Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Kid-friendly fun activities in River North

You want to keep the kids entertained without sacrificing the quality of the activity.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Activate Games image 1
Activate Games image 2
Activate Games image 3
View all
Amusement center

Spacious amusement center with interactive games and creative rooms creates an atmosphere like a real-life video game. Loud, flashy, and exciting energy fills the space, attracting groups, families, and couples. Free lockers and clean layout support a comfortable, engaging experience.

Staff treat kids like family and stay attentive, even helping find lost items like meta glasses. Birthday parties for ages around 7 to 10 get clear game explanations and a fun, engaging experience.

Engaging games create a fun and lively atmosphere. Guides like Joe bring energy and reliability to the experience.

People are saying

"The fun activities here were so amazing and cool."

"The staff here is so helpful and patient with kids."

"The games here are unique and unlike anything I've played before."

Good to know

1

The activity's maximum capacity is 5 people, so larger groups need to split into smaller groups.

2

Parking is validated in the garage at 50 E Ohio, which costs $14 for two hours.

3

The price for the 90-minute package is well worth it for the experience.

02
The Escape Game Chicago image 1
Escape room center

Escape room center offers elaborate themed rooms with detailed production design and unique, challenging puzzles. Atmosphere feels immersive and exciting, suitable for families or date nights. Private rooms and thoughtful touches like welcome cards and pins enhance the experience.

Escape rooms suit kids aged 8 to 15 well with birthday celebrations and free t-shirts for kids. Staff create a fun atmosphere by making cards during games and hosting groups of mixed ages.

Playing the escape game offers an incredibly fun and engaging challenge. It creates a special experience that stands out for celebrations like birthdays.

People are saying

"I had so much fun playing the escape game here."

"The staff here is so friendly and energetic!"

"It's a fun, kid-friendly place for family outings and birthdays."

Good to know

1

Groups can join the experience up to 20 minutes late.

2

A five-minute grace period is allowed for late arrivals.

3

The space is not private; you may be paired with other groups.

03
Five Iron Golf image 1
Indoor golf course

Indoor golf facility offers state-of-the-art simulators with detailed swing analytics and multiple bays in a spacious venue. Atmosphere combines fun, welcoming vibes with top-tier music and varied games like ping pong and duckpin bowling. Suitable for all ages, it balances entertainment and skill development in a lively setting.

Kids between 9 and 16 stay entertained with golf activities. Staff remain welcoming and accommodating to children, making it a solid choice for family outings.

Duck Pin Bowling offers a unique and enjoyable challenge. Staff like Mariah, Sachi, Tim, and Kyle bring a positive attitude that keeps the atmosphere lively and fun activities engaging.

People are saying

"The staff here makes your fun activities feel so welcoming and helpful."

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The staff here is so welcoming and helpful with my son."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be limited in downtown Chicago.

2

Prices for simulator rentals are on the higher side.

3

Late-night happy hour on Saturdays features $5 wings and $6 whiskey lemonades.

04
Harry Potter Shop Chicago image 1

Store resembles Diagon Alley with meticulously crafted decor and immersive Harry Potter themes. Atmosphere feels magical and lively, filled with fans enjoying themed music, moving parts, and photo spots. Includes largest Butterbeer Bar in the US with seating, adding a unique cafe experience.

Kids find plenty to enjoy with interactive merchandise like personalized wands and themed accessories. Staff help families find clean tables and create a welcoming space for celebrations like birthdays.

Lots of fun merchandise fills the shop, making it exciting to explore. The space offers a fun experience for all ages with something special for everyone.

People are saying

"It's a fun stop for any Harry Potter fan; the details are amazing."

"I found the hot butter beer very tasty."

"It's a fun place, truly Kid Friendly for all ages."

Good to know

1

If you plan to go on a weekend, be prepared for a wait of about 20 to 30 minutes.

2

The store was not accessible or disability-friendly.

3

The weekend line stretches down the entire block.

05
Art of Escape Room image 1
Escape room center

Escape room center offers fun puzzles with engaging themes like Casino Heist and Kingdom of Nights. The atmosphere includes a welcoming lounge with drinks and snacks, creating a relaxed start. Rooms show basic construction and some wear, but puzzles keep groups focused and entertained.

Escape rooms offer a fun challenge that works well for kids' birthday parties. Kids experience their first escape room here and have an amazing time solving puzzles together.

Escape rooms feature creative puzzles that keep the challenge fresh and engaging. Staff like Alex and George help guide without spoiling, making the whole experience super fun and enjoyable.

People are saying

"The puzzles in the escape rooms are challenging and fun."

"The escape room puzzles were so creative and fun!"

"It's the perfect place for a kids' birthday celebration."

Good to know

1

The Art of Escape Room offers two themed rooms: Casino Heist and Kingdom of Nights.

2

Snacks, coffee, and drinks are available while waiting to start your escape.

3

Expect some puzzles to be challenging and engaging, keeping your group entertained.

06
No Vacancy image 1
Restaurant

Dark academia decor creates a classy yet casual vibe with comfortable bar seating and large screen TVs for watching games. The atmosphere stays fun and welcoming, featuring DJs on weekends and a solid beer tap system. Food and drinks include amazing birria egg rolls and craft cocktails, making it a popular spot for game days.

Staff show kindness to kids and engage with their activities like drawings. Some tables have vaping and foul language, which could affect families with small children.

Watching games here feels lively with fun drinks and friendly bartenders who keep the energy up.

People are saying

"I found the birria egg rolls to be absolutely delicious."

"You've got to try the birria egg-rolls and sliders!"

"The food here is extraordinary and the Brussels sprouts are a must."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 pm with half-price appetizers and drinks.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during NFL games on weekends.

3

The menu features unique dishes but is small enough to not be overwhelming.

07
10pin Bowling Lounge image 1

Bowling alley features neon lights along lanes and large TV projections above pins, creating a lively atmosphere with music and screens. Space includes table tennis, pool, and foosball, attracting groups for casual play. Pricing is high, but the vibe stays fun and cool throughout visits.

Staff handle kids with friendly care. Kids enjoy the experience, though the bowling roller feels a bit bumpy.

Bowling stands out with lively screens and music that create a fun environment. Staff support adds to the enjoyable atmosphere, making the activity engaging and entertaining.

People are saying

"I had a super fun time playing games here."

"The bowling staff is super attentive and friendly."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with 90 minutes of bowling and pizza."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $30 per person for an hour of bowling.

2

They close at midnight on Saturdays, despite Google indicating 1:00am.

3

Validated parking costs $9.50 for two hours nearby.

08
POP MART image 1
Toy store

Small, colorful toy store packed with unique figures and blind boxes creates a high-energy and family-friendly atmosphere. Tight layout makes it feel busy and lively, often requiring a line to enter. Displays invite interaction, especially for children, enhancing the playful vibe.

Kids get excited by the wide range of toy options and often find exactly what they want. The store creates a happy experience with helpful staff and plenty of choices that keep children engaged.

Excitement builds with every blind box opening, making the experience highly engaging. The store features cool displays and a variety of art and collectibles that make walking through it fun.

People are saying

"This place is so Kid Friendly, my daughter was delighted."

"It's a fun store with a cool concept for Date Spots."

"The blind boxes offer a fun surprise and a dopamine rush."

Good to know

1

Only a limited number of people are allowed inside at a time.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The store often runs out of popular items quickly.

Discover more

River North, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...