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Things to Do With Kids in Skokie, IL
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Toddler
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Toddler
Updated November 2026.
The top indoor spot for young kids in Skokie is The Exploritorium, a park district play space for toddlers through age 6 that reopened in 2025 with a bigger three-level play structure. Add drop-in storytimes at the Skokie Public Library, nature walks at Emily Oaks Nature Center, public skating at the Skatium, and the Skokie Water Playground in summer.
Skokie is just east of Morton Grove and Niles and a short drive from Glenview. Here is a parent guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
The Exploritorium is inside the Oakton Community Center, at 4701 Oakton Street. The Skokie Park District recommends it for toddlers through age 6, and adults play along with their children.
In fall 2025 the park district finished a new three-level play structure, about a third larger than the old one, with a triple wave slide and a giant tube slide. Other areas include:
Recent hours were Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM, with the space closed on Thursday and Sunday. There is a small daily fee, with a lower rate for Skokie residents and free entry for children under 1. Hours and fees change by season, so check the park district site before you go.
The Skokie Public Library, at 5215 Oakton Street, runs storytimes by age in its Storytime Room. Most are drop-in, with limited space, so arrive a little early. Recent programs include:
In summer, the library has also held outdoor storytimes for babies and tots in its courtyard. Check the library calendar for current days and times. For more nearby options, see our guide to library storytimes in the north suburbs.
Emily Oaks Nature Center, at 4650 Brummel Street, is the park district's nature center, built around a restored pond. It is a calm place for a short walk with a toddler and runs nature programs and seasonal family events, such as a winter gnome hunt. See our guide to nature centers for kids in the north suburbs for more spots like it.
The Skatium Ice Arena, at 9340 Weber Park Place, is the park district's indoor rink, with regular public skating sessions and extra holiday public skate sessions during winter break. A helmet and warm gloves are a good idea for little skaters, and an adult should stay on the ice with them.
The Skokie Water Playground, at 4715 Oakton Street in Oakton Park, is the park district's family water park. It opened for the 2026 season in early June. Watch the park district site in spring for 2027 dates, hours and fees.
For more outings nearby, see our guides to Glenview and Kohl Children's Museum, and our roundup of indoor play places for toddlers.
The park district recommends it for toddlers through age 6. It has a soft play zone for babies and toddlers.
Recent hours listed it as closed on Thursday and Sunday. Check the park district site, since hours change by season.
Most are drop-in with limited space. There are separate storytimes for babies, ones, twos and preschoolers.
At the Skatium Ice Arena, 9340 Weber Park Place, which offers public skating sessions.
Children's Land has four locations in nearby 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. Find a location or contact us to schedule a tour.
Related reading: Indoor Play Places for Toddlers in Chicago's North Suburbs.
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