Indoor Activities for Families Near Oak Park (Updated 2025)
Winter in the western suburbs doesn’t have to mean staying in and waiting for spring. When the weather outside is chilly and gray, there are countless indoor activities that offer fun, excitement, and a way to stay active—even when the snow is piling up. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a date night adventure, or just a way to escape the cold, the area around Oak Park has you covered.
From the lanes of bowling alleys to the high-energy thrills of trampoline parks, and from mind-bending escape rooms to action-packed laser tag arenas, there’s no shortage of ways to beat the winter blues. Many of these places also offer cozy lounges or cafes, so you can relax with a hot drink after your adventure.
So, why wait for warmer weather? Grab your coat, your sense of fun, and maybe even a group of friends or family members. Let’s dive into some of the best indoor activities near Oak Park that are guaranteed to keep you warm and entertained all winter long!
Strike Up Some Fun With Bowling
Bowling is a timeless indoor activity that combines friendly competition with plenty of laughs. Lace up your rental shoes, grab a ball, and aim for a perfect strike at one of the western suburbs’ lively bowling alleys. With classic lanes, neon-lit cosmic bowling, and family-friendly vibes, you’ll find the perfect spot to roll the cold away. Many locations also offer arcades, delicious snacks, and comfy seating for an all-around good time!
Here some some fan favorites:
Bowlero (River Grove)
Welcome to upscale bowling in River Grove. Bowlero is a unique bowling, dining, and nightlife experience that combines retro-inspired fun with modern amenities. Their lanes are illuminated by blacklight and surrounded by interactive arcade games and signature cocktails.
Their menu features an array of delicious oversized shareables, designed to be enjoyed with friends. At Bowlero, they’ve reinvented the traditional bowling experience and invite you to come and see for yourself the epic fun that awaits.
Click here to learn more.
Circle Bowling Lanes (Forest Park)
Somebody call Lebowski! Circle Lanes in Forest Park is classic bowling at its best. This family-run bowling alley has been a staple in Forest Park since 1941. They pride themselves on maintaining an authentic and charming atmosphere, while also featuring state-of-the-art facilities. Despite some modern updates, much of their alley has remained unchanged over the years.
Click here to learn more.
Eden Lanes (Westchester)
Eden Lanes is the go-to destination for fun in Westchester. They offer classic bowling lanes and year-round bowling leagues for enthusiasts. Their facilities also include half walls that divide the dining area from the bar, providing a private space for parties and celebrations. Whether you're marking a birthday, reunion, retirement, company function, holiday party, baby shower, or fundraiser, Eden Lanes is the perfect venue for your special occasion.
Click here to learn more.
Or, read our full list here!
Explore the Theater Scene
You don’t have to venture into downtown Chicago to enjoy top-notch theater and cinema. Oak Park offers a vibrant and diverse theater scene, blending historic charm with modern flair. From vintage movie theaters to captivating live performances, there’s plenty to explore right here.
Experience the grandeur of the Lake Theatre, an Art Deco treasure, or take in an enchanting Shakespeare production under the stars at Oak Park Festival Theatre. For an intimate and community-focused atmosphere, the Madison Street Theater is a must-visit.
Beyond live performances, Oak Park has unique cinematic offerings, including silent films with live music at Pleasant Home and cultural screenings hosted by local organizations. Pair your show with dinner at one of Oak Park’s many charming restaurants, and your theater night becomes an unforgettable outing.
Why go anywhere else when Oak Park’s theater scene offers it all—history, culture, and entertainment just steps away? Whether you’re a fan of indie films, classic plays, or a cozy cinema experience, you’ll find your perfect performance here.
Click here to read the full list of theater experiences!
Game the Day Away
Ready to unleash your competitive side? Whether you’re a fan of retro arcades, brain-teasing escape rooms, or discovering treasures at local game stores, the western suburbs have plenty of ways to play. Gather your crew or fly solo—there’s no shortage of opportunities to dive into some fun and make memories while gaming the day away!
Galloping Ghost Arcade (Brookfield)
When you’re looking for an arcade, you want the real thing. A true experience of lines of games and 8-bit sounds ringing through the air. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Galloping Ghost Arcade.
Here, you’ll find a video gaming experience like no other. In fact, they are currently the largest video game park in the US, and have over 850 games to play, with more being added all of the time!
Unlike other arcades that rely on digging all of the old quarters out of the couch, they charge a $25 door fee with unlimited play. So you can have fun for as long as you’d like. It’s the perfect way to spend the day as a family when it’s too cold to get outside.
Click here to learn more.
Escape Factor (Forest Park)
Escape Factor prides themselves on being one of the few places that is sure to engage the whole family at once! From parents and grandparents to teens and kids, everyone is sure to have a great time.
At Escape Factor, you’ll find amazing, unique and hand-crafted puzzles and activities. Their rooms are about completing your mission in a fun way! You are never locked in a room, so you won’t feel claustrophobic!
Plus, they’re a locally and minority owned small business that’s integrated with their local communities, work with multiple Chamber of Commerce groups, and give back to neighborhood organizations. Essentially, their locally-owned rockstars.
Click here to learn more.
Just Escape (La Grange)
Just Escape in La Grange features interactive games where small groups of players use puzzles and elements of the room to escape within a 60 minutes time limit. It's perfect for groups of families and friends. And with four different scenarios to choose from, there's plenty of reasons to come back for more.
Click here to learn more.
Or, click here for our full list of ways to game!
Open Skate, Anyone?
Looking for a family-friendly activity that’s both active and memorable? Spend the day gliding across the ice at the Franklin Park Ice Arena! Perfect for skaters of all skill levels, this popular destination offers an exciting escape from the everyday.
Grab your skates (or rent a pair) and enjoy open skate sessions where the whole family can join in the fun. New to skating? No worries! The rink caters to beginners with plenty of space and welcoming staff to help you find your balance. For those feeling more adventurous, the arena also hosts figure skating programs and hockey leagues for all ages.
Warm up afterward with a visit to the cozy lounge area, where you can watch the action on the ice while sipping on a hot chocolate. Whether you're teaching the kids how to skate or showing off your best moves, Franklin Park Ice Arena guarantees a day filled with laughter, activity, and cherished memories. It's the perfect way to embrace winter fun while spending quality time together!
Click here to learn more.
Discover Something New Together
Learning as a family can be a fun and enriching experience, and the Oak Park area offers plenty of opportunities to explore fascinating local history and culture. From historic homes to interactive exhibits, these destinations let you discover something new together while making memories along the way.
Oak Park River Forest Museum (Oak Park)
Step back in time at the Oak Park River Forest Museum, where you can uncover the stories that shaped the community. With engaging exhibits, a children’s activity space, and a vast collection of photos and artifacts, this museum offers something for history buffs of all ages.
Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum (Oak Park)
Visit the childhood home of literary legend Ernest Hemingway, where you can explore the Victorian-style house that shaped his early years. With its restored 1890s charm, the museum provides an intimate look into Hemingway’s formative days and the stories that inspired his iconic works.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (Oak Park)
Dive into the visionary world of Frank Lloyd Wright at his historic home and studio. This architectural landmark offers fascinating tours and programs that celebrate Wright’s groundbreaking designs and lasting influence on modern architecture.
Riverside Historical Museum (Riverside)
Discover the rich history of Riverside at the Riverside Historical Museum. From exploring artifacts and photographs to learning about Frederick Law Olmsted’s iconic landscape design, this National Historic Landmark offers a unique glimpse into the past of this picturesque village.
Meet Us for a Day of Family Fun!
No matter the season, the western suburbs of Chicago are brimming with indoor activities perfect for creating unforgettable family memories. From bowling strikes and solving escape room mysteries to ice skating at the Franklin Park Ice Arena, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the arts at local theaters, learn about the area’s rich history at fascinating museums, or simply spend time together playing and discovering.
Each destination offers unique experiences to keep the whole family entertained, no matter the weather. So, why not plan your next adventure with us? With a variety of activities just waiting to be explored, you’re sure to find joy, laughter, and quality time. Bundle up, grab your loved ones, and let’s make the most of this season together!