My Corner Playroom4539

My daughter will be three soon and we have been going to my corner playroom since she was about 11 months old. Between the friendly staff, wide variety of toys and great theme parties such as Halloween and Valentine's day etc., for the kiddies, plus art and music classes there is always something new for her to do. Plus she has been in preschool there since September and she still never wants to leave. We love the sense of community and love for our fellow human beings that is inspired and nurtured there! Can't wait for nature based gardening themed summer camp in June.

Iâ??ve seen such a huge improvement in her social skills. They have helped potty train her and I have finally been able to get her on a regular nap schedule, largely due to the care, attention and advice of the director. We have both made new friends and love it there.

P.S. Iâ??ve read some of the other reviews and donâ??t get it. I have regularly observed the staff cleaning and sanitizing toys. The larger play structures may seem a bit worn but they seem perfectly clean and safe. Why throw away good structures that the kids love. I know i donâ??t throw out/give away my couch or my kidâ??s favorite toy just because it no longer looks brand new or has a minor scratch on it. These toys simply seem loved and played with. I think they have been in business a long time and that in itself tells me (or reinforces what i have experienced)- that on the whole, my corner playroom is doing a lot more right, and they are creating much more of a positive environment than the negative one some people seem to have experienced.

So weird that the other one stars sound like my EXACT experience. Busy dude at the front desk in a 20 minute conversation while I walked in and "experienced" the play center. I feel a little bad that people have cut them up... but I am very suspicious of all the 5 stars, so here are some complaints.
The whole room is set up on outdoor black rubber which already gives a dirty feeling. Then all the play equipment is different outdoor plastic playhouses (dirty). There were dog beds (seriously!) at the bottom of the slide!! And to top it off, a toy bin we opened up to reveal dozens of dirty used kids shoes!!! To play with!! I'm sure my kid would have loved to dig in to them, but she won't be back.
I wouldn't have reviewed, would have just let it go, but then I read the novel that the owner wrote in response to a bad review... cazy!! Buyer beware.

Hi Claire, (& anyone else that may be unhappy)
Sorry to hear that your experience was not the best.
I invite you to come back another day, on me.
In the meantime- I can answer your question to how my place can have such polar reviews...
We are actually human. And sometimes even we have a bad day. And, instead of taking advantage of my open door policy to speak to me and resolve any matter at hand, people instead reserve their energy to broadcast it all over the web. It fascinates me to this day.
What goes on on these sites, I equate to this:
Me running a blog with a listing of all your child's bad behaviors and mistakes before I speak to you about it. Sounds pretty crummy put that way, doesn't it?
Don't get me wrong. I appreciate everyone's opinion. We all have one and none are right or wrong. They are however honestly annoying when they are meant to undermine well intentions before being constructive. This is being part of the problem, not the solution.
I stand by my place no matter what. And I have also learned that it doesn't matter how many people you try to please, there are going to be some that are impossible. For instance- bet you didn't know that I received warning for a couple slams on here. Yep- I refused parents who came shouting at me for refunds for punch cards and memberships left unused for two years! That would be like Bally's giving you back your membership dues because you failed to work out. Also there are others who come in, break every rule and literally destroy and deface property and look at me like my place is a wreck... really? But, in the end, they all felt justified in the attempt at ruining me.
We live in a tough world with an astonishing number of people who just like to be nasty. I'm not one of them. I do my very best everyday. I come from a place of honesty and passion for what I do. I am just NOT Super Woman. One day I hope that enough people can recognize that and see me and My Corner Playroom as a network of support as opposed to a good punching bag.

If you'd like to be part of the solution please contact me.

I truly went with an open mind and was ready to be impressed. Unfortunately this place missed the mark on every count. The person at the desk was not very polite. The toys appeared filthy and the place smelled of urine. It was much smaller than I thought it would be and it seemed a bit warm inside for what was a warm/humid summer day. The air seemed stale and because it has low ceilings I felt cramped in the space.

My kid did not have a very good time. She played for maybe 20 minutes and then said "Mommy, we go; this is icky". Her words sum it up nicely.

What truly amazes me in reading all 30+ reviews is that they are either like mine (and obviously true) or the complete opposite. How could ANY business have such terrible reviews and at the same time have such incredibly great reviews? It's simple not possible in my opinion.

My daughter is three and has been going to My Corner Playroom for a year. This summer she has been attending the day camp. The owner is a certified teacher who truly cares about the emotional and education development of children. Parents who meet during the open playtime think of the space in terms of community rather than simply a business. In terms of the play area, I see children constantly engaged in activities throughout the space. I am glad that many people have given the space a high rating because this kind of community space is rare in the city.

We moved to the South Loop from Colorado and heard of this place through my sister. When we visited the staff that greeted us were more than friendly. We have twin boys that are 18 months old and the place has been like a dream come true for us. For $85/month for 2 kids ($50 for the first/$35 for the 2nd) we can go there anytime after 1:00 until 6:00 Monday-Friday, and in the morning on Saturday. This past week we went 4 days in a row. :) They also have crafts on a couple days and also have a music class on Fridays. There is no way that you would ever find a music class ALONE for what they charge for a monthly membership. The class is FREE with your membership and the lady has an incredible knack with kids.

I am a nanny nearby and thought this would be a good place to take a 3 year old boy. I was wrong. It is dirty and unsafe. The two staff working were at the desk talking. After they explained the $15 charge to me (which is more expensive than many bigger, cleaner places) I sat on a bench right by them, and realized they were gossiping about a mom...a mom who was about 15 feet away from me playing with her daughter. they were really tearing her apart. When she was ready to leave they were nice as pie. I guess that is how they establish good their good parent relationships.
I asked about the classes and the girl I asked didnt really give me an answer and the birthday party sheet I picked up to look at was really confusing. the space was small...but that is not really what bothered me...I totally get small businesses. The space is not well used, the staff was not knowledgeable (the girl couldn't tell me how many times a week the toys get disinfected) and it just didn't look nice. My kid, the boy I watch, lost interest in the trains quickly and we left. I cant say anything about the preschool or the birthday parties...but open play was a bust.

The toys seem like they were all bought at a garage sale and the place is not clean. I would never go here again.

We visited here for the first time today with an almost 3 year old, a 9-month-old and a 3-month old in tow. The toddler had the most fun of the group. There was very little for the 9month old to do, which was a big disappointment since they charged $10 for him to come in. The place was not very clean - they just got a sandbox and there was sand pretty much everywhere in the facility. The soft climbing blocks looked ancient and were very beaten up - stuff you wouldn't even donate to charity, it was really shocking to see playthings in such poor condition in a place like this that charges such a high entrance fee... overall I have been to much nicer indoor play facilities, that charge less and offer more in the way of sanitization, cleanliness and diversity of toys/equipment. We did find the bathrooms to be baby and toddler-friendly and very clean. But overall a disappointment and we won't be back.

I am so thankful to have found My Corner Playroom! It's becoming a home away from home. Whether we are looking for something special to do or just want to get out of the house; My Corner Playroom is usually the destination. The kids love it, thus, so do I! While they play I can sit and write-out checks or just read a book and know they are entertaining themselves. I love that wherever they play; they are never out of my sight.

After reading the reviews for My Corner Play Room, I thought I found the perfect play place for my kids. When I first got there, the person at the desk was in a deep conversation on the phone, and I didn't think much of it, but then she said bye to friend. Then I paid admission and started to play with my two kids. The kids had fun for 30-40 minutes before they got board. Reading the reviews and the first hand experience is not always the same. Without saying much more, that is the first and last time I will be going there.

My son first started going to open play at My Corner Playroom and adored it (he had a terrific time at a birthday party there which is how we found out they had open play). It is chocked full of engaging toys and each and every toy seems picked for a specific developomental purpose and all are incredibly stimulating and fun. After going to many open play sessions, summer camp four days a week for the whole summer last summer and Day School four days per week currently I have to drag him out each and every day. We were originally accepted into a prestigious preschool through a lottery system but recently withdrew and enrolled him in Day School here for the last three months of the school year. It has the same components of any high-quality preschool program - a job board where kids sign up for daily jobs such as line leader, fish feeder, teachers helper, park bell ringer, table setter, weather reporter, etc., group time, story time, free play, arts and crafts, buggy trips to the park close by, a healthy lunch, etc. What makes My Corner Playroom different is the owner Lisa's absolute love, knowledge of, and support of your individual child in an incredibly safe, fun, and stimulating environment where children learn and grow. She gently supports any weak areas (our son is in speech therapy) and is an expert at facilitating the children's play so they can have healthy and positive relationships with their peers. She grows to know your child as you do and has pulled me aside on several occasions to tell me my son was not himself that day and there was a reason why each time. Her early childhood education and knowledge is awe-inspiring - she applies it not only to the curriculum itself but also can give you developmental reasons behind your child's words, actions, thought processes, social interactions, etc. She gives you thorough daily reports at pick-up and the facility has windows where you can peek in at any time without you being seen. She and the staff (Lisa is the lead teacher and she has two assistant teachers for a maximum 6:1 ratio) potty trained my son during summer camp. Although there is no learning pressure my son has come home in the last couple of weeks with addition and subtraction skills and will show me the many sign language words the children are learning in class. The facility is beautifully decorated according to the season. My son doesn't get sick as much here as he did at a previous facility and I believe it's because the surfaces, doorknobs, etc. are constantly sanitized. My son was accepted into an elite pre-k through 12 private school starting in the fall and we're hoping for the same level of comfort and satisfaction we feel currently.

This place was great...lots of toys for the kids! Such a friendly and loving staff. The birthday party for my son was great and so smooth running I didnt have to worry about anything I brought the food and cake and they took care of it all! I looked all over the city at facilities and the price for all the personal attention and service they give is just simply put to good to be true but it is!

I agree with Alicia Hernandez's comments. I have also heard that my corner playroom is messy or dirty. Yes, there are toys all over the place, but it is never dirty. We recently moved to Chicago and I too stumbled upon the place. My son loves it and so do I. The quality staff and the comfortable environment make it a great place for moms, dads and tots. It is place where kids can go and be kids. I also recommended my corner playroom to a friend and she loves it. I am particularly happy with the staff and how they treat my son. When he goes there, it is like he is going over to a friend's house to play. I would recommend my corner playroom to anyone that wants their child to play in a safe and fun environment where they don't have to worry about getting hurt and their main concern is to have fun!!!!

Both of my sons are/have been in the day school and summer camps. Lisa and her loving staff have taught them everything from their alphabet to problem solving, socialization skills and even potty training. Her philosophy about learning is open and sensitive. My kids love it there and are learning all the things important to our family.

I stumbled upon My Corner Playroom while shopping in the little center its located in. I came in with my groceries and my toddler and just wanted to check the place out. The staff there was so nice giving me info and telling about everything My Corner Playroom had to offer. I decided to let Abby play for a little while although I couldnt stay long b/c I had groceries but the staff was so nice and let Abby play anyway. The price was very reasonable and the parents that were there had nothing but great things to say. The toys are great Little Tikes slides, rocketships, and log cabins...these toys are great the children were running around using their imaginations and the staff interacted with them very positively. I will return agian. I recommend this simple yet wonderful place to everyone.

...the playroom and was surprised to hear she was weary after reading negative reviews here. For four years my family and I have been loyal playroom guests. Through the years we have visited other facilities with services similar to the playroom; though, My Corner Playroom offers quality that others don't. It's run by someone that not only has a geniune love for kids but has an early childhood education degree to back it. The playroom provides a level of personal attention you will NOT get anywhere else. During the 4 years we've attended I have personally witnessed and experienced her generosity. Whether you need a last minute sitter, child behavioral/educational advice, custom classes or just someone to run around and play with your kids when you're too tired; she's there. There is an open door policy. Anytime someone has an issue or idea they are encouraged and able to speak directly with the owner who has always been accomodating. However, this can not happen if you don't express yourself. Miss Lisa encourages kids to think outside of the box and to express themselves creatively in a positive manner. So it's messy sometimes from toys strewn about...that's a sign of kids having fun. Honestly; isn't that one of the reasons we take them out; better than our living room, right?

This place was so disgusting my daughter (16 months) and I left after 1/2 hour. The fee was $15...for what??? The toys were outdated and VERY old which makes me wonder if they were bought at a garage sale?!?! The owner was talking about her personal life at the front desk, totally unprofessional. The place was filthy and the bathroom was disgusting. When I walked in and paid the fee, I definetly thought there was more to the center than the one room... but I was wrong! I definetly wish them the best of luck and I hope they improve the facility soon!

We went here this morning with our 15 month old daughter. The toys are all old, chewed on, broken or missing parts. The floor had food all over and stuck on gum. The price is about $3 more than other indoor play places and you get less for your money. We won't be coming back. This place needs a GOOD cleaning and an updated toy selection.

While shopping in the area I saw a flyer for a New Years Eve party for the kids. It was awesome! My 3 y/o had a blast; as did I! The staff was super nice and kept the kids busy dancing and making crafts. The owner is very passionate about what she does which is really impressive! I was so impressed that I purchased a membership on the spot. The prices are incredible! A month of free play with classes for 50 bucks?! You can beat it! My only complaint is why haven't I heard about this place before? I would much prefer giving my money to this place which made us feel at home right away as opposed to the larger (more expensive and TOO structered) chains that are everywhere.

The first dissapointment was the staff-very unfriendly. The second was the uncleanliness of this place. It is so close to my home, but not worth it. So over priced. I have a friend whose kid went to the summer camp and they took the kids to a nearby store and forgot her kid.

During my second pregnancy, My Corner Playroom became a lifesaver. The other women were nice and approachable. The staff was always willing to watch my son while I went to the bathroom. Once the baby was born, my older attended summer camp 2 days a week. This gave me time to spend with the newborn and gave my older child playtime and learning with other toddlers. Lisa and Xan were able to potty train my 2.5 yr old son in less than 3 months with positive rewards and examples. The sense of community is wonderful. Thank you Lisa!

We were thrilled with My Corner Playroom and the hard work of Renata and Eddie throughout the party we had for my kids. Renata and Eddie were nothing short of super and everyone, adults and kids, had a great time. You've got a great thing going over there. We would definitely do it again! Absolutely no complaints!

...Playroom is a blessing. It makes a day of being a stay at home mom just plain easier. Let the kid/kids run around and play while I, the mom, sit and relax a little, read a little, or enjoy some friendly, welcome conversation with other moms, nannies or even the super nice staff. God knows just what we all need: My Corner PLayoom!!!

I have to say that it's extremely refreshing to find a place to go with my little one in the city where I can relax and feel at home. It's just that simple. My daughter loves it (and the fish tank- she's 3)and for me there's no stress, nice parents and a staff who you can tell, genuinely care about what they are doing. Some of them even baby-sit! A lucky find for sure!

I've been coming to MCP for about 2 years now. In the Fall/Winter it has been an absolute lifesaver as, in agreement with so many other postings, it has functioned as our family playroom when our own home no longer interested my child. Not only does my son enjoy the familiarity of the environment and the awesome staff (who are trained in child development) but I enjoy the friendly camaraderie (and let's be honest, sanity) that I find there. (Forced to spend a Chicago Fall/Winter at home I believe I would have been in a strait jacket by now!!) And, in the Spring/Summer my son has enjoyed a periodic break from the heat as a participant in the Summer Camp program. He has really enjoyed it and I cannot over emphasize how much he has learned from Lisa (the owner) and her equally dedicated staff. He is continually coming home and surprising us with this or that new skill. We have been very pleased. Lastly, we have attended several very fun parties at MCP where the owner herself was present to ensure success. In sum, this place is a neighborhood resource without compare as it offers so much to families with very young children. Great going MCP!!

My daughter is 4 and has been with "My Corner Playroom" for the last 2 years. She was diagnosed with speech delay, the staff has helped tremendously with this. I am pleased to say she will be entering standard pre-k this year, I credit much of her success to "My Corner Playroom" and it's fantastic staff. Thanks to Lisa and her staff for all the great work.

My 2 1/2 year old twins love My Corner Playroom. Both of them attend the Summer Camp program and will be attending the Day School program again in the fall. Miss Lisa (The Owner) and Miss Xan alwyas greet the kids with smiles and hugs when they walk through the door and I have noticed tremendous verbal and positive behavorial changes in both of them since starting the program. Open play is a life-saver in the winter. It not only gives my children space to run around in and the social interaction they need, but it keeps me fom going insane by providing me with adult interaction. There is a large network of regular parents who have a wealth of knowledge from information about schools to doctors etc. The space is the perfect size for parents to keep an eye on their children at all times while sitting on the sidelines and letting them explore on their own. We will be trying the Friday night pajama party this weekend and the kids can't wait. Neither can I!

My corner playroom keeps me sane. My family is a big fan of 'My Corner Playroom'. It is a low-key , friendly, unpretentious,-with the feel of a community , playroom for young children. Besides it being 'just' a playroom, it also offers summercamp (my daughter was potty trained in 2 weeks!), daycamp during the year and several seasonal parties (Halloween party is by far the best!). No matter where you are in the facility you can see your kids. The bathrooms and the kitchen are easily accessible and they are kid-friendly (stepstools and potty seats). Both my kids (4.5 and 2) love going there. The personal, sincere attention they receive, make them feel very special. They enjoy all the toys, that are cleaned and replaced frequently. The toys that are present require the kids to use their imagination. The owner is always willing to help us out if we need 'special treatment' (i.c.o. missed campdays). We feel very good about giving this place our support since it does so much for the community ( donations) It feels like home!

We had purchased an Open Play Punch Card. Today was rainy so we drove to My Corner PlayRoom at 9:30am. When we got there we were told that Open Play was closed due to Camp starting. The brochure indicates that the "Summer Hours" for Open Play are Mon- Thur. 8am-5pm. And that Open Play is closed during "Day School" on Mon. and Wed. I think their material is misleading. We will be requesting a full refund ($135) since we cannot use their facility during Day Camp(which is 5 days a week). Very disappointing. We will switch to FantasyKingdom instead.

There are much better places in Lincoln Park to take your kids, like Fantasy Kingdom or Gymboree Open Play. My Corner Playroom is small and cramped and gets boring after a few visits.

I would have to say this was the best find ever. We happened to find this place one day when out shopping. We felt like we were family from the minute we walked in. The owner even remembered me from an email I had sent months back. I liked it because I was able to sit on the bench and be able to see my 2 year old daughter at all times. Plus they had climbing things for all sizes and abilities. I love that the 15 dollar price allows you to come and go all day long. So this way during the winter I am able to come in the morning go home for lunch and a nap and come back in the after noon. I highly recommend this place. I am even planning to send my daughter to their day camp.

My 2-year old gets so excited when I say we're going to "Lisa's house" (she's the owner, whom he adores). We both love it. It's a clean, safe place for him to explore and he never tires of playing there.

The best playroom in the city. Clean, friendly, safe, great location. No neurotic, uptight empoloyees here as you may find in other playrooms around the city. Lisa, the owner, is a gem. G. Hurst

What a great place to take your kids. It is so much more than other indoor play areas in the city. I know other comments keep saying it is like home away from home, but it really is. We think of it as our familyroom. The owner makes you feels as if it is your playroom. I've also met so many moms and my son has met so many kids. And the all day holiday parties (like this year's Halloween party) are so fun. While other ideas will come and go with the trends kids will still be learning through unstructured play & imagination.

My Corner Playroom has become our home away from home. My son loves all the activities and personal attention the staff gives him. (Ex. They dissenfect and wipe down the garbage can each night because he and so many other kids are drawn to it.) He gets so excited playing with the other kids. I have been impressed with how nicely the children play and the parents supervise. As for me, I have met so many wonderful moms and kids and I can see my son at all times without much effort. This allows him the independence he wants and the supervision I feel is a must. The layout make watching two or more children so easy.

Train tables, play kitchen, doll house, castle, log cabin, slides, costumes, legos, building blocks, books, puzzles, where should I stop... My kids love it. Free parking right out front, they sell snacks and beverages and there are places for lunch across the street. The staff is very friendly. Nice place for playgroups and even better if you just need a place to let your kids run/crawl around. Clean environment and they even have complimentary wipes and diaper cream. Impressive place, service and attention to detail.

I wanted to make a comment on how great this environment is. I am member of My Corner Playroom and I recently had my son's birthday party there. It was absolutely wonderful. I have never hosted such a stress free party.

My Corner Playroom is a life saver! It is like home away from home. My child can play freely in a safe and clean environment where I have no mess to clean up, and I even get adult time by meeting with other parents there. The best is that they are always open longer hours and less restrictions than some places!