Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Evanston

Kid-friendly spots

Outings where the kids are genuinely included in the experience rather than just being managed.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Sam barber shop image 1
Sam barber shop image 2
Sam barber shop image 3
View all
Barber shop

Barber shop blends vintage ambiance with a massage chair for comfort. Sam and his son excel at kid-friendly haircuts, making first shaves easy. The space feels warm and relaxed, offering professional quality with personal style.

Sam and his son spend time listening to what kids want and deliver styled haircuts that match their vision. They handle tricky hair well and make first haircuts and shaves comfortable for young kids.

People are saying

"I got a perfect, sharp haircut at this barbershop."

"They're really patient and good with kids, giving them great haircuts."

"I got some great coffee while I waited."

Good to know

1

The price for a haircut is $25 for kids.

2

Appointments can be booked online or via text.

3

Parking is easy and available near the barber shop.

02
McGaw YMCA image 1
Non-profit organization

Historic building features a large fitness center with two indoor pools and courts. Friendly, community-oriented atmosphere welcomes all ages. Kids enjoy quality care and fun activities like birthday parties and swim lessons.

Offers kids club and kids activities with quality training and care. Hosts birthday parties in the gym for children.

People are saying

"It's so kid friendly; my daughter loved her swimming lessons here."

"The yoga instructors here are thoughtful and supportive."

"The staff at these gyms are always super nice."

Good to know

1

Family fun nights occur every Friday with activities for kids.

2

Parents day out events are available weekly for families.

3

Lap swimming is offered regularly for fitness enthusiasts.

03
Central Park image 1

Volcano-themed playground and splash pad with rubber ground make it kid friendly and safe. Smooth paths and shaded spots add comfort for families. Sports courts and fields offer active play for all ages in a clean, spacious park.

A splash area with rubber ground keeps toddlers safe and entertained. The playground suits all ages, offering spaces that boost motor skills and fun for kids and adults alike.

People are saying

"The parks here have a great splash pad for the kids."

"It's a great, fun place for the kids to have a blast!"

"It's a great spot for a picnic with lots of shaded areas."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of street parking available near the park.

2

Leashed dogs are allowed in the park except for the playground area.

3

The park features a designated kids area with a new playground.

04
Allegro Dance Boutique image 1

Boutique offers large selection of ballet attire and pointe shoes with well-equipped fittings. Mornings are quiet and comfortable, perfect for focused shopping. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, making shoe selection easy and positive for kids.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff help kids find the right dance shoes, especially for pointe fittings. The team engages well with children and makes the shoe selection process smooth and positive.

People are saying

"This footwear store's pointe shoe fitting is patient and thorough."

"The staff here are so knowledgeable and helpful with kids' shoes."

"The boutiques here have staff who truly care and go above and beyond."

Good to know

1

Fitting services are highly recommended for finding the right dance shoes.

2

Appointments are suggested for personalized fitting sessions.

3

Allegro specializes in ballet attire but also caters to other dance forms.

05
C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor image 1

Ice cream shop offers storybooks and board games for kids, making it truly kid friendly. It celebrates African American history with warm, homely decor. Generous portions and great prices create a family-friendly atmosphere that feels fun and inviting.

Storybooks and board games keep kids entertained while families visit. Kids enjoy ice cream treats that get them excited to dig in.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is absolutely delicious."

"It's so kid friendly, they loved the ice cream!"

"I loved seeing the African American history celebrated throughout the space."

Good to know

1

Prices and portions at C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor are great.

2

There is plenty of seating available for customers.

3

C&W offers a unique combination of ice cream and burgers.

06
Wafflavor image 1
Dessert shop

Korean-style waffles have a crunchy outside and soft inside with fresh fruit toppings that kids love. The mango yogurt drink is a favorite for young visitors. Casual, upbeat vibe and clean, inviting space make it great for families.

Kids enjoy the waffles here, often choosing them as an after-school snack. The mango yogurt drink also gets repeated orders from the kids.

People are saying

"These waffles are amazing, just like the ones I had in Korea."

"I found the coffee here to be great."

"The waffles here are amazing and my kids loved them."

Good to know

1

Wafflavor offers a diverse menu with many waffle options.

2

The place maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

3

Expect to spend around $15, including tip, for a meal.

07
Booked image 1
Book store

Small bookstore with a kid-sized door invites children and adults alike. Staff offer personalized book picks and run free clubs to keep kids engaged. Vibrant shelves showcase LGBTQ+ positive and diverse books, creating a cozy, inclusive space.

A special kid door welcomes children into a quaint, carefully stocked space full of books that spark imagination. Staff know kids well and recommend the right books, while free clubs keep children engaged and coming back.

People are saying

"This bookstore is charming, with friendly and knowledgeable staff."

"It's so kid friendly, with a tiny door for little ones to use!"

"I found a great selection of curated titles for young readers."

Good to know

1

The bookstore hosts author readings and events for kids regularly.

2

Story time for children occurs twice a week at the bookstore.

3

Booked offers a variety of programming, including Dungeons and Dragons clubs.

08
niceLena & Friends image 1

Gift shop offers handmade items and a cozy vibe that appeals to all ages. Kids love the stickers and jewelry and enjoy meeting Lena, adding a friendly touch. Browsing is fun and pressure-free with a curated selection showcasing local artists.

Kids enjoy visiting for the stickers and jewelry. They also like seeing Lena in the store, which adds a friendly touch.

People are saying

"This Local Spot's owner is so lovely and welcoming."

"It's so Kid Friendly with adorable gifts and cute stickers."

"I found so many unique gifts that made me smile."

Good to know

1

The shop features locally poured candles that can be refilled for a lower price.

2

Joining Lena's sticker club allows you to get every 10th sticker for free.

3

The store is woman-owned and supports local artists and entrepreneurs.

09
Scissors Palace image 1
Hair salon

Online reservation makes scheduling easy. Staff give extra attention during haircuts. Kids get consistent cuts that match adult quality. Atmosphere stays focused and professional throughout.

Cuts for kids come out well done and consistent. Both kids and adults receive good quality haircuts with attention to detail.

People are saying

"The staff here are so friendly and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Online reservations are available and recommended for busy times.

2

Expect a wait time of 15-30 minutes during peak hours.

3

Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times.

10
Lock Chicago Escape Rooms image 1
Escape room center

Escape room center offers immersive themed rooms with puzzles that spark teamwork and fun. Kids aged 8 to 11 enjoy tailored challenges guided by Game Master Nic. Atmosphere blends mystery and adventure with engaging sounds and low lighting.

Escape rooms offer fun challenges tailored for kids around 8 to 11 years old. Game Master Nic ensures kids stay engaged and enjoy the experience during birthday parties and family visits.

People are saying

"Game master Ty made the fun activities really amazing and gave great hints."

"It's super fun and definitely kid friendly for all ages."

"The escape rooms are super cool and immersive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for birthday parties and group events.

2

The Kong room is best enjoyed with a group of 5 or more.

3

Team building events are popular and can be customized.

11
Mack's Bike & Goods image 1

Bike shop with a hip design and a welcoming atmosphere hosts a lively community space outdoors. Staff help kids by removing pedals and fixing bikes on the spot, while kids enjoy chalking in the courtyard. Families and bike lovers find it fun and friendly.

Staff answer kids' questions and fix bikes on the spot, even with kids around. They offer to remove pedals from Woom bikes to help kids start pedaling faster and have a courtyard where kids can chalk while repairs happen.

People are saying

"This local spot is the best bike shop I've visited."

"The staff here are super friendly and welcoming."

"It's so Kid Friendly; they let my kids chalk in the courtyard."

Good to know

1

Mack's offers dedicated parking for both cyclists and drivers.

2

They frequently host pop-ups and community events.

3

The shop is family-friendly and welcomes kids.

12
ELEGANCE HAIR SALON & BARBERSHOP image 1

Barbershop shines with bright, clean space and friendly staff creating a warm vibe. Kids get great cuts that boost confidence with neat styles. Skilled barbers deliver professional haircuts in a calm, relaxing spot.

Stylists give great kids cuts and listen carefully to hairstyle requests. Haircuts leave kids looking fresh and feeling confident with long gorgeous layers and neat treatments.

People are saying

"Ahmad gave me a great fade at this barbershop."

"Oskar at this hair salon is a true artist who cares about hair health."

"Oskar gave my son a nice, quick kid's cut."

Good to know

1

Walk-in customers are welcomed with zero wait time.

2

Prices are half of what other salons charge in the area.

3

The salon offers late hours on Saturdays for convenience.

13
Gordon Salon Evanston image 1

Salon blends calm atmosphere with expert care for kids, making first haircuts smooth and comfortable. Stylish design meets spa-like treatments like essential oil scalp massages. Friendly staff ensure a welcoming experience for all ages.

Stylists handle first haircuts with care and skill. They work well with kids and can dry hair completely after the cut.

People are saying

"My stylist gave me a fun new hairstyle I loved."

"It's a calm and safe environment, like a mini spa retreat."

"Angela was fantastic and kind with my daughter."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as stylists can be booked out for weeks.

2

Expect to pay around $174 for a haircut and color every two months.

3

Complimentary tea is offered upon arrival for a relaxing experience.

14
YoFresh Cafe image 1
Frozen yogurt shop

Cozy space with comfortable recliners and a fireplace offers a warm, family-friendly vibe. Kids enjoy games and books that keep them busy and happy. Varied frozen yogurt flavors and tasty soups make it a great spot for all ages.

Plenty of activities for kids keep them busy, including games and a selection of kids' books. The spot has a strong kid-friendly atmosphere that supports children's enjoyment and growth.

People are saying

"I loved their frozen yogurt, especially the variety of flavors."

"The couches and recliners here are super comfy."

"It's so kid friendly, with games and books for them."

Good to know

1

The combo meal costs just under $10.

2

They offer non-dairy dessert options and smoothies.

3

The cafe has a variety of flavors and toppings, including no sugar added options.

15
Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop. image 1

Shop buzzes with lively energy and neat displays. Basement's mini museum wows with fossils and minerals. Kids love affordable gemstone boxes and cool fossils that spark curiosity.

Many cool fossils and rocks spark kids' curiosity. A museum in the basement amazes young visitors. Affordable items and gemstone boxes make collecting fun for kids.

People are saying

"The basement museum is really cool."

"I found the jewelry here to be interesting and beautiful."

"You'll love the kid-friendly museum in the basement."

Good to know

1

The shop has a private fossil museum inside, showcasing unique specimens.

2

Easy street parking is available, even on busy weekends.

3

Expect a wide variety of rocks, fossils, and minerals for sale.

16
Lovelace Park image 1

Large park offers grassy hills and a pond with ducks for peaceful family time. Two playgrounds for different ages and sports courts keep kids active. Walking trails and picnic spots provide relaxed spaces for all.

Two playgrounds serve different age groups, with one designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. Walking paths, a kids playing area, and a separate space for soccer and exercise support various activities. Events like kids races happen here, and an appropriate adult to toddler ratio is advised.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful, large, and great for walks."

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with two playgrounds."

"The bathroom here was recently renovated and spotless."

Good to know

1

The park has walking paths, a kids playing area, and sports facilities.

2

The fishing at Lovelace Park is catch and release only.

3

The bathrooms had been recently renovated and are clean.

17
Mira Sushi evanston image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot blends modern cozy vibe with kid-friendly deals like half-price all-you-can-eat and free ice cream. Soft music and cute decor create a calm space perfect for families and casual dates. Ordering by tablet adds smooth convenience.

Kids get a half-price all-you-can-eat deal and enjoy a free ice cream treat from the waiter. Lunchtime visits feel calmer, making it easier for toddlers to have a good time.

People are saying

"I found the sushi to be amazing and really fresh."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat sushi deal; it was a great value."

"The all-you-can-eat lunch deal is a great Kid Friendly option."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat lunch special costs $25, offering great value.

2

Weekend lunch prices increase to $31.99, but the menu remains the same.

3

Parking is easily accessible near the restaurant.

18
Bien Assorti image 1
Nail salon

Clean, relaxing salon offers massage chairs and movies for pedicures. Kids get detailed mani-pedis with fun Gel X patterns. Large polish selection and soothing decor make every visit feel like pampering.

They excel at kid mani-pedis with incredible attention to detail. Special requests like Gel X with patterns come out just right.

People are saying

"My pedicure still looked great weeks after the appointment."

"I'd drive from downtown just for this massage."

"Their kid mani-pedis are great with incredible attention to detail."

Good to know

1

A standard pedicure costs $35, while a manicure is around $45.

2

The salon maintains a clean and welcoming environment.

3

They do not offer gel extensions, so plan accordingly.

19
Tian Bistro 田家食府 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious modern dining area offers a relaxing atmosphere with high ceilings and room for families. Authentic Peking duck requires advance booking, perfect for traditional Chinese food lovers. Kids enjoy mild sesame chicken and dumplings with veggies in a comfortable space.

Sesame chicken and dumplings come without spice and include some vegetables, making them easy for kids to enjoy. The space feels modern and spacious, giving kids room to move around comfortably.

People are saying

"The sesame chicken and dumplings were popular with the kids."

"This Peking Duck is amazingly authentic and delicious."

"The dinner spots here are delicious and well-prepared."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance for the Peking duck.

2

You can exclude MSG when ordering through their website.

3

Food prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

Discover more

Evanston, Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...