If the weather is too hot, too cold, too wet or too anything, you may find yourself looking for a place to play indoors in Champaign-Urbana
Options on places to play indoors abound in Champaign-Urbana and some are more creative than you would expect
Some days are too hot and some days are too cold. And some days you just want the help of walls to give some boundaries to your playful outing with your children. No matter what the weather or other circumstances involved, we have a number of completely free options on where to play indoors in Champaign-Urbana. Some of these are more creative than you might expect!
We’ve cast a wide net to give you ideas of where to take your kids when they need to release that pent-up energy all parents know and love. These are places where you can drop in anytime and have some fun – no registration required.
We’ve broken up this post by category a bit so you can understand what you’re getting into, but one thing all of these play areas have in common is that they are free and do not charge admission. Also note that they might have various mask or vaccine requirements during the age of COVID-19; it is wise to check with the facility before you leave home.
For places you need to pay something to play, check out our post here.
Free indoor play areas
Libraries
Champaign Public Library – Find many computers, puzzles, activity tables and more at the largest library around.
Urbana Free Library – There are puzzles, games, playhouse, and computers, to name a few.
Tolono Public Library – Check out the small gem of a library and find a great indoor play area (but small) geared towards children 5 and under. A puppet theater, toys, and a unique structure await.
Mahomet Public Library – There are magnatiles, puzzles, computers and other finds here.
Churches
First Christian Church – This is the indoor playground of all indoor playgrounds, with slides, climbing equipment, an indoor track, and lots more.
Windsor Road Christian Church– This indoor playground is geared to children 4th grade and under (and best for toddlers and preschoolers).
Copper Creek Church – The newest to the indoor playground scene in Champaign-Urbana, Copper Creek is a great choice for toddlers in particular.
Museums
Anita Purves Nature Center – Interactive exhibits about nature, with live critters like owls that you can see up close, too.
Museum of the Grand Prairie – All kinds of great exhibits and a realistic Abe Lincoln, too. The museum is closed in January and February.
Homer Lake Interpretive Center – Open year-long, the Homer Lake Interpretive Center located in the Homer Lake Forest Preserve, features a variety of interactive exhibits, displays, live animals and a wildlife viewing area.
Retail/Stores
Art Mart Toys, Champaign: Train table, Magnatiles table.
Market Place Mall, Champaign: Children’s soft play area, for kids 42 inches and under.
Barnes and Noble, Champaign: Train table and stage.
(Play areas may vary as a store changes displays.)