Review: Forest the Fox’s Playbox in Westchester

When I find a good indoor play space, I take my kids there on repeat, and Forest the Fox’s Playbox in Westchester is truly a hidden gem. With brightly colored, cushioned climbing equipment, a variety of obstacles geared towards toddlers, and a kid-friendly bathroom, this location is a hit with my family. The fact that it is open EARLY (5:30am on weekdays!) is the icing on the cake.

Read on to learn more about this space that’s perfect for little ones.

Features of Fox’s Playbox in Westchester

Fox’s Playbox is located inside of the Mayfair Recreation Center, which is part of the Westchester Park District. Enter through the front doors of the Rec Center and check in at the front desk. The Playbox is in a large room just past the front desk and features a large, colorful multi-level play structure.

The equipment includes slides, tunnels, climbing areas, and plenty of opportunities to hang, swing, bounce, and explore. Everything is soft, and the sides of the structure are netted to make sure kids won’t fall.

Within the structure is a toddler space with a smaller climbing structure, short slide, and movable tic-tac-toe board.

Aside from the play structure, there is an area surrounded by a half-wall where you could play with pre-walkers. Note that there aren’t currently any toys in this area, but you could bring a blanket and play with your little one there. Additionally, the space has a coat rack, as well as benches and some chairs for adults to sit on.

There are cubbies for kids to put their shoes in; be sure to bring socks for your kids, because they are required to be worn at all times.

Food

Food and drinks are not allowed inside the Playbox. I usually bring snacks; when my kids get hungry, we eat at the tables in the lobby of the Rec Center before playing more. The lobby has a vending machine with drinks, too.

Bathrooms

A great feature of the Playbox is that there is a kid-friendly bathroom next to the play structure. It has a shorter toilet and sink, which make it perfect for your little ones who are learning to use the bathroom. There is also a changing table.

Full-sized bathrooms for adults are in the lobby.

Hours

Fox’s Playbox is open for walk-in visitors on Monday-Friday from 5:30am – 8:00pm. On Saturdays, it is open from 7:00am – 5:00pm; on Sundays, it is open from 7:00am – 3:00pm.

Call ahead before you go on weekends, because they are often closed for private birthday parties!

Prices

The cost is $2/child (ages 2 and up); adults and kids under 2 are free.

Recommended Ages

Fox’s Playbox is best geared towards kids ages 2-6. Kids under 2 may have a harder time getting down from the second level of the play structure, and kids over 6 can’t stand up straight in all the areas. If there are many older kids running around, the space also isn’t as safe for the younger kids who are exploring.

Best Days/Times To Go

I’ve been to Fox’s many times, and the number of families there varies. According to the staff, mid-morning through lunchtime tends to be the most crowded time. On days when the weather isn’t cooperating or school isn’t in session, it is also more crowded. If you’re concerned about the number of people there, I recommend calling to ask before you go.

Since Fox’s Playbox hosts private parties, call before making the trip there on weekends! They may have modified hours, or may be completely closed.

Accessibility

Fox’s Playbox is on the first floor of the Mayfair Rec Center and the room is wheelchair-accessible, though the play structure itself is not.

With the Playbox being in a large room with a high-ceiling, it can get noisy if there are many kids there. For little ones who may feel overwhelmed, you can step out into the lobby of the Rec Center for a break.

Forest the Fox’s Playbox
Mayfair Recreation Center
10835 Wakefield Street
Westchester, IL 60154
(708) 562-6410

Want to check out other indoor places to play? We have plenty of options!