FunKidsActivities

Marshmallow play

572 N Michigan St, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA

Overview

Category:Best Indoor Playgrounds
Location:Chicago, IL

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Marshmallow Play distinguishes itself as a premier destination for stress-free, highly customized birthday parties and magical character-driven events. Their unique value proposition lies in the exceptional attention to detail, personalized service from staff like Nadia (who often goes 'above and beyond' with themed decorations), and high-quality interactive experiences including 'Disney quality' characters, crafts, dancing, and story time. It's not just a play space; it's a full-service event venue and interactive entertainment provider.

Key Highlights

  • Stress-free, full-service birthday parties where staff handle all details including setup, cleanup, and often 'above and beyond' decorations (e.g., Nightmare Before Christmas, Paw Patrol themes).
  • Exceptional staff, particularly Nadia/Nadya, who is described as attentive, helpful, quick to respond, accommodating, reliable, and a key factor in smooth parties.
  • High-quality, 'Disney quality' character events that include interactive activities like crafts, dancing, singing, and story time, providing a 'magical' experience.
  • Clean and well-maintained indoor play facility that encourages imaginative and creative play.
  • Option for characters (e.g., Bluey) to travel to external parties, bringing their own speaker, Spotify for custom music, and a bubble machine for added entertainment.

Standout Features

  • Full-service birthday party hosting with staff managing decorations, setup, and cleanup.
  • Highly customizable party themes with staff going 'above and beyond' on decorations (e.g., Nightmare Before Christmas, Paw Patrol).
  • Comfortable, dedicated space for kids to eat and relax during parties.
  • Engaging special events featuring 'Disney quality' characters, crafts, dancing, singing, and story time.
  • Attentive and helpful staff, with Nadia/Nadya consistently praised for her coordination and service.
  • Ample and easy-to-access parking.
  • Kid-friendly snack options available for purchase.
  • External character appearance service (e.g., Bluey) that includes a speaker, Spotify for music requests, and a bubble machine.

Perfect For

Ideal for young children, likely toddlers to early elementary ages (e.g., daughters mentioned in reviews), who enjoy imaginative play, themed parties, character interactions, crafts, dancing, and story time.
Kids mentioned loving the general play area, implying a broad appeal within the younger age bracket.

Ideal For

Parents seeking a completely stress-free birthday party experience where all details (decorations, setup, cleanup) are handled for them.
Families looking for high-quality, themed birthday parties with personalized decorations for younger children (e.g., Paw Patrol, Nightmare Before Christmas).
Children who love character interactions, crafts, dancing, singing, and story time.
Families needing a clean, safe, and engaging indoor play space that encourages imaginative play.
Those planning an external party and needing reliable, interactive character entertainment with unique features like custom music and bubbles.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • For a truly stress-free birthday party, book with Marshmallow Play and communicate your desired theme; staff like Nadia are highly skilled at execution and decorating.
  • Check their schedule for special events if your children enjoy character interactions, crafts, dancing, or story time, as these are described as 'magical'.
  • Consider their traveling character service for external parties if you're looking for unique and engaging entertainment with custom music and bubbles.
  • Plan to visit for general play if your kids enjoy imaginative activities, as the space provides 'plenty of opportunities' for this.

Price & Value

While no specific prices are mentioned, the reviews emphasize the exceptional value derived from the 'stress-free' party planning, 'above and beyond' decorating, and the attentive staff who handle all details like setup and cleanup. The 'magical' events and 'Disney quality' characters suggest a premium experience and high quality of entertainment and service.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accommodations for special needs were mentioned in the reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Kid-friendly snack options are available for purchase on-site.

🚗Parking Info

  • Ample parking available, making it easy for parents to access the venue.

👥Crowd Levels

  • No specific information about crowd levels was provided in the reviews, but kids were described as 'non-stop playing the entire time', suggesting a lively atmosphere.

🛡️Safety Features

  • The facility is repeatedly described as providing a 'safe and enjoyable environment'.
  • Attentive staff (Nadia and team) contribute to a well-managed and safe atmosphere, particularly during parties.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

Private Playdates

$25 per kid

Have the entire playground to yourselves along with any friends of your choice. Not intended for birthday parties.

Includes:
  • Exclusive use of the playground

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Mermaid Party

Ticket includes 1 adult, extra adults charged an extra fee due to capacity. Tickets are non-refundable.

Open Play (First 20-30 Minutes) followed by an Interactive Character Appearance (1 Hour) with games, storytelling, and direct interaction.

Troll Dance Party

Ticket includes 1 adult, extra adults charged an extra fee due to capacity. Tickets are non-refundable.

Open Play (First 20-30 Minutes) followed by an Interactive Character Appearance (1 Hour) with games, storytelling, and direct interaction.

🍎Food Policy

  • Outside food is allowed, please keep it peanut and nut free.
  • Food must stay in our cafe area.
  • Light snacks and beverages available for purchase.
  • For Private Playdates: You are welcome to bring your own snacks and food (peanut and nut free). We don't allow icing desserts, cakes, or balloons.
  • During Open Play: No birthday celebration, gifts exchange, no cake, balloons or any other party items allowed.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Socks are Mandatory for Childrens and Adults.
  • Suggest bringing grip socks for the little ones to avoid slips & falls.
  • Parents and caregivers must sign a waiver for any minor before playing.
  • Playground is designed specifically for children under the age of 6 years old due to infrastructure and safety measures.
  • Equipment is built with the size and strength of younger children in mind.
  • Safety features include soft surfaces and low heights.

📅Booking Policy

  • For Private Playdates: Full payment is required at the time of booking.
  • Special Event tickets are non-refundable.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Sep 29, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Clean and well-maintained facilities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
  • Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 8 reviews)
  • Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 4 reviews)
  • Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 9 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Lisa Kroll

Lisa Kroll

3 months ago

We just had our party at Marshmallow and I can not say enough wonderful things! It was so nice not to have to take care of every detail! Our decorations were super cute (Nightmare before Christmas themed), and Nadia and staff were very attentive and helpful! We will definitely be coming back to play (my kids love it here and have played here several times already)!

Dkrolc7

Dkrolc7

2 weeks ago

I recently visit marshmallow play while in town with my daughter and we assisted for an event and it was magical to experience. I must say my daughter loved it!!! they do craft , dancing singing story time and the character look amazing like disney quality!!

Emily Mellens

Emily Mellens

a month ago

This indoor play space is a great spot for kids to unleash their creativity with plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. The facility is clean and well-maintained, providing a safe and enjoyable environment. There's ample parking available, making it easy for parents to access. They also host birthday parties, offering a fun venue for celebrations. For a quick snack, there are several kid-friendly options available for purchase. Overall, a solid choice for families looking for an engaging and convenient place to play!

Liz Moll

Liz Moll

8 months ago

Marshmallow Play Elmhurst: Great Birthday Party Venue! We recently celebrated my daughter's birthday party at Marshmallow Play in Elmhurst, and it was a success! Nadia is the absolute best and was helpful throughout the entire process. My daughter chose a Paw Patrol theme, and Nadia went above and beyond with decorating. The kids enjoyed playing in the play area, Nadia has such a nice selection of options for kids. They were non-stop playing the entire time! Stress-Free Celebration There was a comfortable space for the kids to eat and relax. The staff assisted with setting up and cleaning up, which made things much easier for us. Overall, Marshmallow Play was a great choice for our daughter's birthday party. It's a fun and safe environment for kids to play, and Nadia is great at making the party run smoothly.

Sophia Chiluisa

Sophia Chiluisa

3 weeks ago

Bluey traveled to our birthday party! Nadya was so wonderful to work with on scheduling, quick to respond, accommodating, and reliable. Bluey travels with her own speaker and Spotify so you can request your music, and big bonus- bubble machine! So cute, my daughter will never forget it.

Contact Information

572 N Michigan St, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.9
Total Reviews64
Recent Reviews5