All Moms “WORK.” Whether you are a Mom at home folding the neverending piles of laundry, a corporate Mom fortunate to work remotely, or even if you are a Mom who just needs a breather to catch up on e-mails, social media, or the latest celebrity gossip, the MOM GUILT always seems to creep in… What do I do with the kids so I can take a few (much needed) minutes to myself?
Enter Backyard Beybees - where discovery learning meets experience-based play. Backyard Beybees is a one-of-it’s-kind center in Arlington Heights, Illinois whose owner-operator, Christy, realized a vision for a facility that offered a space for kids to learn and grow with instructors and fulfilling lessons while tandemly offering a fully-operational (and aesthetically pleasing) coworking space for Moms (and Dads) too!
Backyard Beybees offers blocks of forty-five minute lessons for kids from birth to age nine, which focus on handpicked elements of the Reggio-Emilia and Maria Montessori inspired classrooms, while incorporating nature-based learning through its thoughtful and unique indoor-outdoor classroom spaces. The facility includes sinks, garden structures, and an environment for kids to feel empowered and comfortable to explore what interests them most. Parents can choose to schedule their children for two blocks of lessons on days their “to-do lists” are longer than others, and take advantage of the adult workspace amenities: Wi-Fi, laser printer, a comfortable and clean environment, and a calming, quiet atmosphere. This coworking space is set apart from the classroom setting, so you really do get a “break” - but don’t worry… the caring and compassion staff will keep your kids safe, happy, and engaged in learning!
The curriculum and classes are designed for two age groupings: newborn to elementary children and ages 5-9. Backyard Beybees offers classes, workshops, and parties too! This unique and inspiring concept incorporates an indoor and outdoor classroom, focusing on nature-based learning and is appealing to all senses. The owner is an expert in corporate interiors and her years of experience shine in the sleek lines, color palette, and thoughtful amenities Backyard Beybees has to offer.
My daughter attended a birthday party recently at this kid-friendly venue and came home laughing, smiling, and feeling a sense of accomplishment. The party planner really took care in creating a unique birthday experience for the celebrant and guests - and while the nature-based workshop was a “party” - it was really a learning and growing experience.
Backyard Beybees offers convenient mobile booking and employs a thoughtful, caring staff of instructors, many of whom are former teachers turned Moms! My kids and I would recommend Backyard Beybees to any child or adult from birth to age 9!
Amenities at Backyard Beybees:
The Treehouse Play Cafe in Lake Zurich, Illinois offers 7,000 square feet of space for indoor play, a common space for parents to work, and an on-site cafe. While the play is unstructured for children, the kid-friendly staff makes a genuine effort to forge meaningful interactions with their littlest patrons.
The play space is divided into two suggested age ranges - the toddler to age 3 section houses smaller, less daunting play structures and the main section (recommended for ages 4-10) contains a labyrinth of play areas that lead to a massive, four row slide! Both sections are adult-friendly, in case Moms need to get a little energy out, too. I can recall holding a toddler of mine on my lap a time or two while enjoying the ride! This giant attraction is navigable for younger kids, too - I can close my eyes and still see and hear the first time my three-year-old managed the slide by herself!
The coworking space for parents is located in the dining section of the cafe and offers free Wi-Fi, and a full view of the entire indoor playground, so your children will never be out of sight. The cafe offers a variety of snacks for purchase as the venue does not allow for outside food or drink, so keep this in mind when planning for your visit. After an hour or two of uninterrupted play, your kids will definitely be thirsty and hungry!
I recommend The Treehouse of Lake Zurich especially on rainy or chilly days, when kids need a safe space to exercise, to run their imaginations, and to exert energy! My kids have spent many, many days exploring all the Treehouse has to offer over the years, while I would take the time to get lesson planning done for my own classroom while in the cafe. Both my kids have been included in birthday parties organized at the Treehouse - building up a sweat and enjoying fun with friends! The birthday parties are more of an unstructured playtime with a cake included in the party fees. I recommend setting up a playdate or meet-up with friends at the Treehouse, because the more the merrier - but this is a place that is “socks only” - so don’t forget those!
Amenities at The Treehouse:
Dana H