We went to the Forest Park Aquatic Center on Memorial Day. It was wonderful…read more We went to Brookfield Zoo first, which is about a 13 minute drive from here. The pool was open from noon-5pm (it was opening day, I don't believe those are standard hours). We bought tickets online in the morning before going, which was a good idea because there was an incredibly long and slow line to purchase tickets. It was $15 per person. They have changing rooms, including showers with soap. They have a reasonably priced concession stand (no outside food allowed). There was a gigantic pool with multiple sections, including a zero depth entry section, 2 lap lanes, a 12 foot diving pool with diving pool and 2 drop slides. 2 medium large water slides. There was also a huge splash pad including a set of little kid water slides and a water bucket that dumps water on people. The life guards were great. We had a great time!

We attended an after-hours fundraiser at the Forest Park pool tonight, the annual Duck Splash,…read morewhich benefits the local special recreation program, WSSRA. We were very impressed by all of the lifeguards tonight. They were very pleasant and attentive and kept a close watch on the action. The pool has 2 slide areas, a kids section, lap lanes, diving well, and free play space. Grassy area and lounge chairs. My teen enjoyed the concession stand- soft serve ice cream and funnel cakes! I like how they enforce the "no food on deck" and "no shoes on deck" rules. Points off as the parking is absolutely bonkers. There were other sporting events happening tonight, plus just folks in the park, so there was no available parking. We parked in the farthest lot, which seems like a full 2-3 blocks from the entrance, and with 1-way lanes it took us super long to get everyone in and out of the event. Also, the locker rooms were outdated and did not smell the best.

I had my son's 9th birthday party at Magical Minds Studio in January 2026. Everything about our…read moreexperience was great- the party planner, the people who worked the party, the crafts used for the party, the flexibility and kindness (and patience!!) of everyone- it was all phenomenal. Thank you so much for everything! We will be back for some more fun :)

My child is at summer camp right now and having a wonderful time! Each week is a different theme…read moreranging from baking to famous artists to Harry Potter! Campers enjoy a mix of free time (painting, outdoor time, books, Magnatiles, doll house & dinosaurs) and more structured, project time like origami and wand-making. But it's not just limited to art. They do music play too. The staff members are warm, friendly, professional, attentive and creative! They are all trained artists with experience in early childhood care & education. It's clear they love their jobs and the campers love being there! What a treasure! And it is affordable. We are so lucky to have Magical Minds in Oak Park.

My child went to a variety of camps and classes regularly in 3rd and 4th grade and wants to return…read morenow that she's in 6th. The instructors are caring, knowledgeable and kind. The atmosphere is just so welcoming and pleasant. We are big fans!

First off, the place is easy to miss since its in lower level of a residential building. Its a…read morecutesy place for kids bday parties. My friends daughter celebrated her b'day twice at this location and our daughter really enjoyed the parties. I would like to host a party here as well!

Went to support a friend of a friend....its like a performance In someones garage. People can try…read moreout their amateur music skills with an enthralled group of supporters.

Eldest child learned electric guitar here through private lessons and took part in the performance…read moregroup that culminated in an awesome show on stage at a real club!! I've also been here for a few fundraisers for local non-profits and it's really a great space for that purpose. I think about 50 people attended a recent event in the second floor space and it was perfect for that- great acoustics, cool vibe, welcoming staff, free street parking, great neighborhood location.

Two of my children have attended Actors Garden summer camp for a total of 7 years and each year was…read moreincredibly meaningful and magical for them! They each grew so much, learned to take risks, speak up, sing & dance and made friends with the other campers and the wonderful counselors and co- directors. The original plays- scripts and music are all original- were such fun to watch and the kids adored performing them. They were each performed on a real stage at Dominican University and the highlights of our summer. Camp director, teacher and Actors Garden owner Gigi Hudson is a local treasure who is one of the most loving, enthusiastic and enjoyable teachers I've ever met. In addition to summer camp my kids have also taken Actors Garden classes with Gigi, Dave, Meredith, Jennifer, Angie and Kim since they were in 1st grade. The studio on Lombard is bright and welcoming with easy metered parking and next to the Buzz which is handy for parents who are in need of a place to hang out and grab a Coke while waiting for a class to finish.

My daughter started the summer camp this past summer and she loves it. So much that she joined the…read morefall session as well. GiGi is wonderful and the team is great as well. My daughter was very shy and The Actors Garden is helping her confidence soar! I can't say enough about this team.

WOW! I'M speechless. My daughter signed up for Matilda this Spring 2023. She was so impressed at…read morethe dancing and singing instruction that she recieved. The teachers are amazing, patient and fun! Now my daughter has signed up for James and the Giant Peach. She is thrilled to be able to work with Ovation. The practices are convenient and it's not too far for us. I'm glad we found Ovation. It's a great oulet for my daughter's creative love of theater, singing and dancing.

It's a real shame that the favoritism is so rampant in a children's theater camp/program like this…read more Theater is supposed to be for everyone and in the 3 years we've attended, the woman running this has chosen her favorites while being so rude to so many parents and kids here who were not. I kept thinking it was a fluke or a bad day, but it's not, it's constant. It's not cheap, the productions and decent, but again, inclusion isn't what it should be. Forget it if your kid isn't a particularly strong reader. I won't be paying $$ for that woman's ego again. Hilarious that it's located in Oak Park, home of the "hate has no home here" signs

This is a newer school in Oak Park so I was a little nervous at first. The class sizes are small so…read morethe teachers are very attentive. Pricing is better compared to some in the Chicagoland areas. My daughter is taking Japanese classes here and so far so good. She really likes her teacher which I feel is important. The space also promotes learning, rugs and pillows everywhere but also small classrooms for teaching. On the weekends the environment is very quiet. Had a chance to write this review while sipping complementary coffee while waiting for my daughter. The staff here are always so welcoming!

I am Cynthia R.'s husband. We signed up for the whole summer back in January and have the email to…read moreprove it. When we showed up with our daughter for day 1 of the 2nd 6 weeks, we were shocked when they said we had not enrolled. Then they lied to us and said the session was full; we had a friend call the next day and found they had room. It wasn't until after repeated calls and emails that the director (does not deserve this title) informed us it was due to our child's behavior. We were only notified once of any issues and we immediately addressed them. In addition, we asked every day how things were and were always told "good" and "fine" and were never again contacted about any behavior issues. If we had been, we would have dealt with them but the lies and deceit are so very unprofessional and unethical. We have filed a formal complaint with the BBB of Chicago and have done the same with the Village of Oak Park. Our child did love Academia and is heart broken, is this how an institution of child learning acts and behaves? Buyer beware with this place!!