What a fabulous time we had on Northwest Passage's Crete (Greece) Kayak Adventure. Rick, Zane and…read moreAnna were excellent guides who quickly taught us the skills necessary to paddle a sea kayak. They also knew the area so well that they could point out things or take us places we would never have discovered on our own. The towns chosen for the overnights were well selected; also, the lodgings were comfortable and the restaurants served good Greek food. Having previously done this trip multiple times before, Northwest Passage has it down to a "science" for a seamless trip. It was an outstanding way to experience Crete. We would count this adventure as one providing the proverbial "memories of a lifetime." We highly recommend Northwest Passage Adventures.

Went on the 2 hour sunset kayaking with a bunch of girlfriends recently and had an awesome time…read more Even though they provided maps as to where the boat launch would be--I still went to the wrong area--boo for me and directions. They provided all the equipment: lifejacket, oar, and kayak. I recommend water shoes just because Im not a huge fan of sand or rocks in between my toes. The fabulous trip leader gave us some instruction/safety and then we were off and paddling--ok maybe not at first :) The staff was so patient and nice---especially because I felt like the first half of the trip I definitely needed special attention--since we were veering in the opposite direction of the group---geesh who would've thought it would be so difficult to turn or keep going straight--but with the proper instruction and a little special ed tugging from one of the trip leaders---we were on our way to cruising on lake michigan. Being that this was my first time and I didn't fall out or become traumatized--I definitley will be doing this again.

Hands done the BEST customer service. The guys at set up and take done were so friendly. They…read moreexplained how to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone. Cannot wait to utilize their services again.

I paid for a weekend rental of an inflatable water slide in July of 2022. Due to inclement weather…read morewe had to cancel and while they didnt offer a refund, they emailed me a raincheck credit good for one year. First week of April 2023, I forward them the raincheck email to try and redeem and they did not honor it. They took my money and I got literally nothing in return. I just filed a complaint with the BBB.

We recently hosted my daughter's 7th birthday party here and had a fantastic experience. There…read morewere a number of options (ceramic painting, canvas painting, slime, and more!) - we chose canvas painting. The owner, Robin, and one of the other employees were fantastic at leading a group of 21 first grade girls through painting a mermaid tail (there were so many choices for the canvas painting - my daughter happened to choose this one). They can do them more or less complex based on the age group of the party. Robin was truly fantastic to work with. She took care of everything, including ordering pizzas from elsewhere in the mall. I brought the paper goods and cupcakes and everything else was handled. We were in a party room in the back that is utilitarian but also decorated. I definitely appreciated that there were separate tables for the art and the eating! I was perfectly happy to not be out in the front of the store with the general public. And the price was totally reasonable given everything that they did for us. Would definitely host another party here! We've also come on a random day just to do a walk in ceramic painting, which was also great. Lots of selections at all sorts of different price points. You can also do walk in canvas painting.

Haven't been in the store yet to experience, but was planning on holding my daughter's birthday…read moreparty here. We eventually ended up forgoing this year because she's still so young she wouldn't fully appreciate the experience, but plan on going for some Mommy and me time. The staff that I was in touch with while planning the event were all so helpful, responsive, and friendly. Even when we decided to pass on holding the party there, after we had filled out the form and not yet put in the deposit, they were so understanding. They get high ratings, they're located conveniently in a mall where if you have youngers you can go to the playgrounds in the mall, and if you have olders, they can walk around and do a little independent shopping. Looking forward to visiting soon!

"Tank It Easy" helps me take the ideas I have for my home aquarium and realize them while making…read moresure I maximize my enjoyment of it while sharing it with others. First of all, the owner and head of the design team, Brian, always provides excellent advice on equipment, aquarium fish, invertebrates and especially corals - and the supply in his store is outstanding! (Take a peak at the picture I took of a scene in one of the shop's display tanks as an example). What's really great is his vast knowledge on the behavior, dietary needs, and compatibility with other tank mates you can choose. He's so generous in helping you learn and he does so while always thinking of you first, and what's right for your aquarium and your budget! I sincerely feel I have a friend in the business, which is why I prefer to "Tank It Easy"!

Hey, I really enjoyed this place and they really put a ton of effort and variety of salt water fish…read moreand sea elements that support this fish. A ton of variety that no one store could compete with. They are willing to share a ton of information about fish and how to maintain it. I was nicely greeted by the store and willing to help. Since I am doing a fresh water tank, I am limited although they had about ten or more tanks with these kinds of fish. I was able to pick a several fish with the common neons and tetras. I did a bunch of watching and reading online and so I have tons for good questions that they were able to answer. I enjoyed seeing the other tanks as well. Great place for anyone that is serious about their tank. Please note that they open only two days per week and so you need to make time to visit. It's worth your wait.

I just want to give Mr. Nick a big shout out! I have been coming with my 7 month old and it has…read morebeen such a wonderful time with her. It really is the highlight to our week. To watch her light up when being apart of such an inviting and upbeat atmosphere keeps me wanting to come back. Mr. Nick is an incredible musician. He knows how to bring all the parents and babies together with his songs, style and rhythm. My only hope is to have this on the weekends for when I have to go back to work!! Super grateful for this gem for families needing that community engagement for their little ones.

They offer Virtual Classes now! We are absolutely thrilled that we have been able to continue…read moretaking classes with Mr. Dave Music during the stay-at-home order in Illinois. Not to mention that now anyone, anywhere can take classes with Mr. Dave. Mr. Dave is just as great and engaging in the virtual classes as he is in person. The sound is really nice, the set is cute, and Mr. Dave has his animal "friends" there dancing along with us. There is a lot of active movement, which is great considering we are staying inside for much of the time. By the end of the class, we have danced, jumped, sang, done sign language, learned about instruments and animals and our ABCs and all kinds of things. The price point on the virtual classes is great and the times they offer are convenient. Can't wait to be back in the studio... but for now - we love the Mr. Dave Music 'Virtual Experience'!

In 2025, Evanston had their first busker festival. Exciting to hear about this so we could attend…read more It had a small footprint too, which made it especially great for attending with a toddler. It took place over just a few blocks on Central St in Evanston. There were several musicians playing, all really talented artists. There were performers of all stripes: Tim the Mime; The Unikyle_Show; Smartypants Balloons. And more! These are the performers we happened to see because we were here near the end of the event (it only lasted a few hours). Each of the performers who were involved were funny, interesting, and so creative and it was fun to watch. The three I mentioned above have Instagram accounts, so definitely give them a follow. I started following some Evanston civic accounts so that I know when this is happening next year. My only worry is that it'll get so popular that there won't be anywhere to park. We got incredibly lucky with a spot right in the middle of the action and on the street (the street wasn't closed), but it is just down the street from the Central St metra station.

We just had a laser tag party. The kids loved it. The equipment was delivered and set up as…read morepromised. Will definitely be using them again.

From the owner: Laser Tag, Movies & More-Delivered To Your Door! Now providing curbside pick up for maximum…read moresavings! Wow your guests w/ amazing games like Mobile Laser Tag, Archery Tag, Axe-Throwing, Photo Booths, Zorb Balls, Foam Parties, Virtual Reality, Bungee Runs, Slip-N-Slides & Bounce Houses. Yelp Award Winning Service & A+ BBB Rating. All of our equipment is thoroughly sanitized and cleaned before and after every party. We are offering some really sweet deals right now and we would love for you to give us a call or text so we can help you plan something safe and awesome! We respond SUPER FAST. We understand the pressures of putting on an event, which is why we have been trusted by thousands of customers , received the "People Love Us On Yelp" award, and have been trusted by clients such as Facebook, Ebay, National Instruments, Samsung, Chick-Fil-A, Yelp & many more.

I may have missed it somewhere, but I didn't realize I was hiring teenagers. The service was OK…read more I'd rate the pedicure portion a 2 at best. Definitely not worth the $400 I paid. Would not hire again.

Hired Glitzy Girlz for a recent kids mobile spa party - I was thrilled that they come to you! Lisa…read morethe owner was great - responsive and helped to customize the package. Our actual hostess Angela was fantastic too! Arrived on time and kept the girls engaged and moved thru all of the activities with ease - I was so impressed! She tended to 7 kids' hair, nails, and led a craft in 90 min! The best part was that it a no mess party - nice to be able to find reasonably priced kids spa party!

This is a wonderful summer camp for kids who are super active and love doing different things every…read moreday. They take the kids on tons of different field trips, and when they stay on-site they bring in fun activities and entertainment. My kids loved the add-on activities, which include horseback riding, rock climbing, and cooking classes. I like that you can see the entire summer's schedule, day-by-day, before you enroll, too. As a parent I really appreciate how accessible and responsive the owners Brooke and James are. They replied to every question and concern quickly, and they were very helpful and professional with each interaction. I can tell these are parents who truly care that every camper and parent has a great experience with them. Oasis is a great option for families who need flexibility--there are large windows for drop-off and pickup, and you can even enroll your child one day or one week at a time. I've never found another day camp with this kind of flexibility and I really appreciate it as a working parent.

As a parent I was very attracted to this camp by the array of activities, particularly the twice a…read moreweek swimming and weekly field trips to local kids arcades and fairs. But my child did not enjoy the long bus rides to the various destinations. Many of the places they went were an hour or more away (Rockford water parks, Brookfield zoo). Apparently the camp did not have kids doing group bus activities (telling stories etc) on the long drives. When we saw how much time they were spending sitting on buses without bus activities, we were surprised. We don't recall our camp field trips this way--bus rides were chances for counselors and campers to invent wacky songs or play group games...but it seems this wasn't the case here. Our child also said that the counselors weren't as attentive as counselors at other camps. When we fetched our child at 3:30 or 3:45 each day we also found that counselors were completely unengaged--texting or dozing on the gym floor. Kids were running around unsupervised. We assumed the extra expense of this camp (which costs more than other day camps) was because kids could stay the full day...but when we saw that after 3:30 the camp becomes a free-for-all with unplugged counselors, we made an effort to get off work early to pick our son up at 3:30. The camp should insist that the counselors remain engaged and actually supervise children in the 3:30-closing period. Many of the activities were great on paper but didn't quite materialize. Cooking class with real ovens didn't happen, No real arts activities, at least not during the weeks our child was there. Theme weeks the weeks my son was there theme day and a half--a trip and a related optional dress up day. Also, the theme did not seem to bring other learning or creative opportunities....which is fine, since camp should be mainly about having fun...but if your kid is expecting a full week of Harry Potter extravaganzas, he'll be disappointed. I'd like to believe that a lot of the problems with the camp this summer had to do with the fact that one of the camp directors/owners was pregnant and recently had her baby (I don't think I ever saw her at the site, and I don't think I ever met the other director, either...save for at the open house day in the spring). Perhaps they were more hands off than normal because of the baby. I do think an effort should be made to find more engaged counselors for next year. Of all the male counselors I've met at various camps, for some reason this lot looked the most bored...and kids pick up on that. At least our child did. I don't want to be completely negative here. The camp did some nice things I have not seen done elsewhere--posting photos online each week of the kids at the pools, trying to offer a variety of fun activities. If better, more engaged counselors were found and encouraged to remain attentive all day, and if the long bus rides were minimized and activities for those rides created, the camp could be as good as it soujnds like it should be.