Since this place has been open for @ 2 weeks I figured it was time that someone added it to Yelp! I guess I get to have the dubious honor! All I can say is look out Chuck E. Cheese. There's a new sheriff in town and he's sure to be the toast of the neighborhood, at least among the preschool crowd.
After days of relentless pleading from the little one, I finally gave in and made a trip down the road to the neighborhood's newest "kidtraction' Monkey Joe's. I gotta hand it to the marketing geniuses at this place. A couple of days before opening, Monkey Joe made a personal appearance at the little one's school, inciting what must have appeared to be a pint size riot. THEN the mysterious Monkey Joe fairies left $5-off coupons in the little one's cubby - sneaky, but effective. All of this led to one inevitable result - a trip to the now famous, Monkey Joe's. Mission accomplished.
I'm happy to report that both the little one and I had a great time. Entering the place, you're immediately engulfed by the bright atmosphere where Purple, Yellow, Green and Red dominate the color palate. There's a staff member blocking the play area's only entrance/exit and a booth to the right that's staffed by other employees ready and waiting to get you registered and on your way. I found all of the staff I encountered to be extremely friendly and warm. They were obviously well-suited to be around their pint-sized clientele. More importantly. they seemed genuinely happy to be there. After competing the necessary registration paperwork. I presented the savings certificate I recently purchased from an online local savings site. It was readily accepted and I was provided my 5-visit punch card for my future visits. Easy Peasy. (Did I really just write that?) We were then given matching wrist-bands, to ensure that the little one wasn't allowed to leave with someone else - NICE! Then, we were off and running - literally. I mean, the little one took off for the shoe cubbies. I gotta get in better shape - seriously.
The actual play area is filled with a small arcade, multiple bouncy houses, with a special area reserved for the 3 and under crowd - very nice touch. There's also a refreshment center with snacks and goodies for sale and a nice lounge area for the parents, complete with comfy chairs, big screen TV, internet kiosks and free WI-FI. Oh, and there are a few party rooms that can be reserved for birthday celebrations, etc.
I love, love, love that there are referee-type staff members (attired in black & white shirts) stationed at each of the bouncy houses to either keep the peace or give a leg up to a little one that can't quite climb up on his/her own. The general manager, Karen, was also on hand. She was busy taking the man himself "Monkey Joe" around to meet and take pics with his adoring fans or she was talking with the parents, making sure everyone was having a great time, or she was overseeing the staff as they cleaned and wiped down the arcade games, tables, etc. Really, really nice.
All in all, I highly recommend this Monkey Joe's. It's supposed to cater to the 12 and under crowd, but I suspect that the preschool and early elementary school-age kids will especially want to flock here. With the friendly staff and parent-friendly touches, I've no doubt that I'll be a regular here in no time. :-) read more