This post is sponsored by the Johnson County Library.
The Johnson County Library system has so much more to offer than just books and in the cold winter months one of the best things they offer are indoor spaces for kids to play. While all of the branches offer some kind of children’s section, these are my favorites to take my kids to when we need a great spot to play inside.
Corinth Branch
8100 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208 | Website
This is an older branch of the library but the kid’s section fills the whole basement. I love that I don’t have to worry about my kids being loud or wandering into a different part of the library. It’s a great space set up with a play area kids, a puppet theater shaped like a castle, and a whole section of toys and activities for toddlers. There are computers that can be used and of course tons of books.
Nearby Coffee Shop: Hattie’s Fine Coffee
Central Resource Branch
9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212 | Website
The children’s area was recently moved and expanded. There is a play area for young kids, a story-time room with giant blocks for kids to build with, lots of books down at a child’s level, and tons of fun and comfortable seating when you want to sit down with a good book. I love how colorful and imaginative the whole children’s section is. My kids had to be dragged out of there the last time we went.
Nearby Coffee Shop: Bear Necessities Coffee Bar
Lenexa City Center Branch
8778 Penrose Ln, Lenexa, KS 66219 | Website
The top floor of this library branch houses the kid’s and teen departments. I appreciate how open the space is so you can easily keep an eye on your kids. There are lots of kid-sized tables and chairs, as well as toys and a fun story room shaped like a house (it even has a little child-sized back door they can crawl through). I love the little house shaped buildings around the area where kids can curl up with a book or play pretend. There’s lots of seating for moms nearby where you can plug in your laptop and get some work done while your kids play.
Nearby Coffee Shop: Made in KC Marketplace
Monticello Branch
22435 W 66th St, Shawnee, KS 66226 | Website
Before entering the library, make sure you visit its outdoor children’s story walk. It is part of the 6 by 6 program, and you can read a short story to your kids as they explore the path. The children’s area is tucked back in the corner on the first floor and features a large story room and a play area for young kids. I love that the staircase to the second floor has been built with a cozy reading area underneath and large green stairs that kids can climb and sit on.
Nearby Coffee Shop: Prayer Box Cafe
Merriam Plaza
6120 Slater St, Merriam, KS 66202 | Website
The brand-new Merriam Plaza Library children’s area is tucked in the back corner and features plenty of cozy and comfortable reading nooks. I love how bright and airy the indoor space is and its perfect for an indoor reading day! If the weather is nice, don’t forget to check out the covered front porch with lots of seating options.
