Chicago Playpen

Inquired about hosting a birthday party here. I got a response back a week before my desired party date. I was not impressed. I will give them another try, but the first impression was not great.

I took my 4 year old daughter to Chicago Playpen to check it out for a summer camp option for her. She liked it so much that she begged to stay, and stayed that day and the rest of the week. Since then, we’ve done 2 other weeks of camp, and she still loves every minute of it. They play outdoors, dance, cook, read books, do some educational activities and art projects. Every day she’s eager to go, and reluctant to leave when we pick her up. The price per week (and per day) is very reasonable. They serve snacks and lunch. The staff are friendly, loving, easy going, and have an excellent relationship with the kids. I highly recommend it.

Went for a play date. $ 19 groupon for open playtime and a stuffed animal to dress and take home etc. Staff could use a session on customer service, toys and facility dirty. Walls need a fresh paint. Dress up clothes look like recycled Halloween costumes from a resale shop, tattered and torn. The managers child ran around like she owned the place and kept us from freely moving about. She was border line bullying. Finally after 30 minutes of her telling us what to do, «Teanna» was excused. The bathroom gross and dirty. Windows full of finger prints dirty. Floor and chairs dirty. $ 19 for 1 hour. We were told they had to close early for an event happening on the next day. Another patron was turned away as we were leaving which was well before 6 pm stated closing time. Very disappointing because it’s a nice concept. It’s very small. So overall and unfortunately, I cannot in good faith recommend this place. It’s not worth it. We have dress up clothes and a pretend kitchen toy at home. Nothing here is exciting and the seating for the parents is uncomfortable. Playpen if you want loyal patrons willing to pay for a play experience, you’re going to have to invest in unique play equipment that can handle children day to day i.e. commercial grade and be diligent about the décor, paint, and overall condition of toys and dress up clothes etc.