We visited the Improv Playhouse as a part of Mom's Night Out. Most of us had no clue what to expect…read moreand were surprised to arrive for our showtime and realize we were the only 5 people who would be in the audience. We all had a good laugh about this (both the performers and our group) and our group quietly hoped that the performance would actually be funny as there wasn't a huge crowd to buffer with. All of that to say, we were absolutely delighted by the show. The group of performers that evening were wonderful and truly funny. You could see their connection, adaptability and ability to think on their feet. It truly was an enjoyable experience at the Improv and we were happy to have gone. They have snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase (cash only) which was a nice offering as well.

Total scam! Not as advertised! Not worth the money! Child was very disappointed! It is NOT about…read morekids, education, or theater! ALL IT IS ABOUT PROFIT. They put 50 kids in a gym with counselors that are not of legal age themselves (14 year old children). No structure! Chaos! Selling junk food to kids. My daughter was there the first day and it will be her last time at Improv Playhouse. Our 12 year old daughter wanted to take an acting summer camp. We called Improv Playhouse, a lady explained that our daughter should register for a version of the camp called showstopper, which is intended for 4th-9th grade instead of broadway bound which is intended for 1st-3rd grade. The lady suggested that we read more about their programs. We went on the website and found the Improve Playhouse channel on YouTube. We watched the video Improv Moana Camp (Link provided), which featured a group of about fifteen 4th-9th grade children taking acting classes and putting on a Moana Production. We read the mission statement. My daughter liked it, and said that is what she wanted. The camp was $755 for 10 days (two weeks), ran at the middle school. We thought we did our homework. We were expecting 4th-9th graders, groups of about 15-20 children, and acting activities. On the first day of camp, as we are walking in, all kids walking in are kindergarten through third grade. My daughter got nervous and said all kids are little. I told her that they probably have multiple camps running. Greeting the children were very young counselors. Most counselors were 14 year olds from the same middle school. They brought all the kids into a gym where they remained the entire day (9:00 am - 3:00 pm). There were about 50 children. They did not separate the children by age, there were no acting classes/activities, kids were not even taken to the cafeteria to eat lunch, but had to eat lunch on a dusty gym floor. There were no chairs, kids had to sit on the floor the entire day. They were selling junk food and candy to children at lunch. When my wife picked up my daughter, she was very disappointed and said It was very chaotic, unstructured, and a waste of time. She said it felt like the park district camp and is not what she was expecting and what we saw on the improv playhouse channel. Right away my wife asked if we can cancel the rest of the camp and asked to talk to someone in charge. Counselors went to get someone. When my wife explained that the camp was not what my daughter expected and we would like to cancel it, Mr. James said we can but we need to email the office. My wife emailed the office right away (administrative manager, Rachel Kwiecinski), but Mrs. Kwiecinski replied that there will not be refunds given. My wife called her and explained what was going on and asked her to refund the money, but to be prorated. Mrs. Kwiecinski said she will have to talk to the bookkeeping and will try to get a prorated refund. A couple of minutes later, the Creative Director of Youth Programming, Miss O'Leary called and said that there are no refunds. My wife asked her again very nicely to double check, and that it was not what was advertised and it was not for the age group that I paid for. Later that evening, the owner David Stewar emailed my wife saying they are an accredited organization and refunds will not be given, he also accused my wife of being disrespectful. My wife was very respectful to everyone she talked to, did not raise her voice or said anything disrespectful. My wife did not even ask for the full refund, which we should totally get because it was not what was advertised. In addition, he said that the video was from a local community house even though it was on their channel and suggested by their staff. According to his email "That video was from a small Highland Park workshop held years ago at a local community house, an entirely different format, group size, and production model. Our current camp format is a full-scale 10-day performance experience." Honestly, I am not totally sure what the difference is.

If you are looking for a venue for your event, STOP RIGHT NOW - YOUR SEARCH IS OVER! In September…read more2017, Loft21 hosted our wedding reception and it was absolutely incredible! The newly-renovated space incorporates every detail you could imagine into your event. From the moment you walk in, you feel like you're in a million dollar party. They can change the lighting to fit your theme, the audio/video system is out of this world, and the range of options through HYPE productions (incl. photo booth, dj/mc, music etc.) completely ices the cake for a perfect evening. It's hard to start describing how Loft21 is such a perfect venue, so let's start with the people. JuneElise, Loft21's event manager, is EXTREMELY helpful in guiding you along the way to a seamless event...she will answer any question you have, and deliver professional results quickly and efficiently...we did not sense this level of customer support at any other venue we shopped. Her attitude is great and you won't be disappointed. Secondly, the HYPE staff is incredibly entertaining, and our dance floor did not stop until the lights went on...they hit every corner of the music we requested and the MC, Adam, kept the party moving like a Mac truck... it was awesome, and we still get complements to this day. Jazmine, the owner, was quite involved with our planning as well, as she owns both HYPE and Loft21...so if you use both, you enjoy a discount and she was very clear on how the combined package saved us tons of cash. I could go on...so why don't I? The atmosphere is so unique and stimulating... the bars are uber-modern with an industrial feel, the staff is incredibly well trained and friendly, the globo with your event logo shines on the wall, the preferred caterer they recommended was perfect (Marcellos!), the audio video incorporation is super cool, and we wished the night never ended!! I'd say, with all the competition we shopped for our wedding, Loft21 provided the most competitive pricing for a 350 person event that we could find - they offered everything we wanted (and more), and you will be doing yourself a favor by calling them today before their calendar fills up. If you talk to JuneElise, and you have any doubts about booking with them, you have my permission to ask her for my contact info for a referral. You simply can't go wrong! Tim G.

There's definitely a shortage of event venues if you're comparing to what's available in the city…read more And while we're lucky enough to have a city full of amazing venues nearby sometimes it's just easier to stick with something nearby. Hence why Loft 21 is such a popular option for bar mitzvahs and other big events. If you have a 12/13 year old kid going thru the mitzvah circuit chances are you'll end up here. The venue itself is owned by Jazmine at Hype Productions. I haven't rented out Loft 21, but have hired Hype twice and been thrilled with everyone I"ve worked with over there so I"m guessing this is so exception. Jazmine is very on top of everything, which is perfect for my type A personality. While I highly recommend Hype for event production you can bring in others to the space. The bar mitzvah we attended this past weekend had Tenny from Flo as their MC. The space can easily be transformed and seems to work with any theme. And for those who don't want to go crazy with decor it's a pretty venue on it's own. They have a nice area upstairs for cocktails. People tend to congregate near the bar which can make it crowded so I recommend putting a food station (or extra bar) in the area separated off so that people spread out just a bit. This area also overlooks the ballroom so at the end of the cocktail hour they do a big reveal by showing the room down below, which is cool. The acoustics in the space aren't great and my biggest complaint is that I can't hear anyway near me while I"m there. I can also barely hear any speeches when I'm in the space. However, it works great for music, montages and anything else you need.

This location just opened and my son has attended a few of the summer camps. The camps are…read moreinnovative and fun. The staff is wonderful and upbeat. Kids science labs is the first camp that keeps my son learning and engaged. Solar system camps, science, engineering, architecture. I am so happy this location opened in Vernon Hills!

My seven year old son has loved science for years so we're thrilled KSL opened in Vernon Hills! The…read moreowners are hands-on, passionate about kids and science, and care about connecting to the community. This was one of the easiest parties I ever hosted. They handle literally everything and keep the kids engaged, excited and learning the entire time. They go the extra mile and keep the birthday child at the center of everything making their day extra special. This is also a prime location for parents! They can shop, dine, and exercise within steps of KSL. We will be back many times over the years! Can't wait for Camp!

My partner and I were looking for another indoor playground for young kids as our weekend…read moreexcursion. Mama Rosa did a little Yelp search and found "Time Out Party and Play" and we executed our plan to check this place out with our little ones. The place had a cute vibe. The one-time open play admission was $15, without the entry to the sensory room. The attendant was very kind and allowed us to use the sensory room without an extra charge. Honestly, the sensory room was my favorite part because the room was actually serene, soothing, and great for kids who wanted to take a break from the physical play. The setup was quite inspiring in that sensory room and I could definitely see it as my ideal room design. Interactive, learning-driven toys were filled on the walls and and it was fun to see the kids jumping on the water trampoline. Patrons were courteous and I could see my older one had a lot of fun. My younger one was slightly timid due his petite size, but he ended up sticking to the small slide adjacent to the large two-story playpen. Some parents were able to "relax" for the time being by chilling at the cafe area nearing the playground. I believe there was a menu available to order the food and drinks in from a third-party coffeeshop. The register, on the other hand, had some pops and juice boxes for sale. "Time Out Party and Play" caters for birthday parties. I took a glance on the pricing poster and it seemed pretty reasonable to me if any parent wanted to plan an official birthday celebration by inviting friends and families. Nowadays the mall has gotten so much more emptier, yet a business like this should be a keeper! We don't live anywhere near the Hawthorne Mall in Vernon Hills, so we will be back when we can.

I had been eyeing the signs for Time Out Party & Play for what felt like an eternity, waiting for…read moreit to open so that my daughter and I could FINALLY check it out. Well today, my friends, was the day!! We came in about 4:45pm on a Saturday. There were maybe 5 other children playing. I had already checked out the prices, so I knew what to expect: $20 for open play, $28 for open play + drink + toy or $15 for open sensory play (great for toddlers and babies). Although I was initially a little hesitant about the $20 open play fee based on the space, I can confidently say that I got my money's worth, as my daughter was entertained for a solid hour and a half, and still didn't want to leave. The sensory area is a wonderful, quiet, low-light space for toddlers and babies who would otherwise be overwhelmed (or trampled) in the play area. The main play area is great, as you can see your child from just about every angle, and even on a busy day, the space is small enough that they're a safe distance away from you at all times. Adults aren't allowed on the second story of the play gym, but even my reserved 3 year old was able to maneuver most of the stuff on the second floor with confidence and ease. There are plenty of seats and tables for parents to hangout, or for kids to take a break, and cubbies for your shoes (socks only play). Great play space for kids 6 and under, but somewhat older siblings could enjoy the space as well! They offer private and semi-private party packages at a reasonable rate, too! The staff was friendly and helpful, and took the time to answer all of my questions.

Amazing kids theater! Debut Theater Studio in Buffalo Grove…read moreis such a gem! The staff is caring and creative, and the programs are fun, well-organized, and confidence-building. My child loves the mix of acting, music, and movement--and the performances are always a joy to watch. Highly recommend for any family looking for a supportive, artistic environment! Thank you!

What an amazing place and experience! The staff and owners are very hands on and work with you and…read moreyour child to meet the standard and needs to get them to their best ability and performance level! They offer English and Russian classes so it helps a lot to have this variety! Highly recommended!

Have gone to several plays here: Boeing, Boeing, Almost Maine, Rumors and now Independence. The…read moreacting is excellent, sets are well done, seats are comfortable, it's easy to get to and park, the lobby is comfortable, bathrooms are well kept and the snacks are reasonable and include beer. You can bring your own wine. Really like their choice of plays. Independence was very well acted and thought provoking, the kind of play you talk about on the way home. We will continue to enjoy going to the theatre here!

Three Brothers Theatre is a small group of people who enjoy acting and all the facets of theatre…read more Three Brother's theatre is small enough to enjoy live presentations that are always top quality. It is such a great experience going to the plays and knowing a lot of the actors and patrons who love and appreciate the work that goes into bringing live theatre to the public. Keep up the great work!! Chandra L. Sefton chandra12@aol.com

We had the absolute best experience having our wedding reception at Highland Park Community House…read more Truly, it was perfect. We attribute that to the fact that Wendy, HPCH's Executive Director, is such a gem of a person, so easy to work with, very communicative, doesn't nickel and dime you, allows for flexibility, is accountable, and makes you feel at ease every step of the way. It's very clear that the operation at HPCH is smooth and positive because you feel it as a client. Wendy and HPCH made our vision and dream to have a 70s disco themed wedding reception a reality, and we wouldn't have been able to pull it off without Wendy and the HPCH team. Thank you for everything you did for us to make our event life changing and memorable. Please run, don't walk, to schedule your next event at Highland Park Community House. You will not be disappointed!!!

My fiancé and I were online looking for beautiful venues that were affordable. In our search we…read morecame across Highland Park Community House. From the pictures alone we were amazed and knew we needed to schedule a visit to see it in person. My fiancé sent an email over and a set time was created for us to come check everything out. Upon arrival we were greeted by Wendy. She gave us a complete walk through of everything and explained how the whole process worked. Everything about Wendy was genuine and we loved her positive attitude. We ended up booking the same day and left a deposit. Our wedding will be in October and we're just so excited to have it there. Thank you for making this process easy!!

Takes hour or more for your food they have limited seating and everything you try and order they…read moreare out of it.

they promote toddler time on social media as toddlers only, to play in a clean environment before…read moreopening to the public. We went today for toddler time, there were many older kids / teenagers jumping around. The place isn't cleaned either, many crumbs on the ground, crumbs on the trampolines, I'm not sure the place had actually ever been cleaned before let alone vacuumed. The arcade machines are also rigged and half are broken. Monopoly game had a broken screw in it so the dice wouldn't spin. ZR machine broken lol. There was never staff behind any desk to help out. When they do come out from the kitchen (where literally every staff member was) you're ignored. The place is ran by teenagers, how are there no adults or adult managers? the "manager" when i told him how dirty the place was said "sorry for the inconvenience" ????? ****THEYVE NOW BLOCKED ME ON FB AND DELETED ALL OF MY COMMENTS ON THEIR POST ABOUT TODDLER TIME**** guess what you can't delete? google and yelp reviews :) :)