Families in the northwest suburbs have a brand new place to play, climb, and explore! Kids Play Hive, a thoughtfully designed indoor play area, is opening this Sunday in Des Plaines and offers a bright, welcoming space geared toward younger kids and their caregivers.
From the moment you walk in, it is clear Kids Play Hive was created with intention. The owner is a former educator and spent more than a year working with her husband to design a play space that addresses many of the common frustrations parents experience at indoor playgrounds. The result is a space that feels fun, safe, and refreshingly practical.
We were invited to Kids Play Hive before they opened to the public; all opinions are my own.
A Play Space Designed for Littles
Kids Play Hive is best suited for elementary aged children and younger, with ages 3 to 9 being the sweet spot. There is also a dedicated toddler area that is fully enclosed, fenced, and secured with a lock, giving parents peace of mind while their youngest explorers play.
Inside, kids can:
- Climb, slide, and explore a main playground filled with tunnels, slides, and obstacle course style paths
- Jump into two ball pits, one in the toddler zone and another near the larger slides
- Shoot hoops in an enclosed basketball area
- Play confidently knowing all areas are fully padded
While older siblings are welcome, older kids may find the space better suited to a younger crowd.
One standout feature is that the play structures are adult accessible. Parents can comfortably climb in to help a child or play alongside them, which is something we appreciated.
Thoughtful Details for Parents
Kids Play Hive shines in the small details:
- Cubbies and coat racks at the entrance
- A layout that is big but not huge, making it easy for adults to maintain sightlines across the space
- A cute bee hive theme with bright, cheerful colors that do not feel overwhelming
Bathrooms are well equipped for families and feature step stools, toddler toilet seats, handle flush toilets, and a baby changing table in the women’s restroom.
Food and Seating
Limited snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but families are also welcome to bring their own food or pack a lunch. Food is allowed in the seated dining area, which includes four to five tables, high chairs, and plenty of bench seating. It is another parent friendly win.
Accessibility and Special Accommodations
Accessibility was clearly a priority in the design. The toddler area is ADA compliant with a wheelchair accessible gate, and there is a wide path within the main playground that allows wheelchair entry and exit.
For families who need a break from stimulation, Kids Play Hive offers a Quiet Room that can be used for nursing, pumping, or sensory regulation. Noise canceling headphones are also available for kids with sensitive ears.
Hours and Pricing
Hours:
Monday and Wednesday through Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm
Closed Tuesdays
Pricing:
$18.50 per child
Adults are free
$3 for Kids Play Hive grippy socks, which are required
Memberships and 10-visit punch cards available
Kids Play Hive feels like a space created by someone who truly understands families with young kids. It is safe without feeling restrictive, playful without being chaotic, and designed to make outings with little ones easier. If you are looking for a new indoor spot to escape the cold and let kids burn off energy, this newest Des Plaines play space is well worth a visit.
Kids Play Hive
1529 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(224) 361-3400
