Photo courtesy of Maggie Daley Park

Chicago Public Parks for a First Birthday Party

If the weather is nice, the following parks are great for little ones, but if it’s raining or chilly, some parks offer the option to rent space at a field house.

River Park - Northside

This northside park offers loads to do for families with younger children, and can be the perfect spot for a first birthday. During the summer, the pool and splash pad are open, along with plenty of green space for picnicking. The park runs along the river and includes a nature area, playground, field house, sandpit, tennis courts, and more.  

Independence Park - Uptown

Independence Park is packed with family-friendly amenities—playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball fields, a fun water spray area, and plenty of shady trees. Not to mention, it’s year-round, thanks to the on-site field house, which features an indoor pool, a large party room, a fitness center, and a small gymnasium.

Maggie Daley Park - Chicago Loop

This downtown park is 20 acres of fun for all ages. Born in 2015, this relatively newer space is home to a huge play area that includes nature areas, climbing walls, and play areas portioned off for smaller tots. The park offers private events for larger blowouts, but also has smaller (free) setups available, including picnic tables.

Ty Warner Park - Downers Grove

Ty Warner Park is an ideal place to celebrate a first birthday, with roomy picnic shelters, plenty of shade, and a toddler-friendly playground steps away. The splash pad and quiet walking paths offer a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere where little ones can safely play and explore.

Chicago Women's Park and Gardens - Southside

One of the few indoor playgrounds, Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens is a southside staple. There’s a large outdoor fountain, plenty of space to picnic, and an on-site cafe.

Park No. 535 - Lincoln Park

Unassuming in Lincoln Park, this cozy 0.14-acre pocket park is fully fenced and thoughtfully designed for children five and under, providing a safe and secure space for little ones to play.

 
Parents rave about children’s birthday parties at My Gym. Photo by Charlotte B. for Mommy Poppins

Indoor Play Areas in Chicago for a First Birthday Party

There are a few vendors in the Chicagoland area that cater to young ones’ first birthdays, relieving some of the party responsibilities, such as setup and cleanup, and catering. Here’s our top picks:

Bubbles Academy - Bucktown and Gold Coast

Bubbles Academy is a nurturing early childhood arts and enrichment center in Chicago, offering imaginative music, movement, art classes, preschool preparation, open play, and birthday parties for children ages 0–6 across locations like Bucktown and the Gold Coast.

Kohl Children's Museum - Glenview

Located in Glenview, the Kohl Children’s Museum is the perfect family-friendly spot to host your little one’s first birthday party. The museum is interactive and encourages imagination, along with incorporating real-life skills. Geared for kids eight and under, the museum offers both indoor and outdoor fun, along with free parking, party rooms to rent, and onsite catering. 

Little Adventures Cafe - Ukrainian Village

This vibrant indoor play and event space in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood hosts both private and semi-private parties, with or without the bells and whistles — namely, pizza, cupcakes, and juice. 

Purple Monkey Playroom - Bucktown

Purple Monkey Playroom is a specialist in first birthday parties, offering full-service options. They provide customized parties, featuring themed decor, cakes, balloon bouquets, and unlimited use of a bubble machine. The space itself is a perfect spot for indoor play, and entertainment upgrades can be added, including options like costumed characters, music, magic, glitter tattoos, and more. 

Tiny Tunes - Near Southside

With professional musicians leading fun, sensory-filled music activities that keep babies and toddlers entertained and engaged, Tiny Tunes is an excellent spot for your little one if they have a musical inclination. 

Kids Empire - Multiple locations

There’s a dedicated toddler spot in this large, indoor, climate-controlled playground where the smaller ones can safely crawl, explore, and celebrate. Parties include three hours of play, a dedicated seating area, as well as goodie bags, a cake, drinks, fruit gummies, and invitation cards. 

Tots Land Private Playground - Elmwood Park

This colorful play gym allows guests to rent the entire space for parties. It is perfect for a first birthday, featuring attentive staff, a dedicated party room, and toddler-friendly equipment, including slides, tunnels, and bounce houses.

My Gym - Multiple locations

Parents rave about children’s birthday parties at My Gym due to the seamless experience the staff and space provide. Choose from three package options that all include use of the space, decorations, a party planner, unique theme opportunities, cake, pizza, and character and princess options.