Funshop - Springfield, Illinois

Ruth L.

I started taking my granddaughter to the Funshop in March of 2024. My granddaughter absolutely loves it. Rose does an awesome job of setting up activities for them to participate in and you can tell she loves what she does. My granddaughter was so stand offish when she first started but everyday now she asks about going to the FunShop and loves it. The Pumpkin Patch trip was amazing that the FunShop/Spfld Park set up and she still hasn’t stopped talking about that. Great job FunShop and Rose. 👍😊

Jessica F.

I put both my kids in this and my first issue was when you sign in, they’re asking for donations for snacks. Why am I paying $80/kid? Now you’re saying you’d like us to provide snacks? Not only that but the snack happens on the way out the door, it’s not like it’s included during the time there.

They have a dry sensory sandbox full of corn and rice and things like that. & then literally 7 feet away is a water table. What do you think will happen? Yep, my 20 month old son mixed some of the corn in the water and it was a huge deal to Ms. Rose. I admittedly was going to text on my phone and was in a different area with my oldest son. She said I needed to watch both kids and asked if I had someone else to come with me so there were eyes on both at all times. Weird but whatever. She then proceeds to make 3 different announcements about phone usage. I understand the sentiment of wanting to give your child your undivided attention and what not but it was excessive and yes embarrassing. Make your phone expectations clear from the start. So the third session comes around and I didn’t even bring my phone in. I was next to my youngest, he was at the dry sensory table. I look down at my nail for 5 seconds and what do ya know, he dumps the rice into the water. My oldest also brought a tractor toy from a different area and was rolling it in the rice. She asked my son to keep the toy in the designated area and seemed bothered that rice was outside of the sand box. It was yet again a big deal and she made another comment about bringing someone else with me. Not everyone is blessed with a village or blessed with grandparents who don’t work. I am a stay at home mom so no, I don’t have anyone else. Yes it’s important to teach rules to our kids but it’s also important to understand toddler development, especially if you’re in “early childhood education”. Kids naturally experiment what happens when you do certain things. If you don’t want the water and dry goods mixed, make a sign, or an announcement, or better yet, keep the activities away from each other. I don’t do sensory activities at home with my youngest because I know no matter what I do, it’s going to be a mess. So thanks for the effort but re evaluate your expectations. I wanted to love this program, and it’s a shame because my oldest seemed to be warming up to it, but I will not pay a crazy price for my kids and myself to be shamed for normal toddler behavior and feel like we have to abide by strict rules. Not so fun. & if you don’t support single parents bringing in more than one child, you need to make that apparent before people spend money on this. I hate to be a Debby downer but I wish I would’ve known all of this prior to signing up. Thankfully, I did email Ms. Rose and voiced my concerns and they gave us a refund for the remaining 2 weeks.

Callie K. W.

My younger son has classes here once a week. I wish I’d known about it when my older son was little! Staff members are well educated, friendly, great with the kids, and helpful. They provide a great space for free play and social interactions for both children and parents. The class also provides early opportunities for kids to begin following along in a group and following routines through an optional story time and a goodbye circle time. The class also occasionally takes field trips together (ice skating, theatrical plays, etc). The only drawback in my mind is that they only allow you to bring one kid per adult. I understand why they do it, but it Makes it kinda difficult for our family since I have 2 kids who aren’t school age yet.

Jack B.

If this had existed when I was a kid, I would have refused to grow up. What a safe and nurturing and fun-filled place. Our 3-year-old grandson loves it. So inspirational.

Kayleigh H.

Funshop is the best thing I have dine for nit inky my child but myself and anyone who takes her to funshop is soooo warm and welcoming and the teachers are amazing we have a special place in our heart for ellen shes amazing inside and out! ❤💕

Kyle W.

People there are great and work very well with the kids and the most important thing, my son, who is a year and a half, loved it. There is plenty to do for the little ones

B M.

We loved fun shop.Great people that want your child to succeed.

Tamara G.

Great place my son loved it. So happy I found it. Everyone there is so helpful and attentive.