10 Best Children’s Libraries with Play Areas 2026

Here it is! Our brand new 2026 list of Top 10 libraries for kids with play areas! Some are newcomers to our top 10, while others are holding steady on our list for years. All of the libraries on this list have incredible areas for children to play, pretend, learn and engage. Either way, a morning spent at these spots will not disappoint!

We want to give a BIG thank you to all our Kidlist readers and our Kidlist team for taking the time to share their input. We have many amazing libraries to choose from in our area, and each one is truly unique and special. Libraries are one of my absolute favorite places to go with my kids. We hope to see some of you at these great locations soon!

Top 10 Children’s Libraries with Play Areas

1. Schaumburg Township District Library

Schaumburg Township District Library
130 South Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60193
(847) 985-4000

The kidsZone at the Schaumburg Library offers so much for young readers to do. Schaumburg’s magical indoor play area, The Enchanted Forest, offers many different areas to explore and create in. The Enchanted Forest completely immerses children in their favorite classic books and nursery rhymes with colorfully painted 3D murals, themed toys and activities. Children can watch how gravity works with their special STEM table, perform a puppet show, pretend play at a market, or play at the MagnaTiles table.

The library also hosts an array of story times including family, toddler, baby, and evening sessions. It also features story time events in English, Spanish, Japanese and Polish. Check out the library website for their story time schedule.

In the warm weather, check out the beautiful pond sitting outside of the library. You may spot some feathered friends!

2. Barrington Area Library

Barrington Area Library
505 N Northwest Highway
Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 382-1300

Have you ever seen a slide inside a library? Barrington Area Library is home to a variety of interactive spaces perfect for visiting with your little ones. Wall puzzles, a train table, magnetic walls, pretend markets, and light-up peg board are just some of the fun you’ll have when visiting this library. Along with the family-friendly programming, children will enjoy plenty of opportunities for hands-on fun at this great stop in the northwest suburbs.

3. Downers Grove Public Library

Downers Grove Public Library
1050 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 960-1200

Located in downtown Downers Grove, children can explore the colorful light-up wall, tablets with educational games, dress up area, busy boards, puzzle area, train table, doll house, blocks and of course, pick out some great books in this library’s children’s area!

The separate area for babies allows crawlers, walkers, and even stationary babies to explore and play. Their area is designed for babies to use both their fine motor and large motor muscles.

Check out their website for their weekly library story times. They offer a special story time for children under 36 months, as well as a preschool story time for older children. They also offer homework help databases and tools for children after school.

Downers Grove Public Library also offers a special place for teens, Teen Central. It is located on the second floor of the library, and offers gaming on a Nintendo Switch and PS5 along with rotating monthly maker kits, dry erase boards, chalk boards and plenty of additional programming.

4. Palos Heights Public Library

Palos Heights Public Library
12501 S. 71st Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
(708) 448-1473

Palos Heights Public Library Youth Department is on our list for the second year in a row! Occupying the entire 2nd floor of the updated library, this massive, bright, colorful space has something for children of all ages. The renovated space, which was updated in winter 2023, offers a soft play area with age appropriate toys for infants and toddlers, LEGO table, toddler computers, walls lined with magnetic puzzle activities and an expansive play kitchen and diner for imaginative play.

One of the major highlights of the library for my 4 year old, was the interactive projector room with the different walls each projecting interactive games, visual illusions and even her own artwork. This room encouraged laughter, chatting, and teamwork and reminded me of an exhibit you would traditionally expect at the Children’s Museum.

The Youth Services Department offers programs such as story time and art classes in their new activity room. An outstanding maker space, lovingly called the FabLab houses hands on programs where Palos Heights residents can utilize the new 3D printer, Laser Cutter, and variety of other creative tools, including an assortment of Cricut tools.

5. Indian Trails Library-Wheeling

Indian Trails Public Library District
Main Library
355 Schoenbeck Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 459-4100

Making our list (AGAIN!) this year is the Indian Trails Public Library (Main Library) Youth Department! The Early Learning Area has enough activities to keep your crew busy and happy all morning. Activities range from giant interactive Wonder Wall displays to Lego and train tables. Imaginative play areas and a dollhouse line the walls, along with a giant Lite Brite, and magnetic puzzles. In addition to the bright colors in the entire department, giant, colorful, alluring water features captivate little visitors attention as well. Story times are available during the day time, catering to a variety of interests and age groups.

If you happen to visit in the warmer weather, you will see Horizon Park directly out the giant library windows of the Early Learning Area. Head out and enjoy the turf playground, swings and wide open area to run. There is also a basketball court and a picnic shelter, perfect for enjoying a snack before heading home.

6. Lisle Library District

Lisle Library District
777 Front Street
Lisle, IL 60532
(630)971-1675

Renovated in 2023, the Lisle Library Youth Services Department offers a large variety of activities to keep kids of all ages busy for hours. The children’s department offers a foam block building area with giant blocks and a separate adjacent safe space for toddlers to build and play as well. Inside the block building area there is a rock climbing wall, and soft seating to relax and read on. The large LiteZilla light board just around the corner is a hit with both parents and children alike. Across the children’s area, you’ll find and entire wall of windows where you can even see the Metra roll through. These windows are lined with computers with toddler programming, a light table, and coloring station to give younger readers a quieter place to explore. The entire Youth Services Department is enclosed and children will need to activate the sensor to exit.

The library programs are vast and creative. They offer story times and activities for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. There is a very popular evening story time where you can come in your pj’s and bring your favorite stuffy to the library for a bedtime story. There are also many after school activities for school aged children ranging from guided crafts to Lego or Pokemon club. In the warmer weather, take your snack out to the enclosed patio on the east side of the building. This is a new addition in the last few years.

7. Geneva Public Library District

Geneva Public Library District
227 S. Seventh Street
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-0780

The Geneva Public Library’s Kid’s Landing area provides plenty of space and is kept nice and clean. One of our favorite spots is their circular train table that allows children to gather around together to play. The bright colored textured flowers on the wall give even the little tots options to explore. Children can engage in games, puzzles and create on the giant light up wall! The children’s team organizes various events based on age groups such as Meet the Critters, LEGO displays, and family story time.

Downtown Geneva also boasts many cafes and restaurants, including Graham’s Chocolate and Kilwin’s, both just two minutes away. You’re also not a far drive from the St. Charles library if you want to keep exploring there, too.

8. Wheaton Public Library

Wheaton Public Library
225 N. Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 668-1374

The Wheaton Public Library is nestled right between downtown Wheaton and the Wheaton College campus. Located on the lower level, the youth department boasts activities including LEGO tables, toddler wall play activity boards, various block areas, pretend play area complete with pizza kitchen and produce market. There are also comfy chairs to curl up on and read.

Story times are scheduled throughout the day for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. There is even a special class for preschoolers with a focus on Kindergarten readiness. There is also an onsite cafe, The Bean, which offers light snacks and refreshments.

9. Naperville Public Library – 95th Street

Naperville Public Library- 95th Street Branch
3015 Cedar Glade Drive
Naperville, IL 60564
(630) 637-4921

Naperville Library has three branches: the 95th Street Library, Naper Blvd Library and the Nichols Library. Located on the south end of Naperville, the 95th Street Plaza offers more than just a trip to the library. With a book-themed playground just outside the library, picnic tables, a fitness court, splash pad and more, a trip to this library in the summer can be an all-day affair. The Naperville Public Library offers lots of programming for young children and teens at this location.

Baby tummy time, toddler and family storytimes are held multiple days of the week. Storytimes run throughout the day and into the evening, giving families plenty of options to attend. They even have events where young readers can read to therapy dogs!

10. Helen Plum Library in Lombard

Helen Plum Library
411 S. Main Street
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 627-0316

The Helen Plum Library building was completely renovated in April 2023. It’s a beautiful, inviting space with large windows and a nice play area for little ones. The rooms are spacious and bright with floor to ceiling windows. We love the clear signage, color scheme, and attention to details. And your kids are going to LOVE the youth services and teens areas.

The kids area is on the first floor in the rear of the building, lovingly referred to as the ‘Robin’s Nest’. It offers a space for imaginative play, a light wall, puzzle games, and plenty of open space in the center for activities. Something I love, is the dedicated, safe space for babies to crawl.

Helen Plum also offers such creative programing, it truly has something for the whole family. Read Annie’s full review of the Helen Plum Library.

Recently Renovated Libraries

We have seen many of our favorite libraries undergo renovations and updates the last year or so, which is so exciting. We are beyond lucky to have so many incredible libraries in the west and northwest suburbs that go beyond our top ten list. If you explore a new destination, stop back and let us know what you think.

–The Addison Public Library is mid-renovation on a $12.3 million project. Plans include an expansive Children’s Services Area with a new play area. You can stay up-to-date on progress on the Addison Public Library website.

-The Eola Road Branch Library in Aurora is in the midst of $8.5 million project in overall renovations. This is an 18-month project slated to expand and improve teen, as well as youth space. Updates can be found on the library website.

–The Hinsdale Public Library is in the middle of a massive renovation project to improve every floor in their space, including their storytime and teen space. They anticipate this project’s completion by the end of 2026.

–Plainfield Area Public Library is currently mid-renovation. Plans include a new Teen Area and new Youth Services Program Room. This is $10.5 million project.

Know of another library renovation? Let us know in the comments below!

We LOVE our libraries!

Looking for more opportunities for indoor play? Our Guide to Indoor Play Areas has tons of options for you as well as features and pricing for each one.