Uppie Yuppy

Uppie Yuppy on W Irving Park Road is exactly the kind of neighborhood indoor play space that parents of babies and toddlers need — and that's so hard to find in a city that skews toward bigger, louder, more overwhelming options. Tucked into Portage Park on Chicago's Northwest Side, this small, carefully curated play space is designed specifically for the 0–6 crowd.

The format is simple and it works: soft climbers, age-appropriate sensory toys, gentle obstacle courses, and enough open floor space for young walkers to roam without crashing into everything. No trampolines, no laser tag, no chaos. The result is a place where a 14-month-old who just found her legs can actually explore independently while you sit nearby and drink a cup of coffee like a person.

The space hosts a mix of open play sessions and structured classes — music, movement, and developmental programs designed for the infant and toddler developmental window. Open play is the most flexible option for visiting families: drop in, play for an hour or two, and leave before naptime.

The crowd here is neighborhood regulars: Portage Park and surrounding Northwest Side families who treat Uppie Yuppy as a standing weekday morning stop during the long Chicago winter. That regular community feel makes it a genuinely pleasant place to spend time — you're likely to meet other parents with kids the same age.

Socks are required for children on the play surfaces. Bring your own snacks from home — on-site food options are limited. Check current hours and class schedules on their social media before visiting, as sessions can change seasonally. For Chicago families with babies through age 5, Uppie Yuppy is one of the best-kept secrets on the Northwest Side.