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20+ Indoor Places to Play in Chico

Rain or shine, these are fun indoor options for kids!

By Jillian Smith - Editor & Publisher July 11, 2024

Chico has the potential to get a lot of rain, and during the summer the temps can climb well into the 110s - hot hot hot! Whether it's wet and rainy, too hot to handle, or you just want an indoor option for the kids to get their wiggles out, Chico has you covered! Below you'll find 20+ places to play indoors in Chico including hours, pricing, location details and more. The 🥳 emoji means they offer birthday parties and the 🕹 emoji indicates that they have an arcade.

Imagine, Explore, and Learn

Chico Air Museum

Chico Air Museum has an airplane collection spanning nearly 100 years of aviation history, plus uniforms, flight logs, NASA and space artifacts, and other unique aviation exhibits to explore. 

📍 165 Ryan Avenue  Chico, CA 95973
☎️ (530) 345-6468
chicoairmuseum.org

⏰️ Thursday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

💵 FREE (donations appreciated)


Chico Children's Museum
🥳

CCM has nearly 7,000 square feet of exhibit space to facilitate imaginative play.

📍325 Main Street  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 809-1492
chicochildrensmuseum.org

⏰️
Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last call for walk-ins at 3:00 PM)

💵 Free for Members and children under 2
$12 for adults and children
$10 for military, Grandparents, Seniors 60+, Teachers, and First Responders
$6 with ACM Reciprocal Network Benefits from a participating Children's Museum
$3 with EBT card for SNAP benefits through Museums for All, up to (4) people.


Chico Creek Nature Center
🥳

Make some new animal friends and be inspired by nature as you learn and explore at the official Visitors Center for Bidwell Park.

📍1968 E 8th Street  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 891-4671
chicorec.com/chico-creek-nature-center

Nature ABCs Fall Semester 2024 runs August 23 through December 20
⏰️ Friday 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM
💵 FREE

Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum and Nature Play Room
⏰️ Friday and Monday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
💵 $3.00 for children, $4 for seniors, $5.00 for adults


Gateway Science Museum
🥳

This university science museum inspires the exploration of science and natural history. Local artifacts and fossils are a wonder for all ages, and their seasonal exhibits are especially wonderful for kids!

📍625 Esplanade  Chico, CA 95929
☎️ (530) 898-4121
csuchico.edu/gateway

⏰️ Thurdsday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

💵 Adults: $7, Youth: (ages 3-17) $5, Under 3: FREE


Sunny Garden

Sunny Garden is a Montessori-based playspace where the child leads the way to play. Ages 5 and under only. Local Music Together and Sign Language classes are also held here.

📍2801 Godman Avenue, Suite #140  Chico, CA 95973
☎️ (530) 343-3101
sunnygardenchico.com

⏰️ Open Play: 
Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Thursdays offer a Parent/Child Sign Language experience. Drop Ins OK.

💵 $15. Siblings get a discount. BCOE Early Start families are FREE Save by purchasing ahead! It ends up being $10 per visit instead of $15.


Active Play

Athletic Horizons Gymnastics Center
🥳

Athletic Horizons has 15,000 square feet of gymnastics fun! Their classes range from 18 months to 18 years with bars, beams, trampolines, springboards and more. They also offer special days of open play.

📍415 Otterson Drive #70  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 893-4967
athletichorizons.com

Fantastic Friday: up to 5 years old
⏰️ Select Fridays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (check website for specific dates)
💵 $5 for enrolled students, $15 for guests, $1 for siblings

Open Gym: 6+ years old
⏰️ Select Saturdays 10:00 - 11:00 AM (check website for specific dates)
💵 $10 for enrolled students, $15 for guests 


Bowlero
🥳🕹

Bowlero offers 38 bowling lanes, an on-site pro shop, an arcade, lots of yummy food and drink options, and a sports bar. You can even reserve your lane online.

📍2397 Esplanade  Chico, CA 95926
☎️ (530) 895-3257
bowlero.com

⏰️
Sunday 12:00 - 11:00 PM
Monday 2:00 - 11:00 PM
Tuesday 2:00 - 11:00 PM
Wednesday 1:00 - 11:00 PM
Thursday 2:00 - 11:00 PM
Friday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM

💵 Varies. Find specials here


Cal Skate Chico
🥳🕹

Rollerskating at Cal Skate is the main indoor attraction of Funland Chico, which also offers mini golf, batting cages, and 2 arcades - one inside the rink, and one on the way to mini golf. 

📍2465 Carmichael Drive  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 343-1601
funlandchico.com

⏰️💵 Varies. See Calendar and pricing details Here
Skate Rentals: $2.50 for quad - $3.50 for inline rollerblades
Skate Mate Rental: $5.00


Hatchet House
🥳

Hatchet House is Chico's only recreational axe throwing venue. In addition to 9 throwing lanes, they also offer pool, darts, air hockey, cornhole, and simulated golf! 

📍845 Cherry Street  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 715-7547
hatchethousechico.com

⏰️
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM    SUNDAY FAMDAY: Kiddos (12 and under) are half-off all day! Features a family-friendly playlist.

💵
Adults (13+) 1hr - $20/person, 1.5hrs - $30/person, 2hrs - $35/person
Kiddos (6-12) $10/hour
Ages 5 and Under FREE

See website for more details.

Release of Liability Waiver


Rare Air Trampoline Park
🥳🕹

This indoor trampoline arena has a variety of designated activity areas in addition to the Main and Junior Courts. Add in Toddler Time, Sensory Sundays, and the arcade and you'll find there is something for everyone.

📍1090 East 20th Street  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 433-5557
rareairparkchico.com

⏰️
Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

💵
Monday - Thursday $14 first hour, $7 second hour, $8 Junior Jumper Area (42" and under)
Friday - Sunday $16 first hour, $8.00 second hour, $10 Junior Jumper Area
Reusable Jump Socks Required $3

Special Sessions
Toddler Time
⏰️ Friday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
                10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
💵 $9

Sensory Sunday Returning in September!
⏰️ First Sunday of every month, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
💵 $10 (one parent jumps for FREE)


Terrain Park Climbing Center
🥳

All ages and skill levels are welcomed to go rock climbing along routes ranging in difficulty from V0-V9. Terrain Park also has a weight lifting room, locker rooms with showers, ping pong, foosball, cornhole, board games, free wi-fi and snacks.

📍931 West 5th Street, Suite 100  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 809-0796
terrainparkclimbingcenter.com

⏰️
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

💵 Daily Drop In:
Adults: $18
Youth (10 and Under): $12
Shoe Rental: $4 (first climb shoe rental is free)
10 Pass Punch Card: $150

💵 Monthly Membership:
Single: $80
Discount (students, teachers, military/veterans, first responders): $70
Youth (10 and Under): $50
Family: $80 + $40 each additional family member

Waiver form


Experiences and Events

Chico Escape Rooms
🥳

Here your group uses brain power and elements in the room to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete your mission. You aren't locked in! It's about solving the mystery before the time runs out.

📍55 Declaration Drive, Suite C  Chico, CA 95973
☎️ (530) 636-4475
chicoescaperooms.com

⏰️
Friday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

💵
$30 per person. Discounted full room rates available for some rooms.


Cinemark 14 - Tinseltown
🥳🕹

See your family's favorite characters on the big screen at Cinemark 14. They offer a wide array of food, drink, and sweets options as well as an arcade.

📍801 East Avenue, Suite 200  Chico, CA 95926
☎️ (530) 879-0143
cinemark.com - chico cinemark 14

⏰️ Check movie times

💵 per ticket: Standard format: $8.75-11.00, XD: $11.75-14.00, Real D 3D: $11.75-14.00

  Summer Movie Clubhouse: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 AM, $1.75 


Round Table Clubhouse
🥳🕹

With the kids playing at the arcade, you can eat your salad and pizza in peace. Party rooms are free to reserve. 

📍2201 Pillsbury Road  Chico, CA 95926
☎️ (530) 891-1200
roundtablepizza.com

⏰️
Sunday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM


Drop-off Child Care

KidsPark
🥳

Solve your schedule dilemmas and give your kids a treat. Stay for an hour or for a day. For appointments, work, school closures, date nights, catching a movie or just catching your breath. Ages 2-12.

📍2477 Forest Avenue Suite 190  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 894-6800
Licenses #045406197 and #045406198
kidspark.com/chico

⏰️
Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED

💵
One child: $10 per hour, $70 per day (for 7-10 hour visits)
Two siblings: $15 per hour, $105 per day (for 7-10 hour visits)
Additional siblings $4 per hour
Family registration fee: $40 (paid on first visit)
Lunch and Dinner: $4.50 each
Snacks (10 AM, 3 PM): no extra charge


FREE Places to Play Inside

Apple Blossom Baby

Apple Blossom Baby is a local baby & children's store that offers boutique brands as well as gently used items and unique gifts. Your little ones can check out the adorable play room while you shop!

📍1356 Longfellow Avenue  Chico, CA 95926
☎️ (530) 433-9699
Facebook Page

⏰️
Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM


Barnes & Noble

The back of the store is semi-enclosed for the kids books and features a train table and puppets for imaginative play. 

📍2031 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 894-1494
barnesandnoble.com

⏰️
Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Storytime: Saturdays 11:00 AM 


Butte County Library: Chico Branch - Kids Play Area

The Kids section of the library has puzzles, puppets, bricks, tunnels, plus a circle time rug and child-friendly furniture. Overall, it's a comfy space for little ones to read and play.

📍1108 Sherman Avenue  Chico, CA 95926
☎️ (530) 552-5652
buttecounty.net/528/Library

⏰️
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Find storytimes and other programs here 


Chico Marketplace - Kids Play Area

Kids 42" and under can climb on miniature versions of popular Chico landmarks including the Hooker Oak Tree, Bidwell Mansion, and Honey Run Covered Bridge. Located next to Dick's Sporting Goods.

📍1950 E 20th Street  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 343-0706
shopchicomarketplace.com

⏰️
Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM* - 8:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM* - 6:00 PM
*Store hours. The main entrances are unlocked an hour earlier for mall walking. Each lap is approximately .7 miles.

🕹 Marketplace Arcade is near the stairs/ramps and jewelry stores.


McDonald's PlayPlaces
🥳 Speak to a manager to arrange cake and decorations!

📍2452 Connors Avenue  Chico, CA 95926
☎️ (530) 895-9740
⏰️ Daily 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

📍2444 Notre Dame Boulevard  Chico, CA 95928
☎️ (530) 899-1285
⏰️ Daily 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Ordering food is not required to enjoy the play area.