Drop-in Play Place (Without Mom)

My YMCA has a drop in playground area. You get so many hours a month with your membership to the Y (maybe 20?) and can pay for more at some really discounted rate ($2/hour?). They have strict limits on time periods depending on the age of the child. But you don't have to stay in the gym to use it.

Try signing up for Bubbles Academy classes. Once a week for 2-2 1/2 hours or so - great for 4year olds - Bubble Prep I think. It's a drop off class - enough time to hit Costco. They are up near North Ave/Halsted if you aren't familiar with them. LP Wholefoods is behind them.
Check out there website.
http://www.bubblesacademy.com
I used to do this with my 4 year old before he started school.

Try Tick-Tock in Northfield. It's just off the Edens.

A friend who also has kids is generally the only place to do that! I think she could and should create a barter system...she takes their kid and they take hers. It is truly the only way to go.

Updated

A friend who also has kids is generally the only place to do that! I think she could and should create a barter system...she takes their kid and they take hers. It is truly the only way to go.

Your friend might try Bright Horizons- they have a location right downtown. I think they mainly operate as emergency daycare for working parents but maybe something like this would work for your friend. My insurance plan covers at least 20 visits a year. I used it twice when my son was 2 1/2 and I was very happy with the teachers and facility.