago
"Welcome to the wonderful world of toddler activities in Chicago! This bustling city offers a plethora of engaging and educational activities for your little ones. From children's museums and parks to music classes and storytimes, there's no shortage of fun to be had. Come and explore the best toddler activities in Chicago with us!"
- 1. Chicago Children's Museum
- 2. Fit City Kids
- 3. The Little Gym of Chicago
- 4. Tots Land - Private Playground & Party Room
- 5. Luna y Cielo Play Cafe
- 6. Purple Monkey Playroom LLC
- 7. Bronzeville Children's Museum
- 8. Little Adventures
- 9. Kids Science Labs
- 10. Play Garden
- 11. Pritzker Family Children's Zoo
- 12. Kids Empire Chicago Kedzie
- 13. Kids Science Labs-South Loop
- 14. Sod Room
- 15. Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park
- 16. Playground
- 17. Razzmatazz
- 18. Cheer Destiny Allstars
- 19. Mini City on 21
- 20. Funful
1. Chicago Children's Museum
Emphasis on hands-on learning and play-based experiences

The Chicago Children's Museum is an ideal destination for families with toddlers, offering a range of attractions designed specifically for this age group. Two of the most popular exhibits for young visitors are Treehouse Trails and Kids Town.
Each exhibit at the museum has something to offer young children, with many including special play areas for infants and crawlers. In addition to Treehouse Trails and Kids Town, the museum features Pritzker Playspace, a dedicated environment designed exclusively for families with young children. This space is open for limited hours each day.
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2. Fit City Kids
Strong focus on building social skills

Fit City Kids offers excellent toddler activities, attracting parents with its impressive instructors and well-maintained facility. The staff's friendliness and the diverse range of classes make it an ideal place for toddlers to learn and grow.
Remarkably friendly staff and cleanliness are notable highlights of Fit City Kids. The toddler activities include various classes tailored to their needs, and the engaging instructors ensure a fun and stimulating environment. Parents can trust that their little ones will have a great time at Fit City Kids.
3. The Little Gym of Chicago
Non-competitive and nurturing atmosphere for toddlers to learn and grow.

Little Gym is a great local spot for young children, providing a perfect environment for busy toddlers to learn and grow. The 'beasts' class, in particular, has been instrumental in developing the skills of the author's daughter throughout the summer. The class, led by coaches Summer and Maddie, has significantly improved the daughter's confidence, coordination, and body awareness.
The curriculum at Little Gym is well-designed, and the coaches are experienced in working with young children. The author's daughter has become more daring and confident, thanks to the encouraging and supportive atmosphere created by the coaches. She has even started asking for 'more gym' during the week, highlighting her enthusiasm and enjoyment of the classes. Little Gym's impact on the daughter has been overwhelmingly positive, making it an invaluable addition to the neighborhood.
4. Tots Land - Private Playground & Party Room
Birthday party packages available, interactive play experiences, sensory-friendly play area

Tots Land is an excellent venue for hosting small parties specifically for toddlers. I recently reserved this space for my daughter's third birthday, and I was impressed with its privacy, which made guests feel more comfortable during the pandemic. This private playground and party room are specifically designed for younger children, allowing parents to have hands-on interaction during their children's parties.
The private playground features various facilities such as slides, tunnels, and bounce houses, providing 100% private play for 2.5-3 hours. This exclusivity ensures that the children can have a safe and enjoyable playtime without any outside interruptions. Overall, Tots Land is an ideal location for parents who want to provide their young children with a fun and secure play environment during their parties.
5. Luna y Cielo Play Cafe

6. Purple Monkey Playroom LLC
Focus on social and emotional development

The establishment provided a safe and enjoyable experience for children during Covid-19, with easy online booking for hour-long play slots. On opening day, children were observed playing enthusiastically with a variety of toys for several hours.
Specifically, a 3.5-year-old boy was captivated by the train, while his 19-month-old sister repeatedly enjoyed the slide. Both children had a wonderful time exploring and playing with different toys at the location.
7. Bronzeville Children's Museum
Emphasis on African American culture and history

The museum curator initially came across as unfriendly, but her demeanor improved significantly by the end of the visit. The museum is small but contains engaging hands-on activities suitable for young children. It even hosts parties for children aged between 3 to 9.
One such interactive exhibit is the Jewel-Osco play area, where children can role-play as store clerks, shoppers, or grocery baggers, providing an immersive and fun experience.
8. Little Adventures
Unique educational play spaces for toddlers

Little Adventures is an indoor children's activity facility designed for young children, with a specific focus on those aged between 0-6 or 0-7 years old. The facility is filled with various amenities to engage and entertain children, including custom playground structures, interactive pretend play sets, and a designated crawling area for younger children.
The facility offers a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore and develop their physical, social, and imaginative skills. The age range of 0-7 years ensures that children of different developmental stages can find activities that suit their abilities and interests. Overall, Little Adventures provides a valuable resource for parents and caregivers looking for a fun and educational outing for their young children.
9. Kids Science Labs

Immerse yourself in the inclusive and engaging environment at Kids Science Labs with Professor Saffron. At a recent birthday party, Professor Saffron effortlessly sparked curiosity in my son without any pressure. The venue itself is a vibrant space for learning and fun – I was impressed by the educational yet entertaining party hosted for my niece. Convenient parking at the attached Whole Foods garage makes for a hassle-free visit.
10. Play Garden
Uniquely themed play areas and beautiful city skyline views
The Watering Hole is a perfectly designed play area in Maggie Daley Park Play Garden for younger children aged between two to five. It is a spacious 1,200-square-foot animal-themed space featuring interactive animal figures and small spray features for water play. This play area is equipped with a large shade structure to protect children from the sun, and a central wooden platform that serves as a stage for creative play or a resting spot for parents. The Watering Hole offers a safe and engaging environment where toddlers can explore and interact with their surroundings.
Maggie Daley Park Play Garden is an ideal spot for families with young children, as it features play elements specifically designed for babies and toddlers. Many playgrounds are not suitable for younger children who have just learned to walk, but The Watering Hole is different. It caters to this age group with interactive and fun features that are both safe and engaging, making it the perfect spot for younger children to play and learn.
11. Pritzker Family Children's Zoo
Commitment to wildlife conservation

Maggie Daley Park is an excellent destination for families with young children. The park offers a wide range of activities suitable for different age groups, making it an ideal spot for a day out with the kids. One of the park's most popular features is the Play Garden, which has various areas tailored to different ages and abilities.
If you're looking for a venue to host your toddler's birthday party, Purple Monkey is a great option. This play space is consistently recommended for toddler activities, and it's easy to see why. With a variety of engaging and age-appropriate toys and activities, Purple Monkey provides a fun and safe environment for young children to play and socialize. The staff is also known for being friendly and attentive, ensuring that every child has a great time.
12. Kids Empire Chicago Kedzie
Dedicated toddler zone with age-appropriate toys and activities

Kids Empire is a place that offers a fun and engaging environment for children to develop their skills while having a great time. The facility includes a toddler area that is specifically designed for younger children to explore safely. Older kids can enjoy climbing walls, playing in structures, and diving into a ball pit. Parents will be happy to know that they can accompany their child to the facility for free, with two parents able to join their child at no extra cost.
The Kids Empire experience includes a variety of fun and active activities for kids to enjoy. The toddler area is thoughtfully designed with younger children in mind, allowing them to explore and play in a safe and controlled environment. Older kids can challenge themselves on the climbing walls, climb through structures, and play in the ball pit. With free admission for two parents, it's the perfect place for families to spend quality time together.
13. Kids Science Labs-South Loop

14. Sod Room
Hosts birthday parties and special events
Sod Room is a popular destination for families with infants and young children. They offer a variety of classes such as music, yoga, and baby sign language. The facility also hosts special events for holidays like Halloween and Christmas. The open play space is designed with care, filled with toys and play stations that promote sensory skills and imagination.
Both my children and I have greatly enjoyed our visits to Sod Room. The spacious environment provides ample room for running around and playing. We have frequently returned, and the staff is always helpful and attentive. This location has become a trusted and beloved place for my kids to learn, grow, and have fun in a safe environment. I highly recommend Sod Room as an excellent resource for city families.
15. Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park
Trampoline dodgeball and basketball areas available

The KIDS COURT and PLAYSCAPE is a must-visit destination for parents with young children. This exclusive play area is designed for children aged between 2-6 years old, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for toddlers to explore and have fun. The park features a kids’ arena, which is perfect for little ones to run around and play. Additionally, the park offers toddler time passes, providing convenient and affordable access for parents with young children.
Inclusion is a key aspect of the KIDS COURT and PLAYSCAPE, with toddlers specifically catered for in the park’s design. The park’s focus on inclusivity ensures that children of all ages and abilities can enjoy the facilities and participate in play. The kids’ arena and toddler time passes provide an accessible and enjoyable space for young children to develop their social and physical skills, while also having a great time.
16. Playground

Discover the ultimate play experience at Independence Park, where thrill awaits at every corner. Unleash your child's imagination on the accessible play structure, complete with a charming playhouse and exhilarating spinning saucer. Let the little ones soar on two thrilling zip lines, adding an extra dash of excitement to your visit.
17. Razzmatazz
All-inclusive family entertainment destination

This establishment is a great option for families, young children, and parties, offering a range of activities that cater to all age levels. For video game enthusiasts, there is a selection of up-to-date games available. Additionally, there are two air hockey tables for those who enjoy competitive play. If you prefer something more physical, the venue also features bowling lanes and bouncy houses, providing a fun and engaging experience for all.
The bowling lanes offer a classic activity that is perfect for a family day out or a party event. The bouncy houses, on the other hand, provide a lively and energetic experience for younger children. With two air hockey tables, siblings or friends can enjoy a friendly game against each other. Whether you're looking for a fun and engaging activity or a way to celebrate a special occasion, this venue has something for everyone.
18. Cheer Destiny Allstars
Strong focus on building confidence and self-esteem in children.

Coach John is an exceptional coach who has made a significant impact on my daughter Sarah's life. He has helped boost her confidence and encouraged her to face her challenges head-on. His excellent communication skills enable him to connect with children, inspiring and motivating them to never give up.
My son and daughter have been attending mini tumbling classes at this facility for less than a month and have already seen significant improvement in their skills. My six-year-old son has even moved up to level 1 due to his progress. The coach, John, is excellent with children, taking the time to help each one individually, ensuring they receive the attention they need to succeed.
19. Mini City on 21
Dedicated toddler area with age-appropriate toys

The location is perfect for toddlers, offering engaging activities that kept my kids entertained for hours. The staff is friendly and creates a welcoming atmosphere, making it difficult to leave. This place is highly recommended for parents seeking a fun and safe environment for their little ones.
The establishment is a great place for toddler activities. My toddler enjoyed exploring the different play areas and had a blast. The variety of play areas keeps young children engaged, making it an ideal spot for parents looking for a safe and entertaining environment for their children.
20. Funful
