We recently hosted my daughter's 7th birthday party here and had a fantastic experience. There were a number of options (ceramic painting, canvas painting, slime, and more!) - we chose canvas painting. The owner, Robin, and one of the other employees were fantastic at leading a group of 21 first grade girls through painting a mermaid tail (there were so many choices for the canvas painting - my daughter happened to choose this one). They can do them more or less complex based on the age group of the party. Robin was truly fantastic to work with. She took care of everything, including ordering pizzas from elsewhere in the mall. I brought the paper goods and cupcakes and everything else was handled. We were in a party room in the back that is utilitarian but also decorated. I definitely appreciated that there were separate tables for the art and the eating! I was perfectly happy to not be out in the front of the store with the general public. And the price was totally reasonable given everything that they did for us. Would definitely host another party here! We've also come on a random day just to do a walk in ceramic painting, which was also great. Lots of selections at all sorts of different price points. You can also do walk in canvas painting. read more

Haven't been in the store yet to experience, but was planning on holding my daughter's birthday party here. We eventually ended up forgoing this year because she's still so young she wouldn't fully appreciate the experience, but plan on going for some Mommy and me time. The staff that I was in touch with while planning the event were all so helpful, responsive, and friendly. Even when we decided to pass on holding the party there, after we had filled out the form and not yet put in the deposit, they were so understanding. They get high ratings, they're located conveniently in a mall where if you have youngers you can go to the playgrounds in the mall, and if you have olders, they can walk around and do a little independent shopping. Looking forward to visiting soon! read more

Our 6 year old grand-darling had a birthday celebration here, and everything I saw told me this place is really a great kids' event venue. I'm reviewing from the POV of an adult guest celebrant, as my daughter was the event organizer and coordinator, so she can probably separately provide another POV. I met Robin, the franchise's engaging and energetic founder and owner, who runs this store and 2 others in Chicagoland (Water Tower Place and Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills). Her friendly assistant Zach was also floating about helping out in various ways. The grand-darling and 13 of her closest relatives, classmates, and friends spent an action packed 90 minutes here on a Sunday. In that time, they did the following and Robin was hands-on actively leading each activity: - got dressed in a protective gown for painting - individually picked out a pre-shaped clay object to paint, and there were many to pick from - painted the object and subsequently blow-dried it and set aside - ran around the spacious project room for a bit, like 6-9 year olds like to do (Robin didn't really need to supervise this self taught activity duh) - had a delicious pizza and fruit lunch, with both kids and adults served - had birthday cake and song, with both kids and adults served - played a fun game of Simon Says Each child went home happy with their self-painted object and party souvenir. Robin opened her store at 10am, an hour earlier than the normal 11am to accommodate this party and another later one. She also coordinated with Northbrook Court's pizza vendor, Tony & Bruno's, to open early so that our pizza lunch could be delivered right on time. We had 5 thin pizzas, and they all were very good, hot, and delicious, so kudos here to Tony & Bruno's as well, a business that Robin apparently routinely coordinates with. The daughter brought in the birthday cake and Robin served it for the group. The adults were able to comfortably sit off to the side in the spacious project room and enjoy and photograph and video to our heart's content. Great outing, Robin and Zach, and our entire extended family thanks you for a very fun and enjoyable birthday party! read more

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A great place for a birthday party or even just for an afternoon with the kids. Robin and her entire staff were extremely nice to the kids as well as with my wife and I when we planned my daughter's birthday. Cannot wait to visit them again! read more

My now 6 year old had a memorable birthday party at the Painted Penguin. Thanks for the tip off to this gem of a place, Facebook north shore moms group! ;o) We had our party on a Sunday morning, and owner Robin was nice enough to open the store early for our group's 1.5 hour celebration. The first 45-60 min of the party is spent getting the kiddos geared up to select an item to paint, doing the actual painting, and the last 30 min is devoted to refueling. In our case, we ordered pizza ($19 for large cheese pizzas and $21 for the meat pizzas) from Northbrook Court's Tony and Bruno's, and we brought in our own cake. I appreciated that Robin helped confirm that T&B's could fulfill our relatively early pizza order. She's very busy and has an eye on everything at all times to make sure the party keeps moving and everyone is taken care of. How nice also that the kids could select a "finish" on their pieces, such as glittery or shiny, and unexpected to me, everyone got to take home their masterpieces on the day of, whereas at places like Color Me Mine, you have to come back a few days later to pick up the glazed and finished art. If you get paint on your clothes, it's rather hard to remove, so choose your clothing wisely and/or make sure any splashes get on an apron? As the host of a 14 kid party (with accompanying adults), I was happy with the spacious Igloo party room we occupied in the back and activities, as the birthday girl really loves painting, drawing, and the arts, so this was right down her alley! Of note too is that the cost of this party was like 60% of what it would have been at Color Me Mine. $179.95 includes 9 painters (birthday kiddo is free), and if you want to bring in your own food, it's a $25 flat fee. Additional Picassos are $15 each. In the future, I'd like to come back as a family to get artsy or even come with my own besties for some downtime. Thanks Robin and Zach for your help with execution of our momentous 6th birthday party! read more

My daughter wanted to do something fun. At first we came to the mall to find a slime booth. But they didn't exist anymore (thank you, 3-year old review for a now-nonexistent business). I thought we'd stop by The Painted Penguin in case they accept walk-ins. I only knew The Painted Penguin as a venue for kid's parties. If they took walk-ins, I was going to try to do some reading (actually, play games on my phone) while my daughter painted. Once I came in and confirmed they welcomed walk-ins and had plenty of room, I started looking around. They had such a variety of things to paint, suitable for kids and adults. Something for everyone! They also explained that we just pay for the item to be painted. The price includes all paints and supplies, including drying. But there's a secret they didn't tell: it includes Robin. What is a Robin? Robin is the sweet, talented, patient, kind, and amazing owner. She is so helpful, teaching different techniques, giving suggestions. But she did so in such a helpful manner, not as if "I know better than you," although she did. In fact, I finished because I couldn't think of what else to do, and she kept teaching and suggestion, each one making my piece look so much better. In fact, I'm going to show it at work! That's how good she helped me make it! But she was very encouraging also. I told her I don't have any art skills but she pointed out how I was doing so well. I later realized that customers can choose a blank canvas rather than a figurine, which is awesome. Robin also teaches art, for kids and for adults and everyone else, which I am going to take advantage of. This is such a fun place! And very cost-effective too! So, I don't know about kid's parties, but stop by to have fun and make something beautiful! This is awesome for all ages! read more

We may have come on a chaotic day (MLK) so it was a mess. It was our first time going here and whatever you see on display is what's available. My daughter was looking for a specific letter and they didn't have it after I waited in a long line to ask the workers. After we left, every table had a white piece of paper which would have been helpful since there was paint on the table cloth before us. Overall, a great place to kill time but I'd head over to the kindness connection and do something meaningful which would benefit others. The chaos was just too much. I think they were understaffed. 2 girls working who was ringing people up, passing out paint, then glazing the art work and wrapping them up. read more

This place is great. I took my 10 year old and her friends here last weekend. For a very reasonable 15$ each left with a beautiful hand painted letter. You pick your piece , paint and paint it and take it home right then and there ( no kiln or firing required). Great activity for kids and tweens. read more

Staff were extremely kind and patient. Great with little kids! Good variety of options.

This place is great for rainy daysit is totally awesome and my sisters love it so much! This place is super great and you get REALLY messy! It is good for kids of course read more

We had our daughter's birthday party here and it was great! The kids enjoyed themselves and the staff was very helpful and organized. It was also very reasonably priced. read more

Robin is amazing! She basically gave me and my son an art lesson this morning. We ended up making something really nice and it's now hanging on his bedroom wall. Such a fun memory! Thank you! read more

I had no idea how to celebrate my daughters 5th birthday with her friends while socially distanced. I chatted with Robin, the owner of Painted Penguin, and she had a ton of great ideas. Robin was so easy to work with, she helped put together a party that made my daughter happy and stayed within my budget. We ended up doing a virtual pottery painting party that Robin lead and it was perfect. She had all the supplies ready for each child, all I had to do was deliver them. ( Which she offered). Robin was engaging with all the children, she showed them how to mix colors, she made sure that everyone was involved and had fun. Many of the mom's told me after that they were so happy and surprised that their child sat and painted for 30 mins. We are so happy with the outcome, Robin was wonderful and I am grateful that Covid didn't ruin my daughters birthday. read more

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Our five year olds recent birthday party was flawless. Robin was incredibly helpful from start to finish, and even snapped some great pics in between helping manage the party. Highly recommend this really fun space. read more

We had a great time at our adult painting event. Robin was so organized and the other staff members were helpful. They assisted with paints, water, smocks, etc. They helped us have a super experience. We will definitely be back! read more

Robin and her team of Noa(h)s put on an excellent and relaxing party for our 5 year old daughter! Booking was easy, and Robin checked in a week before the party to ensure that all of our accommodations were met for all of our guests. The back room was large enough for 17 kids and their parents, and the kids loved picking out their own ceramics (of which there were so many to choose from!). The party ended with cupcakes and a dance party that the staff put on for the kids. We highly recommend a bday party here for kids of all ages! read more

We had my daughter's birthday party at the Northbrook Court location. From my first interaction of inquiring about available party dates until the end of the party, Robin and her staff were a delight to work with. Hosting a party can be stressful but this was the easiest party we've ever thrown. The party guests (all 15 6 year old girls) were entertained the entire hour and a half and had a great time. I can't recommend Painted Penguin enough. Thank you Robin and staff for making my daughter's first friend party a huge success! read more

The BEST. We had my son's birthday party here last weekend, and it was not only so much fun for all the kids, but SO well-run! Robin is so organized that I actually got to sit back and enjoy the party. She and her staff handled all the details, even beyond painting, including playing games, getting pizza delivered and cutting the cake. She also made sure to have a Pokémon piece available to paint, my son's current favorite...and repaired my toddler's Buzz Lightyear piece after he dropped it ;) We also love coming here for a fun activity on days off of school. read more

We did a virtual (zoom) canvas painting party with Robin for my mom's 83rd birthday and it was awesome!! We had ages ranging from 14 to 86 and everyone loved it! Robin is very engaging, but also allowed for us to do a little chatting with each other while keeping us on task. It was so easy from start to finish.....Robin is extremely responsive and helped us execute a fabulous event. Robin had 2 cameras set up so it was really easy to see the paint strokes she was teaching us. It was very personalized and my mom, who is not always so easy to please, was SO happy! We shipped the kits to out of state family and it was so fun to paint together with people in 7 different states. We'll definitely do this again! read more

We had our daughter's 3rd birthday here and Robin went above and beyond to make it the best experience!! All our guests had a great time painting their pieces and the party room in the back is great! We had Ana & Elsa from Royal Princess Parties visit and there was more than enough room for their activities. Perfect experience all around! read more

Absolutely fantastic. I am not creative nor would I normally seek out art activities. However - I've really enjoyed this place. I've been four times - all great experiences. I have spent 30 minutes to almost 2.5 hours painting in one sitting! They're patient and extremely helpful - taught me how to blend my paints and add different colors and textures. I was very happy with the outcome. They didn't have one item I was looking for - but took my name and number and gave me a call when it was in the next week. Overall - customer service is great. Selection is great. Will continue to visit and recommend! read more

The Painted Penguin - Kids Activities Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Thank you Robin for the most perfect covid-conscious, backyard birthday party for my daughter! Robin was so responsive and helpful! She made sure to make it a special party for my daughter, even during covid. She had great covid protocols in place and was careful, safe and clean. It was my 5 year olds best birthday yet, she said. Thanks! read more

After dragging my little ones around the mall against their will, the Painted Penguin was the perfect pit stop for fun! They have a variety of projects and a great paint choices. The friendly staff gave helpful instruction while encouraging creativity. Robin is amazing! We'll be back! read more

Update: Adding an extra star after the very nice explanation I received from the owner that one of her staff members didn't show up that day and a less experienced staff member had to take her place. They may have had staffing issues the day we were there, but love that the owner takes pride in her store and customers. Looking forward to going back when they've got the kinks worked out. ---------------- I was psyched The Painted Penguin has popped up in Northbrook Court once again. Their current plan is to stay put thru April 15th, but I'd love to see it become a permanent fixture at NBC: - Kids activity right in mall...yay! - Prices are less expensive than other similar painting places we've frequented in the area - Anyone can have here because they have a variety of pieces to choose from (rainbows, darth vaders and plenty for adults). I must say I'm quite jealous of all the adults who seem to have time to paint on Saturday afternoon - Their paint dries fast (with the help of a blowdryer) so you're able to take home your art project just minutes after creation. - You can make beaded bracelets and necklaces here as well. However, if they did become a permanent store they have some staffing issues to work out. The 2 ladies working seemed very overwhelmed by the small crowd and they weren't very friendly towards my daughter and her 2 friends: - Seemed irritated when my kindergartener insisted on the colors of the rainbow in her paint palette. - Told my daughter's friend she couldn't get anymore colors since they had reached our allotted 6 colors each. My daughter had 7 colors and her friend at 3. Last i checked 7+3 did not = 12. - When my daughter and her friends were choosing bracelets beads with their recently painted hands the woman working rudely said "um, have you girls ever considered washing your hands." - On my way out I mentioned to the owner's husband (he was one of the adults painting) that his staff seemed overwhelmed and had been rude to our children. No apology or anything, but I'm hopeful he helped after we left. I can only imagine how hard it is to find good staff...especially temporary staff this time of year. I love the concept and hope they'll work on their staffing issues for this spring pop-up and/or future returns to Northbrook Court. read more

Excellent service! My kids always have a great time painting here and love the staff. The owner, Robin, is so kind and patient. I highly recommend bringing your little ones in to create memories that last! read more

I just hosted my little girl's 4 yo birthday at the Painted Penguin and Robin and her team were incredible. They opened the store early to accommodate us and Robin was so easy to work with leading up to the party. They were organized and helpful and really phenomenal with this age group. Could not recommend them enough. Thank you! read more

The Painted Penguin is in a brightly lit, pleasant space on the 2nd floor of Northbrook Court. My daughter had a great time painting and loved her finished art work. With numerous ceramic items along the walls to select from, it was hard for her to choose just one. The items range in price depending on the size. There are several beautifully painted samples throughout to help give the painters some ideas. They have an area that showcases work done by a local elementary school. They even contribute to many charities. How awesome! The owner, Robin, and her staff are incredibly polite, pleasant to speak with and wonderful with the kids. The paints are behind the counter, so painters just need to tell the staff which colors they want and they put it on a plate for them. The staff can help put on a special apron. They can sit at one of 6 tables with plenty of paint brushes and cups of water. They also offer bracelet making and canvas painting classes. Lastly, they have a back room with additional tables perfect for an art party for kids or adults. The Painted Penguin is fun for the whole family. read more

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We used The Painted Penguin to host our daughter's (zoom) birthday party. The party exceeded our expectations! Robin did a fantastic job with the prep work and really kept the kids engaged throughout the party! My daughter had an amazing time and I received many compliments from other parents after the party was over. Highly recommend! read more

My daughter attended a birthday party of a friend and the employee who supervised the party was extremely harsh to her and her friend. She yelled at them for accidentally breaking a piece and she told them not to go in an area where the party was being held. My daughter said she almost cried because the supervisor made her feel guilty. Very disappointing. read more

Had such an amazing experience here with my daughters! The owner was so amazing and took the time to actually sit down and help her with the painting she had in mind! She also was so helpful in making a keepsake art project using my 6 month old's hand and footprint! Cannot say enough wonderful things! read more

The Painted Penguin - Kids Activities Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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Love the party hosted by the Painted Penguin! Not only are they able to host a socially distant party for three 7yo, they made it so much fun! All the supplies were provided and my host Robin was a complete joy to work with! Would recommend again and again! read more

My 3 year old dropped a $23 piece by mistake. The sales associate made us pay for it and then didn't even offer to try to fix or give it to us to paint. I was shocked by this horrible customer service. We have broken pieces by mistake at Paint N Party and never had to pay for it. The owners at Paint N Party understand the accidents can happen with kids. I took the piece and fixed it myself for my son to paint. Why would I want to pay $23 for an accident and then not even get use of the piece? This will be our last time at this location. We will frequent Paint N Party next time read more

7th birthday party for twins was the BEST!! The staff is beyond friendly and knowledgeable. Everyone had a great time and loved their painted ceramics party favors. I highly recommend this place, especially for kids who love art, pizza, and fun! read more

Highly recommend!! It was really hard to not be able to spend Christmas with our extended family this year, so we were trying to think of something fun and different to do to make the holiday special. Robin hosted a virtual class for us on Christmas Eve over Zoom. We had so much fun! Even my dad got into it! It was the perfect activity to spice things up and make even this Christmas a memorable one:) She was so patient and encouraging!! We had a lovely time and now we have three new paintings to hang up every Christmas. Robin really went above and beyond to make sure we had a fun, safe and special thing to do as a family. Thank you Robin!!! read more

We hosted a wonderful party for our daughter's 7th birthday. The girls beaded bracelets and made slime with fun colors and mix-ins. The kids had a great time and the staff was great at running the activities and providing assistance. The space is bright and the party room in the back is spacious. Would definitely recommend for a fun and crafty kids' party! read more

The concept is fun and my daughter did have fun here but only because she's not old enough to realize how rude the lady is that runs this place. She was nice when we walked in saying there's no sitting fee and to take our time. We were here for about an hour, paid $12 for a teeny tiny ceramic animal. Unlike other palaces like these where they give you the paint in small containers. She's very cheap with the paint. Every time my daughter went up for more paint she had an attitude and would give her a tiny dot if paint. Finally I went up to ask and in her words exactly she said "what now?" How rude. I won't return here again because of this. It's very unprofessional to make your customers feel like an inconvenience after paying to use your services! Please reconsider how you treat your costumers. read more

Robin and her staff were a great help with our daughters 8th birthday party! Very cute shop. They played music while the girls painted and they set everything up for us in the back room. The little stage and kindness tree was a big hit after ceramics were done. Highly recommend for bday parties! Thank you Robin read more

Just had my 9 year old daughter's birthday party here. My daughter loves this place. This was our 2nd time hosting an event here. The first time was for a Girl Scouts outing where we painted ceramics. This time the kids painted ceramics and spray painted T-shirt's. Everyone had so much fun. Robin was so great to work with and did a wonderful job. Also, if you come for a Girl Scouts outing, they also have Painted Penguin patches you can purchase. read more

Decided to have my six year old son's birthday here and couldn't have been happier! Robin and her entire staff were SO amazing with a very loud and excited group of Kindergarteners! Such a creative and special time shared by all! Thrilled that everyone had such a great time. Thanks again for a memorable birthday!!!! read more