Summer is in full swing and while the slower days are nice, it’s even nicer to have some great activities and spots where kids can play, explore and get the wiggles out!
At Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists we are all about playing with a purpose – finding fun, kid-approved ways to build important skills in everyday life. So this summer, play with a purpose in and around Plainfield and Shorewood, Illinois!
We know how important it is to keep kids active and engaged, especially over the summer when there’s a bit less structure, so whether you’re looking for opportunities for gross motor play, sensory integration, or even a bit of creative fun, we’ve got you covered!
We’re sharing six fantastic local spots that provide fun summer experiences for your kids while also promoting healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.
6 Fun Summer Activities & Places for Kids In Plainfield & Shorewood, IL
1. Wolf’s Crossing Community Park
- Nestled in Naperville, just a short drive from Plainfield, Wolf’s Crossing Community Park is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy. This very big park features a variety of outdoor play structures, a beautiful walking path, and plenty of open space for picnics, games, and to just hang out on a lovely summer day.
- The wide-open spaces and playground equipment at Wolf’s Crossing provide awesome opportunities for improving coordination, balance, and social interaction. For kids working on gross motor skills, the playground structures help develop strength, coordination, and body awareness.
2. We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym
- We Rock The Spectrum is a sensory-friendly gym designed for children of all abilities. With a variety of equipment tailored to sensory integration needs—like swings, zip lines, and climbing walls—this gym is perfect for kids who need both active play and a space that accommodates sensory processing challenges.
- This awesome, inclusive gym provides sensory-rich activities that help to improve sensory processing, balance, and coordination. The gym’s equipment is designed to engage children in a variety of ways, which helps to build body awareness, reduce sensory overload, and foster calmness and focus.
3. Mish Mash Adventures (For Kids 12+)
- Mish Mash Adventures in Plainfield offers a thrilling experience for older children (ages 12 and up) with interactive, problem-solving activities like escape rooms and outdoor adventures. Perfect for encouraging teamwork, communication, and cognitive skills, Mish Mash Adventures is the perfect escape on a hot day!
- Mish Mash Adventures gives older kids the opportunity to work on communication, problem-solving skills, and executive functioning. The team-building element also supports social engagement, which can be particularly beneficial for children with social anxiety or developmental delays.
4. Funtopia
- Funtopia is a fantastic indoor adventure park where kids can try all kinds of physical challenges. With climbing walls, obstacle courses, and a wide range of activities, Funtopia offers hours of indoor fun for kids over the summer.
- Funtopia is an excellent way to support gross motor development and build strength, balance, and coordination. Kids can work on improving fine motor skills through interactive challenges while also boosting confidence. The physical activities at Funtopia are a great complement to the physical therapy focus at Beyond Speech, helping children with motor planning and endurance while having fun.
5. DuPage Children’s Museum
- The DuPage Children’s Museum is an awesome place for kids to explore interactive exhibits that stimulate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. This much loved museum features hands-on activities and exhibits on everything from art & science to sensory play, making it a great destination for families of young kids .
- The museum’s interactive exhibits are designed to engage children in creative play and problem-solving, which aligns well with the therapy goals of improving cognitive and fine motor skills. For kids working on social skills or language development, the museum provides plenty of opportunities to interact with others, ask questions, and explore their interests.
6. HyperKidz
- HyperKidz is an indoor playground designed for younger children. It features a variety of inflatable bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses that encourage physical activity and socialization in a safe, clean, and fun environment.
- This kind of playground experience is ideal for working on gross motor skills, improving balance, and fostering coordination in a high-energy setting. And the interactive environment encourages social interaction and cooperative play.
When it comes to keeping kids active and engaged over the summer, the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago – especially in and around Plainfield and Shorewood – offer some really fantastic options!
Whether you’re looking for a sensory-friendly environment, a place for problem-solving and teamwork, or just somewhere to burn some summertime energy, these local spots have something for every child!
At Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists, we’re committed to providing families with the tools and support they need, both in therapy and beyond. So, this summer, make the most of the fantastic play options available in Plainfield and Shorewood, and watch your child grow, thrive, and play with a purpose!
And if you’re looking for info or support about therapeutic services for your child, reach out to us! At Beyond Speech we specialize in private, in-home therapy for PT, OT, Speech-language, social work and nutrition. We’d love to support you!