Make A Messterpiece

I was very impressed with this place when my 3 yr old son and I went on 3÷16÷14. We arrived 15 minutes after opening and the place was busy, but it was a Sunday. Although busy, there were 3 employees to help with the check-​in process. We had a Group On, which was a great deal! Lots of creative activities (bubbles splashing art canvas, instrument with paint area, kitchen cooking area, creative arts section) as well as your standard arts and crafts activities (play dough, coloring, cutting, hole punching). There is also a play area with a slide and an area for younger kids (0 – 2 yrs). Great concept and I thought well-​executed!

CLOSED as of May 16^th? No one answers the phone during business hours and people have said they closed.

Went with kids. huge place, great activities. My 3yo was too young to appreciate the activities. She liked the kitchen where you can eat, but didn’t care of the others. The play area is a little small, the older kids can get really aggressive towards the younger ones (3yo/​20month). Even the girls were pushing past them and cutting to use the slide (my 3yo made a comment about why they weren’t waiting their turn) I was really surprised. My kids had fun but won’t bring them back til they are older and can hold their own without me protecting them from getting shoved, pushed and hit by older kids. Do not recommend for younger kids.

This is place is okay. I expected it to be cleaner considering it is in the glen. Some of the staff was rude. Others were wearing completely inappropriate clothing to be working around young children. They did have one or two nice activities, but all in all, nothing you can’t do at home with your child and some paint and an easel, minus the rude staff and nasty germs. The saving grace here was the slide/​treehouse area which had nothing to do with painting. It was also filthy. The merchandise here is super overpriced. Go to Michaels or Marshalls for the same stuff for half the price. If your child is older than 3, they will be bored here.

What is not to love about this place!!!
Got a groupon for half the price for both kids and they had a blast for a good 4 hours.
There was so much to do here and the staff was really organized. Kids came home with some nice paintings. The art kitchen was cute… they made «clown popcorn».
Play dough, bubble machine, a «blue man group» kind of room where they put on a rainsuit and bang on drums full of paint.
The couch area for the adults was great also. And they had Wifi!!! Wooo hooooo.
I will def bring the kids here again.

Because my boy is only 2, the only thing we’ve done is general admission. For $ 5 you get into the art and play areas. Not bad! It’s nice to do painting and playdough when I don’t have to worry about it getting all over our rugs and furniture. The play space is super small but gets the job done. We usually do a few paintings, do whatever special craft they have out and then hit the play space.
We came in with some friends once and they did the bubble art and were really unimpressed. They highly advised we skip it so we haven’t ever done it. But when my guy is a little bigger we’ll try the other fun stuff.
The staff is always really friendly!

In summary, i went with a groupon, thought it was a fine way to pass a couple of hours with my two kiddos (2 and 3 and ½) but expected more interesting projects .i wouldn’t return due to safety issues and caliber of projects, and am thankful that I didn’t pay full price. In detail, I arrived when it opened and waited 10 minutes to check in– not a big deal, but I can’t imagine the wait if there was actually a crowd. Started at the bubble station where about half of the bubble machines weren’t working. Found a person who worked there who snidely told me I needed to press the button, pressed a few herself, and realized that she needed to refill the paint. Really enjoyed this station. Went to the Cooking station at our allotted time and were told that we would be making snowcones (no enthusiasm from staff, btw). Machines were handed out and blocks of ice distributed. Started trying to shave the ice and one of the moms asked if the staff member remembered to take the plastic covers off of the blades. She hadn’t, so everyone opened their machines and tried again. About a minute later a mom announces that her daughter has cut herself. The poor little girl is bleeding quite profusely from her finger and the staff member looks at her, takes OFF her rubber gloves, and dabs a little at the blood on the counter with a dry paper towel. She then says that she’s going to pass out the fruit, which she does with her de-​gloved hands, having not made any effort to contact a superior, as the little girl continues to bleed while her mom tries to keep her calm and stem the flow. This goes on for a few minutes as we stand there helplessly and the staff member continues doing nothing. My husband went and got the person who checked us in and asked for a manager or someone who could help. Another woman finally came over, handed over band aids and then
proceeded to get out materials for a different cooking project. Nothing had been cleaned appropriately. Finally, we were told that we should come back later and it appeared that maybe an accident report was completed and the counter was sprayed. I’ve worked with children pretty much my whole life, as a babysitter, camp counselor, teacher, tutor, and mom, and I have never been anywhere nor encountered an agency which didn’t have any sort of accident protocol in place and which had obviously not trained their staff in any way for such an occurrence, neither to protect themselves nor the children they were supposed to be guiding. I find this to be totally unacceptable.
We tried out the experiment station, painted with stencils, colored a horse, played a little, went back to the cooking station and threw some popcorn in a bag with chocolate and a gummy worm. Completely fine, but definitely not worth full price, let alone a return visit.

Took my 2 year old and 4 year old over the weekend. We really enjoyed the experience. Let’s get one thing out of the way: when you come here, a big part of the price is the fact that the mess isn’t in your house. Other reviews have complained that many of the activities as MAM can be replicated on the cheap with basic art supplies and kitchen ingredients. They’re right. That said, I was willing to pay 15 bucks a head to get my boys out of the house and for this convenience factor (plus, it would take a good deal of time, space, and money to set up the number of art projects my boys tackled in 2 hours).
For 15 bucks, we got the general admission plus two special activities. The two special activities we selected were the kitchen «baking» and drum room. My boys really liked both. We also did a few bubble paintings, about 4 or 5 other finger paintings, and we spent some time in the play areas too. All told, it ate up about 2 ½ hours, and it was definitely worth it.
One gripe, and I’d knock off a half star if I could: I hate when places like this put toys and stuff for sale right in the middle of the play area. I know every museum does this to a certain extent, but I thought MAM’s placement was particularly egregious. There were toy cars for sale right in the middle of the play area. Of course my boys asked, and thankfully there was enough to distract them so the rejection didn’t turn into a major tantrum/​fight. But still, isn’t it enough that I just paid $ 30 bucks for some arts and crafts? Putting all that stuff for sale in the play area just feels like a really unnecessary cash grab

I am always looking for things to do with my kids and when this popped up on Groupon I thought why not. We walked in and were promptly greeted, given times for out special events, and set free to explore. My kids atvthevtime were 4 and 7 and it was good for both of them. I did feel the kitchen activity was overbooked (not all the kids were able to sit down) but all of the kids were able to participate and my kids loved it. The place was a lot of fun and kids can be as creative as there hearts allow and you can leave the mess behind!

My husband and I brought our 5 year old daughter here for a day out for her birthday. Best idea ever!!! I loved this place as much as my baby did!
The location is perfect! There’s restaurants, shops, the Kohl’s Children’s Museum and a park right across the street! We didn’t have a problem finding parking at all.
There was so much to do… from painting, coloring, drawing, playing with playdoh, the bubble machine, there’s a little play area with a slide, a sitting area for parents, there are tvs so you can watch your kids from wherever you are and since we were there on a Sunday, we didn’t miss the Bear’s game! There’s also a kitchen where they taught the kids about owls and they made an owl smore snacky. I’m guessing every month or so the snack changes. There’s also a drum/​water/​paint room… my daughter wasn’t a big fan of it. We just her run free and choose the crafts and activities she wanted to do.
I would recommend MAM for kids 2.5 and older… otherwise you’ll be that parent running around after your kid the entire time.
I’m about an hour away from MAM but if we lived in the area, we would be here weekly! I love the concept of this place and would hope they make one closer to me!

I took my nephew here with a Groupon. It was a wonderful experience. The staff was incredibly helpful and enjoyed their jobs. They have a variety of creative and educational fun for youngsters. I recommend the «messiest» package, as a child will want to participate in every activity. It was a bit of a drive for me, so I wouldn’t personally get the membership, but I thought it was a little overpriced in general. I didn’t really notice the «mom café» they advertise, but it wasn’t necessary. Great place to bring your kids though! Recommended (ages 3 – 8)!

We’ve now been here twice — once on a playdate where we experienced four different stations since we had a Groupon. We enjoyed all the stations but I think that my favorite one for my son had to have been the kitchen science experiment where he got to eat his art project! I thought that the drums was a little overwhelming for a 2.5 year old but I loved seeing him get all dressed up for it!
The second time was a birthday party and they had a really great setup for it. I loved the small private room and thought that they were super organized as they handled the kids and lead them from station to station. My son loved having a project to take home and the frames with the birthday party group picture was a really great touch, too.

Pros:
Great business concept
Groupon deal is a bonus — $ 11 makes this «relatively» affordable
«Themes» for the projects/​crafts rotate frequently, so visits are different each time
Cons:
Very small — too small
Expensive for what you get
The staff quality really varies. Some of them seriously hate kids — why work at a place like this then?
They schedule «appointment» times but no one enforces these — so you’ll go for your 11:40 time and it will be filled. Then you get chewed out for «missing» your spot.
My kids can do all the activities in the place and still be done in an hour. When I’m spending $ 22 a head I would like it to last all day.

This place is amazing, every time we get in, it takes 4 – 5 hours to get out. My son just loves it… Unlimited painting on paper, boxes, toys. Kids make wonderful castles, houses, trains, cars. There are various stations, like kitchen, experimental station, plants growing… Drums room is such a fun for them. Last time I was there, I could not curb my impulse and went in as well. I think it was the best 5 minutes of my week :)
The regular price is $ 22 for entrance (all-​included) but I always buy it on Groupon for $ 11. Wooden toys for painting are sold separately.

I’ve known about this place for a while but didn’t check it out till we received a gift certificate for my 5 year old to come here. Really, it’s geared for the preschool to 2^nd grade ages, but it’s pleanty of fun for my older 8 year old son too. I think being a little older actually allowed them to enjoy it more. I saw a number of kids about 2 – 3 years old who would rather not get dressed in painting smocks and would rather cry on the floor instead. Clearly they were TOO young to be here.
For what the kids do at Messterpiece it’s kind of pricy, but we received gift cards to use here so that was probably the only reason we came. And some of these things kids can do at home but at least we don’t have to clean it up. At least that is the convenience of coming to a place like this. Then there’s unique fun things that kids can do which cannot be replicated.
One of those things was the drum and paint room. It’s an enclosed space with assorted drums and percussion instruments with liquid paint on them. The kids put on raincoats, boots and goggles to go inside and drum away, Blue Man Group style. Luckily my kids didn’t splash too much paint since they’re not into getting dirty.
Another fun station had machines that dispense colored soap bubbles, with a different color at each station. The kids got to make art using bubbles that adhere to the paper. By going from station to station, there was a wide array of pink, purple, blue, yellow and green bubbles.
All the activities were on a checklist that had scheduled times for each, which allowed us to do everything in a little over an hour. Besides the activities mentioned, there’s a little kitchen where the kids can make, bake and later eat mini corn muffins, a painting area and a science area where they got to dissolve color ink on filter paper into a colorful pattern.
The attendants working at each station varied in their enthusiasm. To some, it was just a job they do, while others really enjoyed interacting with the kids, especially the girl who worked the kitchen area.
One thing I can’t complain about is their cleanliness. There are plenty of sinks, paper towels (sponsored by a popular brand) and the attendants keep their areas orderly after each round of activities is over.
Now I wouldn’t spend a lot of money to come here, but with a gift card the price was right and it was an enjoyable afternoon for my kids.

We held my son’s 2^nd birthday party there a couple weekends ago. The kids all ages 2 – 5 (mostly on the younger end) really had a fun time. The staff was great, everything ran very smoothly. The kids each got to take home two creations from the party.
I know people have commented on the price. We have not gone there beyond the party and I can see why people would think it is a little pricey. However, for a party it was right on par with several other places I looked into, and cheaper than some. I think for something creative & different to do in the winter it is worth it — I am sure I will go back now that we have been there and I know my son likes it. It’s not the kind of place you go all the time but that’s why it’s fun!

I have been to MAM 3 times with my nieces, and I can honestly say it was excellent! Every time they come into town they beg me to take the to MAM, which I gladly take them with no questions asked. Sure it is a bit pricey, but it beats just about anything else out there. Where else can you bring kids to stimulate their minds while having fun, all the while you can relax read a magazine, check your email, or just plain zone out for a bit? The activities have all been different every time we have gone which is a plus. I recommend this place to everyone and anyone who has kids, nieces, and nephews, it’s a can’t miss.
Now my nieces are 5 and 7 years old, which is a perfect age for MAM… just a thought for those wanting to bring 1 and 2 year olds.

If your child has graduated from pull-​ups, he’s probably too old to enjoy Make A Messterpiece.
This business has discovered that well-​placed advertisements and flowery language on their website, supported by very few facts or photos, is an effective way to swindle the unsuspecting public. It worked on me. Why else would I drive 45 minutes and spend $ 40 for a Tuesday morning’s entertainment?
The website boasts 2 play areas. The harsh reality is that one of these (a piece of carpet with some scattered toys and books) is reserved for children under 2 years old. The other play area consists of only one slide (so ridiculously small that it would bore anyone OVER 2 years old) and a wooden «playhouse» containing nothing but 5 foam blocks. Woohoo! That’s it.
The «Experimentation Station» is described this way: «Future scientists have the opportunity to test a multitude of evolving
experiments, from volcanoes and magic potions to thermal lift and
more.» I paid extra for that because I was envisioning my kids freely experimenting in an age-​appropriate science lab. Turns out only one carefully-​regulated, staff-​chosen experiment is allowed per visit. Today’s science project: PAINTING A BOOKMARK! Excuse me?
Bubble’ology is another optional activity that I paid extra for because the description on the website sounded like endless fun. The truth of the matter is that a child is given a thick sheet of paper that he can stick under various tubes, press a button, and a few little paint bubbles splat on it. In a minute or two, the paper is full. When my child asked for another sheet, the staff refused. I asked why and was told that each child could do the activity only one time, but she could use the back of the paper if she wanted to.
I’m not sure how kids are supposed to express their creativity at the kitchen station, since they can make only one item, following the step-​by-​step directions of staff member who is watching them like a hawk. And if you’re going to lead a kitchen station, you should at least know how to make something palatable. Today’s «fizzy lemonade» had almost no sugar, was made fizzy by baking soda, and looked and tasted like paint water. We flung both cups into the garbage.
The «splat tables» just had paint, markers, crayons, and a few stickers. Put newspaper on your kitchen table and you’ve got the same thing. It holds a kid’s attention for about 10 minutes.
Make A Messterpiece is not what it promises. It is a giant disappointment. Don’t waste your time or your money at this place.

I went here with the family today for a birthday party and was pleasantly surprised.
If your kids love to create art, he/​she will love this place. Make A Messterpiece is like a Willy Wonka factory… but for art.
I am not turned off by the steep admission prices because this is one of those things you do once in a blue moon. It’s another cool experience to deposit into the childhood memory bank of your kid.
Yeah you can do art at home but have you ever gone to the movies or get yourself a starbucks? Well, the admission is a small price to pay once… just to see your kid smile.
I typically get gaggingly grossed out when I go to places that are designed to attract and entertain children because I can’t help but think about hundreds of snot nosed kids getting their paws on everything that I touch… but not here.
My list of things I liked:
— The place was super crowded but there was eager staff everywhere, ready to assist anyone who had questions. They also kept the groups and parties together to keep things under control.
— There were huge «Bounty» sponsored sink stations all over the place super stocked with paper towels and soap, making it hard to not keep hands clean.
— Not too many blind spots so it was easy to keep an eye on my kid.
— The bathrooms are clean and kept clean regularly.
— For moms with babies: family bathrooms equipped with a diaper genie and clean changing table (though I still can’t help but wipe down with a wet one! hee hee).
In a nutshell, would I suggest this to a friend? Yes indeed.

Let’s face it, this place is in Glenview. It’s for rich kids whose mother’s don’t want to go to Target to pick up sheets of construction paper, watercolors, and glitter.
My rant…
I tagged along with my sister and her two children (3 year old & 3 month old) $ 10/​child for admission (adults free). What really got me was that my sister had to pay for my 3 month old nephew to enter. Really? The girl’s rationale was, «Well there is a play area for him.» Note to this girl, a three month old can barely hold up his own head let alone take advantage of any type of play area. What a gip!
My rave…
Yes, it’s a cute idea-​a little crafting studio with designated areas for kids to release their creativity & get messy. Painting stations complete with kid easels and a clothesline for drying (just becareful because other kids might start drawing on your kid’s artwork!) are included in the admission fee. Extra activities such as the drum room (think Blue Man group), cooking station, science experimenting station, and bubble paint are an extra $ 5 each. My niece had an awesome time and had plenty of her artwork to bring home.
Extras for the moms:
–free wifi
–M Club lounge area with couches, great «mom» mags, and 3 flat screens-​2 of which are kid cams that help you keep track of your artsy rugrats
–healthy snacks available for purchse (yay, for pita chips!)
–staff are very friendly, great w/​kids & most have teaching backgrounds if not degrees!