Is Kids Empire North Riverside Mall worth it?

With a 4.9 Google rating from 846 reviews, it's one of the top-rated kids play facilities near Chicago. Families consistently report kids not wanting to leave — the multi-level play structure is legitimately impressive.

What age is Kids Empire North Riverside best for?

Ages 1-10. There's a dedicated toddler zone for the youngest kids and a large multi-level structure for older children. Tweens and teens will outgrow it.

How much does Kids Empire North Riverside cost?

Check kidsempire.com for current pricing — rates vary by day and time. Budget $60-90 for a family of 4. Weekday rates are often lower than weekends.

Is Kids Empire North Riverside good for toddlers?

Yes — there's a dedicated toddler zone separated from the big kid area, nursing facilities, and changing rooms. A good option for mixed-age families.

What time should I go to Kids Empire North Riverside to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings (10AM-12PM) are least crowded. Weekend afternoons are busiest. Evening hours on weekends (after 7PM) can also be relatively calm.

Kids Empire North Riverside Mall

Name: Kids Empire North Riverside Mall
Address: 7501 Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL, 60546, US
Telephone: +1 708-762-0075
Rating: 4.9

Rating

4.9(846)

Family of 4

Approximately $60-90 for a family of 4 (check kidsempire.

Duration

2-3 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 1-10

About

Kids Empire North Riverside Mall earns its 4.9 Google rating from 846 reviews — making it one of the most highly-rated children's play facilities in the entire Chicago area. The franchise has cracked the indoor playground formula: large enough to feel like a real adventure, organized enough that parents can actually relax, and staffed well enough that cleanliness stays consistent.

The centerpiece is a massive multi-level play structure — tube slides, climbing nets, obstacle courses, and ball pits that keep kids 1-10 thoroughly entertained for 2-3 hours. Crucially, there's a dedicated toddler zone that's genuinely separated from the big kid area, which means you're not spending the whole visit watching a 5-year-old accidentally flatten your 18-month-old.

Located in North Riverside Mall at 7501 Cermak Rd, the facility benefits from free mall parking and the convenience of food court dining nearby. For families visiting from the Chicago area or passing through the western suburbs, it's easy to access from I-290 or I-55.

Hours are generous: open until 10PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, which means this works as an evening outing when daytime plans fall apart or the weather turns bad. Weekday mornings are the least crowded if you can swing a visit then.

Socks are required for everyone who enters the play area — this is standard but frequently forgotten. They're sold at the facility if you arrive without them. Pricing varies by day and time; check kidsempire.com for current rates and any promotional offers.

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 the calmest environment. Weekend evenings (6-10PM) are busy but energetic. The mall location means easy parking.

Wait Times

Weekdays: little to no wait. Weekend afternoons: may have a 10-20 min wait at entry. Weekday evenings can also be busy.

Nearby Food

North Riverside Mall food court is adjacent — standard mall fare including fast food chains. The Riverside area has additional dining along Cermak Rd for more varied options.

Why Kids Love It

Kids Empire has some of the most impressive multi-level play structures you'll find in the Chicago area — massive tube slides, ball pits, obstacle courses, and separate zones for toddlers and older kids that keep everyone engaged simultaneously. The 4. 9 rating from 846 reviews is exceptional — this is the franchise doing it right.

Kids don't want to leave, which is either the best endorsement or the hardest part of a visit.

Pro Tips from Parents

The toddler zone is well-separated from the big kid area — infants and toddlers won't get bowled over by bigger kids.
Socks are required for all participants — bring enough pairs for everyone including parents who may want to play.
The multi-level tube slide structure is the main event — expect kids to want to do it repeatedly.
Food is available on site and in the mall food court — no need to pack a meal.
Check kidsempire.com for membership options if you're local or spending extended time in Chicago.