Ah, play spaces — little paradises for sweet, innocent young ones. But where do you go when your kid ages out of them (aka: when he threatens to steamroll the entire joint in a few single bounds)? Transition to bigger, more active arenas, where physical activity is king. Click through our album to discover the local places where the activity and energy is full blast.

Yu Kids Island

Think you know mall play spaces? Think again. With over 10 attractions, Yu Kids Island has something for all ages -- especially the big kids. Have a child who likes to swing? Head to the Spinning Palms. Ball fanatic? The Dancing Balloons – a space filled with more balloons than you can count – has you covered (and older kids will love the BIG Dancing Balloons space). Climbers beeline to the Revolving Tree where they can climb poles on a revolving platform. Parents can energize themselves with a stop at the coffee bar and then relax and watch the kids exhaust themselves.

5 Woodfield Mall #G144, Schaumburg (847-969-9000) & 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills (847-680-3800 or yukidschicago.com)

Do you have a favorite place to take an older child? Let us know in the Comments!

— Jen Peterson

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