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Things to Do With Kids in Northbrook, IL
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Toddler
Article made by:
Toddler
Updated November 2026.
For young kids in Northbrook, the top picks are the Village Green Park playground downtown, drop-in storytimes at the Northbrook Public Library, public skating and Learn to Skate classes at the Northbrook Sports Center, and the zero-depth play areas at Meadowhill Aquatic Center in summer. In winter, the park district runs two sled hills and an outdoor rink at Meadowhill Park.
Here is a parent guide to Northbrook for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, with what each place offers and a few tips.
Village Green Park sits in the heart of downtown Northbrook, at Shermer Road and Meadow Road. It is an easy stop before or after errands. The playground has slides, ramps, tunnels, bridges, swings and sand, and there is also an adaptive swing.
The park has restrooms, a shelter, shaded paths, an old-fashioned gazebo and picnic areas. In summer, Village Green hosts the park district's Tuesdays in the Park concerts and several community events, so it is a good place to meet other families.
If you want a quieter spot for a toddler, try the Cedar Lane Tot Lot at 965 Cedar Lane, just north of downtown. It is small and shaded by large trees, with climbing equipment, a sand area and swings. Small parks like this are easier for new walkers than busy community playgrounds.
The Northbrook Public Library holds its children's programs on the second floor, in the Story Corner and the Youth Services Activity Room. Recent programs for young children include:
Schedules change by season, so check the library's events calendar before you go. For storytimes in nearby towns, see our guide to library storytimes in the north suburbs.
The Northbrook Sports Center, at 1730 Pfingsten Road, has two year-round NHL-size ice rinks, so you can skate in any season. The park district posts a drop-in ice schedule for public skating.
The park district's skating school has run for more than 50 years and follows the Learn to Skate USA curriculum. Its beginner levels include a Toddler class, where children practice standing up in skates, marching and gliding on two feet, and Snowplow Sam classes that build toward forward skating and snowplow stops. A helmet is a good idea for any young skater.
Meadowhill Aquatic Center, at 1501 Maple Avenue, has four pools, a large sun deck, a concession stand and zero-depth children's play areas. The aquatic center was recently renovated, and it hosts parent/child and preschool swim lessons in summer.
The Northbrook Sports Center has a second outdoor pool in summer. Both pools close after the summer season. Check passes, daily fees and opening dates on the park district's pool page in spring. Thinking about lessons? Read toddler swim lessons: when to start.
The Northbrook Park District runs two sled hills, including one at Techny Prairie Park and Fields. The park district posts sled hill and ice rink conditions on its facility status page, so check before you go.
Meadowhill Park, at 1479 Maple Avenue, also has an outdoor ice rink in winter. Outdoor rinks open only when the weather stays cold enough.
With small children, pick a gentle slope, ride together and keep them away from the bottom of the hill. For more winter ideas, see our winter activities guide.
River Trail Nature Center, a Forest Preserves of Cook County nature center in Northbrook, is a good first nature outing for little kids. Read more in our guide to nature centers for kids in the north suburbs.
Northbrook families often head to Glenview, where Kohl Children's Museum is a favorite indoor outing for toddlers. See our guides to Kohl Children's Museum with toddlers and things to do in Glenview.
Village Green Park, at Shermer Road and Meadow Road, has a playground with slides, tunnels, swings and sand, plus restrooms. The Cedar Lane Tot Lot is a quieter option nearby.
Yes. The Northbrook Sports Center skating school has a Toddler level in its Learn to Skate USA classes, and the rinks are open year-round.
Yes. Babytime is for babies from birth to 24 months, limited to the first 15 babies. Check in at the Youth Services desk.
The park district has two sled hills, including one at Techny Prairie Park and Fields. Check the facility status page for conditions.
Children's Land has four locations in neighboring Glenview: 1175 Milwaukee Avenue, 1631 Milwaukee Avenue, 222 Greenwood Road, and Storytime Daycare at 1814 Waukegan Road. All are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and serve hot breakfast and lunch. Care starts at 6 weeks in our infant program, and extras like yoga and gymnastics vary by location. Find a location or contact us to schedule a tour.
Related reading: Things to Do With Kids in Glenview, IL: A Local Guide.
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