With the weather quickly cooling off, it is time to fill those chilly days outside with some fun indoor play! The new Time Out Party and Play in Vernon Hills (located within the Hawthorn Mall) and is a brand new place to check out when your little one needs to burn off some energy.
Time Out Party and Play opened it’s doors in January 2025, and offers a clean, stimulating experience with play areas for guests under 48″ tall (one especially for those little ones with sensory differences too). My daughter and I spent the morning exploring what Time Out Party and Play Vernon Hills is all about!
This article is sponsored by Time Out Party and Play and all opinions are my own.
Features of Time Out Party and Play
Time Out Party and Play was designed for guests 48″ and under with their specific abilities in mind. There are separate play spaces throughout as you explore, but most of those play spaces can be seen from the central soft play area, making it manageable to keep track of multiple children as they play. The different play spaces include: Large Ball Pit with Interactive Ball Wall, Soft Play Climbing Area, Lego House, Soft Play Merry-Go-Round, Two Story Soft Play Climbing Structure with Ball Pit, Slides, and Tubes, and our personal favorite, the private Sensory Room.
For safety reasons, socks are required for all to play at Time Out Party and Play. There is also a safety gate separating the mall entrance from the play and sitting area so wandering little ones are contained.
Large Ball Pit with Interactive Ball Wall
As soon as we stepped foot inside, my daughter was drawn to the Large Ball Pit with Interactive Ball Wall. The pit is spacious with plenty of room for multiple children or adults, and the balls were not deep enough where you could lose a little one in the pit. The interactive wall is engaging, and we spent a lot of time exploring this space.
Soft Play Climbing Area, Lego House, Soft Play
Merry-Go-Round
Adjacent to the ball pit is a large central soft play space where younger siblings could easily play while the older siblings explore the ball pit.
This large central padded area also contains a small fort-like Lego House where kids can use their imaginations.
Directly adjacent to the seating area, is a Soft Play Merry-Go-Round that is activated by a button within the ride. The speed was ideal for toddlers and smaller guests. There are also large balls and animals to bounce on throughout the space as well.
Two Story Soft Play Climbing Structure with Ball Pit, Slides, and Tubes
The massive yellow, orange and blue Two Story Soft Play Climbing Structure with Ball Pit, Slides, and Tubes is one of the main attractions within Time Out Party and Play. There is a small ramp to the second story, where kids can climb through tubes, climb on padded obstacles and race around.
Please note that adults are generally not allowed onto the second level of the Two Story Soft Play Climbing Structure, unless a child needs help in an emergency. This is definitely something to consider if you have a smaller kiddo that may want you to come with.
There are also plenty of obstacles on the first floor of the climbing structure where parents can readily assist their little ones. The Ball Pit at the bottom of the twin slides was a big hit with my daughter.
Private Sensory Room
In addition to the daily open play experience ($15) there is the option to do the VIP experience ($25). The VIP experience includes a full day of open play, as well as access to the Private Sensory Room, a free toy and a drink.
The Private Sensory Room is spacious and contains soft toys for small hands, stations for quiet play, has dim lights, and is extremely quiet. The light wall, versatile seating and water bed in the center of the room were some of my daughter’s favorite things to explore. All the toys were placed at a 48″ friendly height.
We could have stayed in this room for hours!
Kids Parties
Time Out Party and Play offers 2- and 3-hour party packages that have use of a large private party room for your event. They also have a variety of add-on options to customize your party. Party packages can be found on their website.
Bathrooms
There are two private restrooms in the back with changing tables inside.
Hours, Pricing, and Parking
Time Out Party and Play’s most up to date hours can be found on their social media. There are two options: open play for $15 per child and the VIP experience for $25 per child, which includes access to the Sensory Room, a toy of your child’s choosing and a drink (juicebox or water). There is an extensive display of toys (both educational and of the stuffy variety) that each VIP guest can choose from. My daughter was beyond excited to choose from the huge assortment.
Admission includes re-entry the same day unless they are closing early for a private party. They will let you know the schedule when you arrive or you can call ahead. Please note that outside food is not allowed.
The best entrance is through the first floor of JCPenney. The parking lot between Macy’s and JCPenney is most convenient. If you are entering the mall before JCPenney’s business hours, use the main mall entrance closest to BHOP Esports. Time Out Party and Play is located on the first floor near JCPenney.
Recommended Ages for Time Out Party and Play
Time Out Party and Play is specifically designed for children 48″ and under. They are very vigilant about the height requirements to ensure the safety of younger guests.
Best Times to Visit
Typically at indoor play places like Time Out Party and Play, mornings (before naptime) are busier than afternoons. Weekends will also be busier than weekdays. For the most up to date hours, be sure to check their social media.
Time Out Party and Play
Hawthorn Mall
204 Hawthorn Ctr
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 281-7054
