I fully recognize that I didn’t quite dig deeply enough on the website to find this out, but I planned to visit the Playpen with my daughter, a friend, and her son this week. It wasn’t until we arrived that I understood there was a daily fee for the children to play in the space - $16! Since it was only an hour before closing, that definitely didn’t feel like a good investment. But I also thought from the initial social media posts (apparently I had missed more recent ones, but saw all the buzz of the early ones and this wasn’t clear in those) and the homepage of the website that this was essentially a coffee shop with a fun, safe space for the children to play while moms enjoyed a coffee and baked good. $16 just feels like a really huge barrier to entry as a mom to a small one, who really would only have the energy and social capacity to play for an hour or less.
I know there are probably lots of folks in town for whom that cost isn’t a problem, even for a short period, but as a family with a tighter budget, I was just a little sad to realize this space won’t be accessible to us for regular use. Maybe a rare special treat!
My friend and I ended up walking down the block to the library, where the kids can also play (for free! And there’s coffee!), and it was full of kids! The playpen had been quite empty.
The space looks so beautiful and I’m sure the coffee is good, so we’re sad we won’t get to visit often. I’m sure it will be great for Glen Ellyn families who...
Read moreI visited this indoor playplace today. While the playground itself was excellent and very clean, the customer service was noticeably lacking and requires substantial improvement.
My friend and I came for the first time with our small children and gave them snacks we had brought from home. One of the owners approached us and, in a very rude manner, told us that outside food was not allowed. We acknowledge that we were not in the designated eating area, and that was our mistake for not seeing the sign. However, the policy of prohibiting outside food altogether and essentially requiring families to purchase snacks on-site is unreasonable and unlike what other local playplaces enforce. Many toddlers and young children have dietary restrictions or specific needs, and the limited snacks sold here may not accommodate them.
In addition, policies like this should be clearly explained during the check-in process before payment is taken, especially for first-time visitors.
Overall, while the facility itself is well-maintained, the approach to customer service and policy enforcement was disappointing. Fortunately, there are several other indoor playgrounds in the area that are far more accommodating...
Read moreI recently visited "The Playpen Glen Ellyn," and I can't express how wonderful this place is for kids and parents alike! From the moment we stepped inside, my little one was in awe of the fantastic play area designed for children aged 0-6. The colorful and safe environment provided endless hours of entertainment and active play.
But what truly sets this place apart is the incredible coffee they offer. It's hands down some of the BEST coffee I've ever had! While my child was happily exploring and making new friends, I was sipping on a delicious cup of coffee, which made my visit even more enjoyable.
The icing on the cake is their party rental options. Whether it's a birthday party, baby shower, or bridal party, "The Playpen Glen Ellyn" has you covered. The staff is attentive and accommodating, making it effortless to host a memorable event in this fantastic space.
Overall, I can't recommend "The Playpen Glen Ellyn" enough. It's a haven for young children, a coffee lover's dream, and an ideal spot for hosting special events. Five stars...
Read more