As the cold weather settles in, we understand how important it is to have indoor play places to go to burn off some built up energy! Funlandia Kid Cafe in Palatine is a brand new option that just opened up a few days ago. It offers a fun, clean atmosphere for parents and children alike to connect, get creative and play all day. My 3 kids (ages 8, 6, and 3 1/2) and I were invited to explore this new spot recently.
This article is sponsored by Funlandia Kid Cafe and all opinions are my own.
Features of Kidlandia Kid Cafe
Kidlandia is designed with both parents and kids in mind. The different play areas are conveniently separated by age level and interest level, yet are visible from the cafe area. The colorful play areas include: Large Interactive Ball Pit, Trampoline Foam Pit, Creative Play Area, and a special Toddler Friendly Area.
Large Interactive Ball Pit and Trampoline Foam Pit
Directly adjacent to the Funlandia Kid Cafe area, are the Large Interactive Ball Pit and the Trampoline Foam Pit. The highlight of the entry is the large ball pit with a massive interactive wall. The ball pit was deep enough for my younger children to jump into, and had plenty of space for parents to accompany younger visitors too.
The Trampoline Foam Pit is right next to the Large Interactive Ball Pit, making it very convenient for an older child to jump on, while a younger child is still in the ball pit. The trampoline is a good size for a preschooler who wants to jump independently.
Creative Play Area
As you walk further into Kidlandia Kid Cafe, you enter the Creative Play Area which encourages pretend play for visitors of all ages. There is a grocery store, police station, fire house and even a doctor’s office. There are dress up clothes, props and vehicles to accompany each scene.
A road to ride tricycles around surrounds the giant tic-tac-toe board and merry-go-round. All of the play areas are soft, and safe for a youngest visitor. You will also find a giant light bright on the wall for those looking for a quieter activity.
Toddler Area
In the back, you’ll find a space crafted specifically for the smallest visitors. There is a smaller (still good sized) ball pit, wall puzzles, softer slides, padded climbing structure, a crawling caterpillar, push vehicles with ramps, and a trampoline-like pretend pond. This area is towards the back and therefore quieter, yet it is still directly next to the Creative Play area allowing for seamless supervision of both areas.
Cafe Area
The cafe portion of the Kidlandia Kid Cafe offers plenty of tables and chairs in a light and bright space. Parents are able to enjoy a hot coffee from the coffee bar or get some work done, yet keep their little ones in sight from the cafe area.
In addition to the coffee bar, quick snacks are available for purchase (like Goldfish or Cheetos), as well as a cooler full of drink options. There is also a menu of hot food ‘kid friendly’ items made onsite, in case you want to stay for lunch or dinner.
Next to the expansive display of quick snacks, there is also a small toy store with some of the dress up and play items you will find inside the playground for sale.
Free WIFI is available. Please note that outside food is not allowed.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms are located in the back, between the Toddler Play Area and the private party room. The bathroom has a changing table, 2 sinks and is large enough to accompany a family. There are a few chairs in a quieter hallway just outside the bathroom that would be good for a nursing mom, or a visitor looking for a few quieter minutes.
Hours and Prices
Funlandia Kid Cafe is open 9:00 a.m.-8:00p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Sundays are reserved for private parties.
Weekday admission is $17 per child (siblings are then $12), weekend admissions is $19 per child (siblings are then $14). Visitors 8 months and younger are free with a sibling. 10 visit passes can be purchased for $150, 15 visits for $185 and a monthly membership is $220 per child.
Funlandia Kid Cafe welcome all kinds of parties, and have a private party room. Party packages can be found on their website. Waivers are required for play, and can be filled out in advance. Funlandia is a sock only establishment, so be sure to wear socks or purchase them for $1.50.
Recommended Ages for Kidlandia Kid Cafe
Kidlandia Kid Cafe recommends guests age 8 year old and under play in their space, as this is the age the equipment and toys match best. We had a range of ages (3 years to 8 years) and we were entertained for hours. I also found that all 3 kids could be playing in parallel areas, yet I was able to see them all at the same time. I was also able to actually drink a hot coffee (yay!) because there were no tall climbing structures my 3 year old was going to get climb, and therefore require me to climb after her.
Best Days/Times To Go
Typically at play places like Funlandia Kid Cafe, mornings (before naptime) are busier than afternoons. However, their extended hours make it possible for a possibly less busy after dinner play session. Weekends will also be busier than weekdays. There is a parking lot for the building, with spots directly in front of Funlandia Kid Cafe.
Funlandia Kid Cafe
295 N Northwest Highway, Unit B
Palatine, IL 60067
(773) 765-8047
