12 Play Cafe Destinations in Chicago’s Suburbs to Sip and Play (Hooray!)

When I’m planning playdates for my kids no matter the weather, I think about finding indoor play that will appeal to both the kids and adults in the group. When I need something to (quite literally) fill my cup, a good play cafe won’t disappoint!

Having the chance to catch up with friends over a cup of coffee and a snack while my kids are having a blast playing is the best of both worlds. Check out some of the amazing play cafes in the western suburbs.

Bumblebee Play Cafe

1015 N. Randall Road
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 742-3000

This family-owned space features two indoor playrooms, a climbing wall, jump pad, mini town, and baby area.

The cafe menu includes lunch items, snacks, and drinks.

Open play is $16 per child with a maximum of 2 adults per family.

Marshmallow Play

572 N. Michigan Street
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(312) 731-4799

Marshmallow Play opened in June of 2023 and is geared to entertain kids ages 6 months – 6 years. It features a wooden climbing structure, ride-on toys, imaginative play areas, a train table, and many themed toys; there’s also a designated toddler and baby section.

While the facility has a snack area with drinks and pre-packaged snacks for purchase, they allow guests to bring in outside (peanut-free) food

.Admission is $15/first child, $12/second child, and $10/each additional child. Two adults are free with a paying child; kids under 6 months are free.

Check out Kaitlyn’s recent review of the space for more details.

Let’s Play Work

7228 Circle Avenue
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 303-8430

This space is closing on September 29, 2024, so stop by before it’s gone! It features a large play structure with monkey bars, bridges, a curly slide, and fire station pole; there are also imaginative play areas (a playhouse, play kitchen/diner, grocery store, and wooden train set).

Light snacks and k-cup coffee are available.

Admission is $14 per child; adults are free.

Dreamland Kids Playroom

3S016 IL Route 53
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(847) 778-4997

Dreamland Kids opened in the summer of 2024 with a colorful soft play carousel, a ball pit with a slide, and spaces for imaginative play.

Although they don’t sell food, Dreamland Kids has free water and coffee and you can bring your own snacks.

Admission is $14 per child. Kids 6 months and under are free.

Check out Kaitlyn’s review and see photos of the space.

The Playpen Glen Ellyn

501 Duane Street
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(847) 531-9566

The Playpen opened on September 30, 2023. Recommended for ages 6 and under, there is a climbing dome, play equipment with slides, a train table, pretend play toys, ride-on toys, and a separate area for babies and toddlers. Check out their Facebook page for closures and events like storytime.

The cafe counter has coffees, lattes, teas, and snacks for purchase.

Play area admission is $16/first child and $14/additional sibling.

Check out Annie’s review of The Playpen to learn more and see lots of photos of the space.

Upper’s Land

25 W Calendar Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(312) 684-7506

Upper’s Land is a room with giant inflatables from wall to wall that opened in August 2024. They plan to switch out the inflatables to match the season and holidays.

They have a cotton candy machine, as well as a café with various flavors of shaved ice cream and beverages, including boba, smoothies, iced tea, yakulty (a yogurt drink), milk tea, and marble drinks.

Admission to the play area is $15 per child for 2 hours of play and $20 for full day play (same-day re-entry included). Baby play area (2 years old and under) is $8. One adult can enter for free per paid child.

Read Annie’s review of Upper’s Land for more information and tips.

Waterlemon

25 South La Grange Road, Unit A
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 286-6747

Designed to cater to the five-and-under crowd, this play space is also a boutique. The play area features a wooden play structure with slides, ride-on and imaginative toys, an arcade game, and a separate area for babies.

There’s a coffee bar and cafe; additionally, outside food and drinks are permitted.

Admission is $12/first child and $10/additional children. Check their social media for weekend hours, as they can vary.

Cafe Level Up and Lounge

716 E. 31st Street
La Grange Park, IL 60526

This family-owned cafe is unique because it has plenty of classic arcade games that are set to free play for customers.

In addition to the games, there is a full menu that features breakfast items, sandwiches, pizza, and sweet treats. Their drink selection includes coffees, smoothies, protein shakes, and fruit boba.

The Treehouse Play Cafe

985 S Rand Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
(224) 662-6040

This play cafe offers play spaces for a wider range of ages than most, with a toddler play space for children up to three and a main treehouse aimed for children ages 3 to 10 years old.

The cafe includes a coffee bar, as well as sandwiches, hot kids’ meals, and adult beverages.

Admission is $16/child; children 12 months and under are free, as are adults. Memberships available.

Playroom Cafe and Playroom Cafe Two

141 Randhurst Village Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(224) 318-2108

2075 Calamos Court
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 946-6879

These play spaces are designed for kids up to 6 years old (or 48″ tall) with play structures, ball pits, pretend play areas, and separate baby areas.

The onsite cafes have coffee bars and smoothies, snack and hot food options, and free WiFi.

Open play is $16/child, with two free adults per child; babies 6 months and younger are free.

Click here for an inside look at Playroom Cafe Two. 

Kids Art & Cafe

710 E. Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194
(630) 523-1101

This play area features a multi-level play structure with a slide and ball pit, as well as other toys.

The cafe menu includes coffees, milkshakes, pizzas, hot dogs, paninis, and waffles. Outside food is not allowed.

Prices begin at $14 per child; adults are free. They recommend calling ahead to check open play availability, especially on the weekends, when events often close the venue to the public.

Nelly’s Playground

338 Georgetown Square
Wood Dale, IL 60191
(630) 475-8941

This family-owned venue is a 4,000 square-foot play space for kids 7 and under. With vibrant colors and padded equipment, kids can safely climb and explore.

Coffee, as well as snacks, juice, and water, are available for purchase. Open play is available during the week; Nelly’s Playground is closed for private parties on the weekends. They recommending calling or checking their Facebook page for updates to their hours.

Admission is $15/child, or $6 for babies 6-12 months old. Two adults are included per child, and infants under 6 months are free.

If you’re looking for other ideas of indoor fun for kids, we’ve got plenty of options! Let us know below if you know of other places where parents and kids can meet up for coffee and play!