Review of Monkey Business
Review by Julianne Hamilton
January 21, 2008
442 S Washington Street
Falls Church, Virginia 22046
703.241.PLAY
Google Map
Note: This gym and indoor play place is new, so there may be some additions made to the programs and facility.
The philosophy: To offer a variety of experiences and high quality instruction in a safe environment that encourages children to learn through play.
The place: The play area is about the size of a half basketball court complete with high ceilings. The equipment is substantial, but there is plenty of room for running around. There is a tree house complete with mailbox, a colorful tent tunnel that connects large cubicles with big openings for the children to crawl through, a mini trampoline that plays music, a mini slide with hills to climb around it, a mini basketball hoop, and lots and lots of rubber balls for throwing. The equipment is mostly made of sculptured foam (like the play area equipment at Tyson’s Corner Center). Flooring is the springy kind used by many gymnastics and tumbling facilities.
There is a half wall surrounding the play area with a safety gate to keep appropriate parties in or out as necessary. On the outside of the wall are several tables where parents can sit to watch their children play. There is also a table for children where puzzles will be available (still stocking). Snacks can be served in this area.
The party room is located just behind the play area. There are children sized tables and chairs (20 chairs). These tables can be used to serve toddlers snacks as well. There is a coffee machine that makes individual cups of coffee, tea and hot chocolate. This wins big points with this particular Mom. The cost is $1 per cup.
There are two bathrooms; one for boys and one for girls. I did not see the interior of the boy’s room, but am assuming the same amenities are provided. The girl’s room had lockers for shoes, coats etc. There are two showers (this facility used to be a gym). The sinks have steps to help little ones reach the faucets.
All rooms are painted in bright, cheerful colors. Animal decals decorate the walls. Everything is done very tastefully and is pleasing to the senses.
The players:
The owner and founder, Melissa Steele, is a mother of two and a former Virginia schoolteacher. Melissa is a very hands-on, dedicated owner who wants to make the programs as successful as possible. She is very personable and friendly and willing to make modifications to make the programs work. The staff is attentive and friendly and is affective with communicating rules to the children.
At this point, Monkey Business is geared toward the 4 and under crowd. Melissa plans to add a climbing wall, which will make it more exciting for the 5 year olds. Open Play and Classes are offered for ages 6 months to 5 years old. Siblings that do not fall within this age range can do independent activities at the tables circling the play area while they wait.
Classes: Class activities include singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, navigating obstacle courses, playing interactive games and parachute play. 20 to 30 minutes is dedicated to a structured environment that focuses on developing cognitive, motor, and social skills. The remainder of the class is unstructured play. Classes meet once a week and sessions are 8 weeks long. Classes are offered for ages 6 months to 5 years. Visit the website or call for more information.
Birthday parties: Offered Saturdays and Sundays: 11 - 12:30; 1:30 - 3; and 4 - 5:30. Cost is $285 per party for 20 people. Fee includes set-up and clean up as well as a variety of activities lead by a teacher. You supply the food, cake, snacks, drinks, paper supplies, forks, balloons, and party favors/goody bags, etc. A non-refundable $150 deposit is required in advance to reserve your party date and time.
The rules: No shoes on the play area; socks are not recommended because they cause slipping. No playing too rough. Parents or caretakers must be present at all times for free play and classes. No food or drinks on or near the play area. No alcohol allowed on the premises.
Cost: Open Play is $8 per visit or buy a punch card for $7 per visit. The cost of an 8-week class is $145 for each child.
The perks: No membership fees. Lots of slots for free play time. Accommodates younger ages. Coffee on site! The frequent open-play times make it less likely for overcrowding and easier to work around nap schedules.
What else: The place is impeccably clean. Equipment is sprayed and wiped down in between free play times.
Last note: Monkey Business is located in the same shopping center with Elevation Burger. I did not try this joint, but the Monkey Business staff says it offers child-friendly, tasty food. It is incredibly convenient.
Our Kids Reader Comments:
- "I read the review online and wanted to tell you I think they are wonderful. My daughter has been in a ballet class there for 3 or 4 sessions now and loves it (she's 3). This spring, they did a recital for all the ballet classes - it was great! My son (15 months) has been in the music & movement classes for several sessions too - also fantastic. If you put yourself on the email list, they'll email you each week with the open play times since some of them change and if they don't have parties scheduled, they'll have open play during the party times instead. The staff is really friendly, they clearly enjoy the kids, and they are VERY helpful. I've never had the coffee but now that I know it's available....." - Mary K.
Have you been to Monkey Business? If you have comments and would like to share with the Our Kids readers, email Our Kids.
