Indoor play spots for kids in the Tri-Cities this winter

Cold rain, early dark, and kids who still need to run. Here are indoor spots in St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia where little ones can climb, jump and burn off energy this winter, with hours and prices as each place publishes them.

Looking for gyms, pools and tracks for grown-ups too? See our guide to staying active this winter at Tri-Cities park districts.

St. Charles

Toddler Time at Conner Gymnasium. The St. Charles Park District opens Conner Gymnasium inside Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave., for toddler open play on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. during fall, winter and spring. Scooters, balls, sit-and-ride toys and adjustable hoops are set out. Drop-in is free for park district residents and $5 for nonresidents, and a parent has to stay. It does not run on days District 303 is not in session.

Drop-In Turf Time at Sportsplex. Sportsplex, 1400 Foundry St., rents half of its indoor turf field for one-hour drop-in sessions at $10 per person or $20 per household (up to eight people). Kids 15 and under need an adult with them. Check the Sportsplex site for open times.

Urban Air Adventure Park. The trampoline and adventure park at 2732 E. Main St. is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Two lower-key options are worth knowing:

• Jumperoo toddler time runs the fourth Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon for $9.99 per child, with one parent jumping free per paid child.
• Sensory Friendly Play runs the second Sunday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. for $19.99, with dimmed lights and no music. One parent or guardian is free with each child.

Urban Air socks are required, and a parent or guardian must sign a waiver. It is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Call 630-524-2166 with questions.

Geneva

Excel Gymnastics Academy open gym. Excel, at 1000 S. Randall Road, Suite 110, runs a Jr. Open Gym for ages 16 months to 6 years plus a Family Open Gym for ages 16 months to 12. Parents must stay on the gym floor with kids 5 and under. Space is limited, so the gym recommends booking ahead through its online portal, where the current schedule and prices are posted. Phone: 630-208-1920.

Geneva Public Library. Kids Landing at 227 S. Seventh St. includes a play area along with reading nooks and computers. For a structured hour, Exploration Station is a free drop-in program for ages 2 to 5 with a caregiver, mixing early literacy, sensory and STEM activities in the Discovery Spot. Upcoming sessions are Monday, Nov. 2 and Monday, Nov. 16, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. The library is open Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Batavia

Preschool Open Gym. The Batavia Park District sets up mats, soft climbing blocks and balls on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Bartholomew Room at the Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson St. It is aimed at kids ages 2 to 5. Cost is $5 for the first child and $3 for each additional child, paid at the front desk.

Funway Entertainment Center. Funway, 1335 S. River St., has indoor bowling, an arcade, laser tag and black light mini golf. Open bowling runs 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the arcade opens at noon. Bowling is $4.50 per game per person Monday through Thursday and before 4 p.m. Friday, plus $4 for shoes. Roller skating sessions were listed Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Call 630-879-8717 for weekend hours.

Batavia Public Library. The youth services department on the library's lower level, 10 S. Batavia Ave., serves kids from birth through eighth grade and is set up as a space to gather, create and play.