Things to Do in Northlake

At Olly Olly Play Café, pirates bury treasure, knights rescue princesses from dragons, and parents watch as little ones develop social skills through creative play. The interior space looks like a storybook spilled over into reality, with troves of costumes and toys spread beneath a ceiling painted to resemble a cloud-filled sky. A castle stands at the entrance, serving as the junction between different rooms where roads wind through town houses and a kid-size pirate ship lets little ones imagine attacking all-you-can-eat cruise buffets.

Aside from open play, Olly Olly Play Café educates kids during music classes that range from Baby Signing to preteens belting out Broadway songs. Elsewhere, a menu of locally sourced salads and sandwiches fuels visitors and their health-conscious imaginary friends.

Soft play areas on floors of bright, padded tile. A slide filled with rushing water. A vibrant palm tree, suspending bouncing balls striped in neon yellow, pink, and purple. These are just some of the 10 attractions at Yu Kids Island, a year-round playground that lets children play inside, keeping them away from the elements and from establishing Lego empires. For parents and players in need of refueling, a vibrant blue-and-green cafeteria serves Lavazza coffee and hot chocolate. Playground staffers also set up complete party packages with playground access and all materials included, eschewing the need to book performing clowns or ponies dressed as clowns.