Last updated: 2025-04-22
Skokie offers a treasure trove of indoor activities perfect for escaping unpredictable Chicagoland weather. From educational experiences to cultural adventures, this suburban gem provides engaging options for visitors and residents seeking engaging indoor entertainment.
Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or family looking for interactive experiences, Skokie and nearby Chicago neighborhoods deliver diverse indoor attractions that captivate and educate across multiple interests and age groups.
Discover Skokie’s best indoor adventures right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in Skokie
- Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
- Kohl Children's Museum (Glenview)
- North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
- iO Theater (Chicago)
- Skokie Public Library
- Color Cocktail Factory (Chicago)
- Exploritorium
- Emily Oaks Nature Center (Indoor Programs)
- The Art Center Highland Park (Highland Park)
- The Book Cellar (Chicago)
Color Cocktail Factory (Chicago)
What to Expect
BYOB ceramic art workshops with quirky thematic classes
Description
Color Cocktail Factory offers hands-on ceramic workshops featuring unconventional pottery classes. Participants learn wheel-throwing, hand-building, and creative ceramic techniques across diverse workshops including mushroom-themed bowls, date night pottery, and unique specialty classes like ceramic pipe making.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Color Cocktail Factory
Emily Oaks Nature Center (Indoor Programs)
What to Expect
Interactive Woodland Wander Inn nature exhibit
Description
Indoor nature center offering comprehensive educational programs for children and families. Features interactive Woodland Wander Inn exhibit, meeting rooms, and specialized learning experiences focusing on ecological concepts, wildlife, and environmental education. Provides structured programs for preschool through 6th-grade students, scout groups, and early childhood learners.
Where: Skokie | More Info: Emily Oaks Nature Center (Indoor Programs)
Exploritorium
What to Expect
Two-and-a-half-story tubes and tunnels playground
Description
Interactive children's play center designed for ages 1-6, featuring immersive learning environments like water play areas, dress-up zones, engineering stations, and multi-level tubes and tunnels. Children explore through hands-on experiences across themed play spaces that encourage imagination and discovery.
Where: Skokie | More Info: Exploritorium
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
What to Expect
Interactive hologram survivor testimony technology
Description
A powerful educational museum dedicated to preserving Holocaust history through immersive exhibits and innovative technologies. Features interactive holographic survivor testimonies, a cutting-edge virtual reality experience walking through concentration camps, and multiple permanent exhibitions exploring Holocaust history and human rights.
Where: Skokie | More Info: Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
iO Theater (Chicago)
What to Expect
Birthplace of longform improvisation performance style
Description
Chicago's premier longform improv comedy theater featuring nightly performances by professional comedians. Offers diverse shows like Improvised Shakespeare, Jane Austen parodies, and topical comedy created from audience suggestions. Home to legendary comedy training and performance since 1981, showcasing Chicago's most talented improvisational performers.
Where: Chicago | More Info: iO Theater
Kohl Children's Museum (Glenview)
What to Expect
Child-sized interactive science laboratory exhibit
Description
Interactive children's museum offering hands-on learning experiences across science, art, and play zones. Children can explore child-sized laboratories, engage in experimental activities, and participate in immersive exhibits that transform learning into an exciting adventure for young minds.
Where: Glenview | More Info: Kohl Children's Museum
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
What to Expect
Two-theater complex with professional resident performing arts companies
Description
A premier performing arts center in Skokie featuring two theaters with 867 and 318 seats, hosting diverse performances including music, dance, comedy, and theater. Home to resident companies like Northlight Theatre and Music of the Baroque, offering a rich cultural experience for audiences of all interests.
Where: Skokie | More Info: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Skokie Public Library
What to Expect
Specialized neurodivergent resources and inclusive programming
Description
A comprehensive community library offering diverse resources including book collections, technology support, early childhood programs, and specialized learning experiences. Provides one-on-one tech help, curated book lists for neurodivergent experiences, and multiple digital resource platforms for reading and learning.
Where: Skokie | More Info: Skokie Public Library
The Art Center Highland Park (Highland Park)
What to Expect
Community-driven visual arts center with comprehensive artistic programming
Description
The Art Center Highland Park offers comprehensive art programming with studio classes, dynamic exhibitions, and community-focused art experiences. Visitors can explore diverse visual arts through workshops, drop-in figure drawing sessions, summer camps, and rotating gallery exhibits that showcase local and regional artistic talent.
Where: Highland Park | More Info: The Art Center Highland Park
The Book Cellar (Chicago)
What to Expect
Community-driven independent bookstore with diverse book club offerings
Description
An independent bookstore offering an extensive collection of books, multiple book clubs, and literary events. Hosts author signings, themed book discussions, and community reading programs. Provides a curated selection of paperback and hardcover titles across various genres.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Book Cellar
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