Kids Empire Chicago Kedzie — photo 1 of 1

Kids Empire Chicago Kedzie

Rating

4.2(945)

Family of 4

$40–$65 for a family of 4.

Duration

1.5–2.5 hours

Best Ages

0–10

About

Kids Empire on S Kedzie Ave brings the brand's signature multi-level indoor playground concept to Chicago's South Side, serving families in Brighton Park, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, and surrounding neighborhoods who previously had to drive to the North Side for this type of play facility.

The Kedzie location features the standard Kids Empire formula that has made the brand popular with Chicago families: a large, multi-level play structure with slides, tunnels, climbing nets, and activity zones woven throughout. The scale impresses — kids can spend a full hour working through the structure without covering the same ground twice. A separate toddler section keeps the youngest visitors safely away from the energy of older kids on the main structure.

For parents, the on-site café is a genuine plus — coffee, light snacks, and a place to sit where you can actually see your kids play. The sightlines in Kids Empire locations are generally good, which means you can relax without spending the whole time chasing your child through a foam tube.

Pricing runs roughly $12–$18 per child, with parents often free or discounted. Monthly memberships exist for families who visit frequently — worth calculating if you anticipate going more than twice a month. Grip socks are required; bring your own from a previous visit to skip the purchase fee.

The South Side location makes this one of the more practically important entries on this list. Chicago family activity options skew heavily toward the North Side and downtown, and the Kids Empire Kedzie location serves a large population of families who don't want to drive 40 minutes for an indoor play session. For Brighton Park and surrounding neighborhood families, this is your go-to rainy-day destination.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings for smaller crowds; weekend afternoons are busier but still manageable

Wait Times

Minimal wait — open play format

Nearby Food

On-site café with coffee, snacks, and light meals. South Side neighborhoods have many family-friendly Mexican and American restaurants nearby.

Why Kids Love It

Kids Empire Kedzie has multi-level play structures, slides, climbing zones, and a toddler section that makes it feel like a giant indoor playground — the kind of place where kids disappear into the structure for an hour while parents sit nearby with coffee.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • South Side location — great option for families in Brighton Park, Back of the Yards, and Bridgeport who don't want to drive to the North Side
  • Multi-level play structures are genuinely impressive — older kids can get a real workout
  • Toddler section is separated from the main structure — safer for littles
  • On-site café for parent coffee and light snacks
  • Birthday party packages are popular here — book well in advance for weekends

What to Bring

  • Grip socks for children (required)
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottles
  • Your own snacks if kids have dietary restrictions

Cost Info

Admission Prices

Adult
$5
Child
free

Tips to Save

  • Monthly memberships are worth it for families who go more than twice a month — check the Kids Empire website for current pricing.
  • Socks required; bring your own to avoid the fee.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
10AM-10PM
Monday
10AM-8PM
Sunday
10AM-10PM
Tuesday
10AM-8PM
Saturday
10AM-10PM
Thursday
10AM-8PM
Wednesday
10AM-8PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & Booking

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