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REVIEW: Purple Monkey Playroom

March 2, 2012

With the long Chicago winters, it's nice to have someplace to escape cabin fever.  And if it offers lots of fun toys for the kiddos and complimentary coffee, tea and WIFI for parents? Even better!

My son and I visited Bucktown's newest playspace this week and had a blast! Purple Monkey Playroom is a bright open space with toys, books, costumes, a train table and more! We stopped in expecting to stay for about an hour, but I ended up having to practically drag my son out after we had been there for over 2 hours! He so enjoyed playing with the train table, the big doll house and the play kitchen.  And when he discovered the bowling set, he was THRILLED!  I lost count of how many times he set up the pins and knocked them down, set them up, knocked them down.  And several times this week he has asked to go back to the "monkey room" and "play bowling!"

While he was excited by all of the fun things to do, I was happy to see how open the space was.  From my comfy spot on the sofa I could see my son in any area of the playspace.  I also like that they offer WIFI. I did not take any work with me, but I know on future visits I can bring my laptop and be able to work AND watch my son play. 

Along with the free coffee and tea, Purple Monkey Playroom also has a cooler full of healthy, kid-friendly snacks--yogurt, apple sauce, milk--all at a very reasonable price. Near the cooler is a long table and I noticed many families brought their own lunches in and ate there. 

Purple Monkey Playroom hosts events as well.  Their event calendar shows storytimes, mini-makeovers for mom (yes, please!) and more! And the space is available for birthday parties too!

My son found a ton of toys and activities to keep him occupied and was discovering even more things he wanted to play with as we were leaving.  I know that this will become a regular hang-out for us.  Purple Monkey Playroom is an ideal spot for those of us with toddlers and preschoolers!

Drop-In Play is $12 for one child and $22 for a child plus sibling. Monthly and yearly passes are available as well. 

Purple Monkey Playroom is located at 2040 N Western, has plenty of easy street parking and is convenient to public transportation.

For more info, check out the Purple Monkey Playroom website, Facebook and Twitter

Disclosure: My son and I were invited to try out Purple Monkey Playroom this week to facilitate this review, but all opinions are my own.