If the weather is too hot, too cold, too wet or too anything, you might 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.
Chambanamoms thanks United Way of Champaign County for presenting this guide.
FREE developmental screenings are available for children from birth to age five in Champaign County, offering families helpful insights into how their child is growing and developing. These screenings look at areas like communication, social skills, and motor skills and are a simple way to check in on your child’s progress and connect with support if needed.
Offered through a partnership between Birth to Five Illinois, United Way of Champaign County, the Champaign County Home Visiting Consortium, and local schools, screenings are accessible and family-friendly.
Learn more and find out how to schedule a screening that works for you now.
For more information: Website
Where to play indoors for free
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.
Note that play areas and specific interactive displays are subject to change at any time, as many of these locations rotate stations throughout the year.
RELATED: Check out our post on places where you need to pay to play.
Free indoor play areas
Libraries
Get our take on all of the play areas at our local libraries here.
Champaign Public Library — Find many computers, puzzles, activity tables and more at the largest library around. The Studio at the library is a favorite with big kids.
Douglass Branch Library — Another branch of the Champaign Public Library, the Douglass Branch is not to be overlooked. Think a mini version of the larger Champaign library. The Makerspace is the name of the big kids zone here at Douglass.
Urbana Free Library — There are puzzles, games, playhouse, and computers, to name a few. “Megan’s Room” at the library was just redone, making it a fresh new place to play.
Tolono Public Library — Check out the small gem of a library and find a great indoor play area (but small) geared toward 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
Windsor Road Christian Church — This indoor playground is geared to children fourth 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.
First Christian Church — As of May 2026, this popular indoor playground has been “temporarily” closed to the public. Visit the church’s website for further information.
Museums
Anita Purves Nature Center — Interactive exhibits about nature, with live critters like owls that you can see up close.
Museum of the Grand Prairie — All kinds of great exhibits and a realistic Abe Lincoln. The museum is closed in January and February.
Homer Lake Interpretive Center — Open year-round, the 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.
Harvest Market, Champaign: Train table, games, etc. Upstairs area.
Market Place Shopping Center, Champaign: Children’s soft play area, for kids 42 inches and under.
Barnes and Noble, Champaign: Train table and stage.
