Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the mall, the creatures were stirring and enjoying it all!
Woodfield Mall, located off Routes I-90 and 290 in Schaumburg, Illinois, is surrounded by restaurants and office parks. It even boasts a ZIP code of its own! Formerly known as “America’s Largest Indoor Mall,” Woodfield is one of the best Kid-Friendly Venues in the Chicagoland area. It offers a variety of Kid-Friendly Holiday Shopping options and fun activities. From Santa’s North Pole Workshop Pop-Up to the free indoor playground, Woodfield Mall appeals to the kid in all of us.
Holiday Fun for the Whole Family
Ample parking, shopping, dining, and activities allow families to spend an entire day at Woodfield. The very best time to visit is during the holiday season!
The massive three-story Grand Court atrium is home to Santa and professional, kid-friendly photographers. They are ready to take photos of you, your family, your friends, and even your pets. So bring your furry friends along to pose with Santa! Be sure to reserve a time online early in the season to avoid long waits.
Woodfield Mall also offers special “Caring Santa” visits. These time slots are reserved specifically for children with special needs.
Indoor Play Areas
After visiting Santa and taking photos, it’s time to start shopping for holiday gifts. I recommend bringing two or more adults. One adult can enjoy the activities with the kids while the others get a head start on the holiday shopping list.
Keeping children entertained is easy at Woodfield Mall. Just steps away from Santa, you’ll find a free indoor playground filled with energetic kids. Parents and guardians can relax in the ample seating while the children burn off energy. Kid-friendly mall staff sanitize the playground surfaces frequently.
Yu Kids Island is another exciting attraction. The kid-friendly staff regularly cleans and maintains this colorful indoor playground. Bright colors, slides, and textured play areas encourage the development of fine and gross motor skills for children 48 inches and under. This kid-friendly environment features ten unique attractions that can’t be found at many other indoor play centers. It’s a wonderful place for kids to release even more energy.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Another kid-friendly favorite is the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Located in the upper wing between the food court and Macy’s, Build-A-Bear brings children’s creativity to life with a lovable new stuffie.
Kid-Friendly Staff, known as “Bear Builders,” guide families through the personalized and interactive experience. Children can choose from dozens of stuffed animals, including popular TV characters, action heroes, and classic teddy bears.
Next, children can select fun add-ons such as voice messages or sound effects. They can also choose special scents for their furry friend. The Bear Builders then use a giant stuffing machine while children help operate the foot pedal to create just the right amount of fluff.
The Bear Builders also perform the Heart Ceremony. During this special moment, children kiss a fabric heart, make a wish, and place it inside their new stuffie. Best friends are created in that very moment!
Afterward, children can choose from a huge selection of clothing and accessories for their new friend. Finally, they pick a name, and the Bear Builders print a birth certificate to celebrate the experience.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Once the kids have worked up an appetite, the Dining Pavilion offers plenty of kid-friendly dining options, including Stan’s Donuts, Blaze Pizza, and I Heart Mac and Cheese.
Another family favorite is Red Robin. My own children especially love their bottomless French fries!
Holiday Shopping Made Easy
Shopping for the kids at Woodfield Mall is easy. Stores such as LEGO®, The Children’s Place, and Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop are just a few of the many options available. Moms will be able to find something for everyone on their holiday shopping list while checking it twice!
Definitely add Woodfield Mall to your list of kid-friendly holiday destinations.
Available Amenities at Woodfield Mall
- Family Friendly Bathrooms
- Handicap Accessibility
- Ample Parking
- Clean and Nurturing Kid Friendly Environment
- Kid Friendly Clean and Sanitized Facilities
- Kid Friendly Activities
- Kid Friendly Approved by KFV
- Kid Friendly Environment
- Kid Friendly Caring Santa
- Kid Friendly Holiday
- Kid Friendly Shopping
- Kid Friendly Options
- Kid Friendly Dining
