Where families can beat the heat and cool off in Champaign-Urbana for free
Stay cool with free air-conditioned adventures in Champaign-Urbana that your kids will love
Do you need a place to to cool off the kids — but you’re sticking to a budget? Going beyond the traditional indoor playgrounds, we’ve added some obvious and not-so-obvious additional ideas here.
Local Libraries with Play Spaces
We love our local libraries. There are plenty of fun things to do at the Urbana Free Library (think pretend area plus games, puzzles and more); and the Champaign Public Library. And hey, remember your kids can get some computer time at the library, too. Our kids think the library computers are to be treated like school devices, not like the electronics they use for fun at home.
Free Museums
There’s never been a better time to visit local free museums including Mahomet’s Museum of the Grand Prairie. The Spurlock Museum in Urbana is also open this summer, as is the Krannert Art Museum.
Indoor Movies for Kids
While there are options for FREE movies all summer long in outdoor venues, the best bet for free indoor movies is at the Savoy 16 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Temps still blazing in the fall? Savoy 16 traditionally offers free movies again beginning in late September.
Let the kids run off energy at Lincoln Square
There isn’t a playground here, but kids can still keep busy exploring this indoor Urbana mall. Getting a free piece of fruit at Common Ground Food Co-Op is a highlight. Or, rummage at the I.D.E.A. store. Also: wide open indoor space means GREAT indoor photos!
Head to campus
We mentioned the museums, but one of our favorite places to explore is the Illini Union. Kids love the fish tank in the lobby. Downstairs, enjoy the bowling alley and games (and don’t miss the early bird specials). There’s also the food court. It could be as cheap (or expensive) as you want. After you cool off, you’ll want to check out 13 Things to Do on Campus this Summer (which is mostly outside activities).
Willard Airport
This might be one harder to hit just right, but it’s air conditioned and a short drive from town, so it will constitute as an outing nonetheless. Time it so you can watch the planes take off. This outing is a little tricky due to security regulations, but the airport is a public – and air-conditioned – place that can be a great field trip for little ones. Also note that face masks are required for everyone by TSA at the airport through at least mid-September 2021.
Ride the Bus
Speaking of transportation, take a trip around town on our very cool CUMTD buses. OK, this isn’t exactly free – grownups pay $1 per trip, but children who are 46 inches or shorter in height may ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. If your kids aren’t used to riding the bus, this is a great treat. Go to the Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign and look at all the sculptures there; time your visit with an Amtrak train, if your kids are into that. We even have a post on making it a family date on the MTD. Another note that face masks are required for all passengers for the time being, as public transit.
Get Ice Cream
So while ice cream isn’t free, it can be a cheap and sometimes air-conditioned outing for your family, depending on which location you choose. Check out our Ice Cream Trail map and pick a fun new (indoor) location to explore as a family.
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June 14, 2021 at 10:46AM
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8 Free Air-Conditioned Indoor Family Outings in Champaign-Urbana - chambanamoms.com
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