Please note that this play space is no longer open to the public.
With three little ones, I’m always on the hunt to find places to take them that are unique, entertaining, and cost-effective. The Discovery Center at Christ Church of Oak Brook checks all those boxes and more! On a day when you’re looking for a opportunity for indoor play, this destination is definitely worth visiting. Find more information about this FREE play space below.
Features of the Discovery Center at Christ Church of Oak Brook
Oak Tree Climber
The most exciting attraction of the Discovery Center is a massive two-story Oak Tree Climber. Kids climb onto the leaves, which are secured into the wall and have nets around them to ensure the safety of the climbers.
Puppet Theater
Next to the Oak Tree Climber is the Puppet Theater, which is inside the trunk of the tree. There aren’t actually puppets for use, but my kids had a blast pretending that they were serving ice cream through the curtained window.
Clubhouse
For younger kids, there is a Clubhouse play structure that has two levels. The bottom floor has a play kitchen, pretend washing machine, and a table with chairs. The second level includes a bedroom and a lookout, complete with binoculars. There aren’t any small toys that go with the areas, but my kids didn’t seem phased by having to pantomime.
Food
You can bring food into the building, but it should only be eaten in rooms with tiled floors. There are many tables on the main level of the building, so finding a place to snack isn’t a problem. Note that there aren’t any vending machines, and while Christ Church does have a cafe, it is only open on Sundays.
Bathrooms
There are several bathrooms throughout the building, including one with a changing table. Near the entrance to the Discovery Center is a touch-screen map; my kids thought it was so fun using it to find the path to the bathroom.
Hours
The Discovery Center is open most Mondays through Thursdays from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. Check their website for holiday hours and schedule changes.
Prices
The Discovery Center is free for everyone! You do not need to be a member of Christ Church of Oak Brook to enjoy the space.
Recommended Ages
I visited the Discovery Center with kids who were 7, 6, 5, 3, and an infant. They all had a blast because they gravitated towards the areas that they felt the most comfortable in. While the Oak Tree Climber may look intimidating for little kids initially, but it feels very secure inside. My 3-year-old made it to the top faster than anyone else! The website lists that the playspace is for toddlers through 5th graders.
Best Times To Go
I’ve visited the Discovery Center twice now, and both times we were the only people there! Even with one of my outings being over Spring Break, when I expected more of a school-aged crowd, we were still the only visitors. There was plenty of room for the kids to climb and run around in the open space.
Accessibility
The Discovery Center is located inside of the church building, on the lower level. The first time I visited, I stopped at the Information Desk and someone walked me down to the space. There are elevators as well.
Other Information
There is a sign-in sheet at the entrance to the Discovery Center for you to sign your kids in and out.
Upcoming Events
The Discovery Center is also used for the Christ Church Kids Sunday programming.
Please note that The Discover Center is closed for construction from November 6, 2023 through February 15, 2024.
Contact Information
Christ Church of Oak Brook
501 Oak Brook Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 654-1882
Have you been to the Discovery Center at CCOB before? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below. Check out our other ideas if you’re looking for indoor play spaces or rainy day activities.
 Discovery Center at Christ Church of Oak Brook is a Local Best-Kept Secret for Indoor Play){kind=link}