Bounce & Jump Centers

Epic Air Trampoline Park

• 1675 N. Lancaster Road, South Elgin
• 847-608-0600
• Admission Charged: Yes
• Notes: The hours and pricing for this new (opened late 2011) trampoline park vary from day to day, so make sure to check the website or better yet, call ahead before heading out. It currently offers a "Toddler Time" on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for $6 per chlid for kids from walking to 7 years old. I have several friends who regularly go to the "Toddler Time" and love it.

Children's Play Centers & Cafes

Kids Play World

• 3341 W. Main St., St. Charles
• 630-444-1734
• Admission Charged: Yes
• Notes: This is a great indoor play option for toddlers and preschoolers, with lots of toys and costumes and variously themed rooms, including a space with a train table, one with princess props and a room for dancing. It definitely encourages creative and imaginative play. There are tables and chairs for parents to sit and relax or work at, along with free Wi-Fi and coffee for purchase. 

Kids Town

• 1141 E. Butterfield Road, Wheaton
• 630-260-8545
• Admission Charged: Yes
• Notes: Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, this large indoor play area has themed play spaces such as a stage, a jail, a grocery store, a library and some cushioned gymnasium equipment. It also offers lots of toys and costumes, and a small play area for babies who aren't walking yet. There are tables, chairs and couches for parents to sit and relax or work at, along with free Wi-Fi and coffee. Here is the info on admission rates and hours.

Little Monkey Bizness

• 229 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton
• 630-384-2300
• Admission Charged: Yes
• Notes: This indoor play area makes me think of what a very wealthy parent might have in her backyard, all under a roof. There is a full-size bounce house, cushioned gymnasium equipment, several large pieces of plastic playground equipment and a craft room (available when it isn't being used to host a private party.) You can buy coffee drinks and pastries at the counter, and there are tables and chairs outside the play area where parents can relax or work. Click here for info on the hours, open play and admission prices. 

Kiddie Klub Lane

• 1300 S. Main St., Lombard
• 630-889-2192
• Admission Charged: Yes
• Notes: This is an indoor area where the focus is on "imagination and play." A Go West reader says "KKL is a great place for busy kids. Both my 1 year old and 4 year old can enjoy themselves, be creative and it's still easy to keep an eye on them while they play in different areas. Punch cards are a great idea and parents are free!' Click here for info on hours and here for info on admission rates.

Grounds for Hope Cafe

• 2701 Maple Ave., Lisle. (In the Trinity building.)
• 630-390-1290
• Admission Charged: For sandwiches, pastries, drinks, etc.
• Notes: A Go West reader says: "Prices are very reasonable for sandwiches and bakery items and drinks. There is a big play gym, and if the rooms of their Kidstreet are not being used for meetings, they are available to the public. Kids can play in sigh while parents chat in the cafe. Profits go to charity." This year, the cafe's website notes, it is supporting Feed My Starving Children and Living Water International. You can read more about the Playhouse at the cafe by clicking here.