Skip to Content

Purple Monkey Playroom: Bucktown Drop In Play Space

DSC_1612

Talk about a gem in the middle of the city! Purple Monkey Playroom was descended upon on a very snowy Tuesday afternoon by me, Mr. Houseful and the three littles. I do have a sneaking suspicion that the cellist would have enjoyed his time there as well, but I’ll let him continue to say otherwise. Located right of of Armitage and Western at 2040 N. Western, this quaint spot provides parents and children alike a welcome refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. With free coffee, tea, and wi-fi, parents will love the space as much as their children do. DSC_1609 As a mother, I realize the price of peace. And it is listed above. Mr. Houseful and I sat and figured out that if we visited once a week, it would come to more than the annual pass. And I’m sure that during the spring, summer and fall, when I don’t feel like taking everyone to the museum or zoo and chasing them around, this will definitely come in handy. Either way, it won’t be the last time that Jessica (the owner) sees me and my little ones.

As you can see, Lil Miss Twizzler was extremely impressed from the moment she first put on the red tutu.

DSC_1606

Right off the bat, the ladybug and Lil’ Miss found these tutus in the dress up area that they had to put on. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had one small enough for Lil’ Miss. They think about the tiny people, and I love it. DSC_1607 The balance beam that’s safe enough for little ones. I did hold a hand of each twizzler as they attempted to go across (hence the reason there are no pictures of them walking across.) DSC_1615 There was obviously lots of shopping to do, while dressed in that pretty red tutu. DSC_1610 Sir Twizzler headed straight for the pony. Dreams of being a cowboy perhaps? DSC_1611 There was a tiki-hut of sorts in the north east corner of the play space. Housed under there were a tool counter, and a kitchen. My children played with each area equally. I loved seeing that there were some tools in the refrigerator and some food in the tool case. DSC_1620 The area for parents to sit and drink their complimentary tea or coffee while watching their children play the day or afternoon away. DSC_1618 The kitchen area. There are various beverages (although no Pepsi – I’ll have to whisper in Jessica’s ear about this) available for purchase, including juice boxes and milk for little ones. DSC_1623 The action figure, and blocks area. DSC_1622 This is where the collective spent most of their time. This small slide which the twins approached with some sort of trepidation, soon became the go to attraction for the time we were there. DSC_1631 DSC_1627 DSC_1644 DSC_1645 DSC_1648 DSC_1649 DSC_1652 DSC_1654

The ladybug loved that there were all types of sparkle and ruffly things to dress up with. DSC_1674 And Sir Twizzler who donned his Preacher’s coat and mouse ears went on a task to find as many mouse ears as he could. He maxed out with three pairs. DSC_1673 DSC_1672 DSC_1671 DSC_1670 DSC_1669 DSC_1668

There was also music playing softly in the background that we took advantage of. All of it was of course kid friendly, and the addition of tutus encouraged massive amounts of twirling and ballerina like moves.
DSC_1680 DSC_1681

All in all, I would have to say that we had a fantastic time with this little corner of playland that Jessica created. It was also kind of nice to have the entire space to ourselves for about an hour and a half of the two and a half hours that we were there.

And when the day outside looks like this:

DSC_1635It’s always great to have some place to go to shake your sillies out. Purple Monkey Playroom provides just that space. However, be prepared for your children to give you one of these when you all get into the car, or happen to walk home:

DSC_1692

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jennifer

Sunday 6th of October 2013

I am a grandma with lofty aspirations of creating a play space for all my grandkids. I ended up here because of one image, but was blessed most by the creative writing of a mom who "gets it". I love the name 'Mr. Houseful' and all the clever affectionate names you have given your little brood! (deep sigh) I am better for having visited here. You put family in its rightful place - of highest importance. Thank you.

Natasha Nicholes

Sunday 6th of October 2013

Oh Jennifer! Thank you so much for the kind words. :) They made my day - especially after such a rocky morning with the houseful. I am glad that you ended up here, and I hope that you come back to visit soon!

Nellie

Friday 1st of March 2013

Don't know how I landed here but i'm happy I did. Your pictures are so great! My kids had such a blast at the children's museum when we went, I need to go back again. And even though we spent the entire day there, there were tears from mine too :)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.