14 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 west and northwest suburbs.

Play Cafés in the 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 $18 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. Brewpoint Coffee is located a few doors down, so grab a cup and join the fun.

.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.

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.

Winnies Playroom

9039 Monroe St.
Brookfield, IL 60513

Winnie’s Playroom is a brand new space and is currently in their “Soft” Opening through the month of August. Their regular hours will begin the September.

Their space is designed for children under 6 years old and offer plenty of spaces to learn and play. Blocks, endless dramatic play stations, doll houses and small climbing domes and mats are offered in this fresh space.

The Cafe has plenty of seating and plenty of goodies. They currently serve coffee, smoothies, juice boxes, water, ice cream and shaved ice.

Admission is $15/child; Children 6 months and younger and older than 7 are free of charge. 2 adults free with paying child. Monthly memberships are offered.

Winnie’s Playroom recently invited us to their soft opening. Check out Annie’s review.

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 $13/first child and $11/additional children. Check their social media for weekend hours, as they can vary. $9 play is always offered the last hour of play.

The Social Play

3741 Grand Boulvard
Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 255-5143

The Social Play opened their doors in early fall of 2024. Their space is designed for children under the age of 5 years old. There are endless opportunities for dramatic play, many different manipulatives and a little climbing slide. They off a safe space for young babies as well.

The coffee bar has all of the favorites including lattes, coffee from TASA, and cold brews. They have a beautiful area to sit by their large windows. Outside food is welcome in that area.

Admission is $16/child 6 months and older; Additional siblings $10; Babies under 6 months are free with paying sibling.

Check out Annie’s review to know before you go.

Whimsy Way Cafe

6805 Stanley Ave
Berwyn IL, 60402
(773) 953-0111

Whimsy Way’s bright and vibrant play area is packed with a large climbing structure equipped with a climbing wall, foam stairs and of course, a giant slide that dumps you into a ball pit. They have a separate area attached that offers a variety of pretend play opportunities.

Their coffee bar has hot and cold espresso, teas, and fresh bites (including cinnamon rolls, cookies and muffins.) They offer GF menu options as well.

Elyse just recently gave them a visit. Check it out here.

Admission is $15.99 for an all day pass. Membership options available. Call ahead or check their Instagram for hours because they are subject to change.

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 $17/child; children 12 months and under are free, as are adults. Memberships available.

Little Legends

7516 S Cass Ave #26-29
Darien, IL 60561
630-999-3002

This cafe has a large climbing structure with two different sized slides. This space is pretty open with plenty of space for young ones to run around. There are plenty of little climbing options for younger toddlers to climb floor level. The recommended ages are for children under 10.

The barista staffed cafe area is stocked with espresso, coffee and tea.

Admission is $16/child 6 months and up; 2 adults free with paying child. Babies under 6 months are free.

Playroom Cafe, Playroom Cafe Two, Playroom Cafe Social

Playroom Cafe Social
2308 W Higgins Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 466-5585

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

Playroom Cafe Two
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 Monday- Thursday $17/child 6 months and up, with two free adults per child; Friday-Sunday $17/child 8 months and up, with two free adults per child.

Click here for an inside look at the newest Playroom Cafe: Playroom Cafe Social.

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 $7 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!