10+ Malls with [Free] Play Areas for Kids
Family-friendly shopping malls in the Chicago suburbs, with a kids play area.
Back in the day, shopping malls used to be THE hangout. It was the place for tweens and teens to run amok and for adults to find everything they needed all in one place. But with the decline of brick-and-mortar, and the popularity of online shopping, many of our beloved malls are turning into Ghost Towns. Sorry, didn’t mean to start with a downer there….
Good news is, malls are trying their best to make a comeback! Many efforts are being made to “bling out” the malls with trendy restaurants, upscale stores and yes…. play areas! In addition to the made-for-profit facilities, such as Yu Kids Island or FunFlatables, there are malls that have built FREE play areas inside their shopping center: a perfect place for an exhausted parent, to sit back and relax while their kids let out some energy! Here are a few popular ones:
01. Play Area at Gurnee Mills
Gurnee Mills
6170 W Grand Ave
Gurnee IL 60031
Photo of the Play Area at Gurnee Mils via facebook.com
Play area location in mall: Center Court
Best Entrance: Entry B
A Chicago-themed play area, with replicas of Willis Tower, Navy Pier and a Chicago hot dog, all to slide and climb on.
02. Hawthorn Play Space
Hawthorn Mall
122 Hawthorn Ctr
Vernon Hills IL 60061
Photo of Hawthorn Play Space via softplay.com
Play area location in mall: Lower Level
Best Entrance: Entry to JCPenney
Oversized play structures to climb, large puzzles and padded seating along the sides, all in a soft play and contained area.
03. Northbrook Play
Northbrook Court
2210 Northbrook Ct
Northbrook IL 60062
Photo of Northbrook Play via facebook.com
Play area location in mall: Level 2
A nature-themed play area, designed by the Chicago Children’s Museum. Has interactive stations, places to climb, costumes to dress up in and an enclosed area for crawlers.
04. Northbrook Court Tree House
Northbrook Court
2210 Northbrook Ct
Northbrook IL 60062
Photo of the Tree House via facebook.com
Play area location in mall: Level 1, in the center of the mall
A 2-for-1 at Northbrook Court with another playarea: a large tree house structure with slides, tunnles and climbing areas.
05. Woodfield Mall Children’s Play Park
Woodfield Mall
5 Woodfield Mall
Schaumburg IL 60173
Photo of the Children’s Play Park via chicagoparent.com
Play area location in mall: Lower Level, Grand Court
Best Entrance: Entrance 5, between Macy's & Parking Garage
An enclosed area with only one way in or out, with imaginative climbing structures such as a rocket, row boat, a wagon and a car.
06. Spring Hill Mall Play Area
Spring Hill Mall
1072 Spring Hill Mall
West Dundee IL 60118
Photo of Spring Hill Mall play area via trekaroo.com
Nature-themed Soft play structures and flooring, with a treehouse, boat, bridge and stepping logs.
07. Yorktown Center Children’s PLAY Area
Yorktown Center
203 Yorktown Center
Lombard IL 60148
Photo of Children’s PLAY Area via businesswire.com
Play area location in mall: Lower Level, Center Court
Large play space area, featuring art, technology and interactive learning.
08. Fox Valley Mall Center Park
Fox Valley Mall
195 Fox Valley Center
Aurora IL 60504
Photo of Fox Valley Mall Center Park via enjoyaurora.com
Play area location in mall: Lower Level
An indoor greenspace and public gathering area, resembling that of a park with a 2-story tree house.
09. Orland Square Play Area
Orland Square
288 Orland Square Dr
Orland Park IL 60462
Photo of Orland Square Play Area via Village of Orland Park Facebook Page
Play area location in mall: Lower Level by JCPenney
An educational play area with an emphasis on STEAM: science, technology, education, art and math.
10. Old Orchard PlaySpace
Old Orchard
4905 Old Orchard Center
Skokie IL 60077
Photo of Old Orchard PlaySpace via yelp.com
Play area location in mall: Northeast end of the mall
A dragon-themed outdoor playground with slides, climbing structures and soft turf.
BONUS: Abt Electronics
Abt Electronics
1200 N. Milwaukee Ave
Glenview IL 60025
Photo of Abt Electronics via abt.com
Ok, not really a mall and not really a play space, but Abt is guaranteed fun and amazement for your kids. From the fountain light show to the large aquarium to the giant Lite Brite to the candy store and the free cookies on the weekends, this humongous 2 floor electronics store is guaranteed to keep your kids entertained while you shop.
Where are your favorite mall play areas? Let me know in the comments!
![10+ Malls with [Free] Play Areas for Kids](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/655440429907322d2217d091/0e9c1911-328e-477d-b7f8-cd5b93f186f4/51856701_10157130539222188_1977911239572979712_n.jpg)
Nature centers are probably the most underrated forms of family-friendly entertainment and activities. Educational exhibits, hands-on interactive learning, indoor and outdoor programs… and all for FREE — what’s not to love about it!