Kids Empire Chicago Kedzie
Rating
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
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