The Children's Art Factory - Guelph, Ontario

Teaching C.

So many amazing activities and thoughtful play. Better for bigger kids but some places were good (under the stairs train space) for crawling baby too. Like many other reviews have said - one staff seemed very grumpy and angry, especially when they saw me carrying a closed water bottle (not drinking, just carrying) so the workers overall didn’t have a friendly vibe. Was also very busy, not sure if they cap numbers but should. I’d still go back, loved it for my kids. Arrive early.

Jarrod P.

This was a great place to bring our daughter. There were multiple craft and imagination play areas for the kids to play in and it never felt really crowded. 2-3 hours was the perfect length of time for her to play and do a bunch of crafts and she got to bring her crafts home. We would definitely go there again!

E M.

Beautiful facility with so many engaging spaces for kids to be creative. My boys ages 6 & 8 loved it. 2 bathrooms were clean, changing table in one of them. Staff were maintaining the spaces well.
Only issues could be parking, there’s only 4 spots at the back and 2 hour street parking which was full even on a weekday. I noticed a sign they close certain areas for cleaning 30 mins prior to close so take that in consideration if you’re coming close to close. They also close between 12-1pm. They require socks but if you forget you can purchase a pair for $2.

Ash

I don’t know how this place could ever have a negative review. We drove an hour and a half unplanned and were welcomed with a genuine smile. I wanted somewhere that wasn’t packed on a Wednesday morning and wasn’t loud or had a smell. I find most kid places smell unkept and items are always missing.

But this place is STOCKED! And my three year old got to play quietly and even played very well with other toddlers in the same area. The staff cleaned a few times when we were there there for 2 two full hours.

I like that food is not allowed, that’s when spills happen, people leave their garbage behind and then it starts to smell like outside food.
The price I see complaints about but that’s how these places stay open!!

It’s refreshing taking your child to a children’s place and not having two people chatting loudly about their business. You just watch your child in peace.

This place reminded me of classrooms like I had in 1996-2000. Endless creativity and sensory play.
Open rooms with art everywhere without it feeling overwhelming, over stimulating or underwhelming and boring.

I will keep making this drive just to see the joy on my toddlers face.

My photos don’t do this place justice. You’d have to see it in person. Right from the door step you’re in sensory heaven.

Emma J.

I've been here many times and enjoyed our visits despite the one thing that remains true each time, the staff seem to not like children very much. Its baffling. Very few smiles or engagement at all. They insist on reciting their lengthy rules everytime. Its almost funny how serious they are. Our last visit will indeed be just that, our last. One staff member was wiping away the children's window drawings and paintings as the kids were doing them! She was in our personal space (my 4 year old and I) aggressively washing the paint boards and splashing us with water. She was so rude and inappropriate that another mom had to tell her to back off and reminded her this is an expensive play space for children and there was no reason for her to be cleaning at 230pm. I realize they close early at 330 to clean up the messiest areas. This was WELL before 330. You pay almost $35 for one parent and one child and get treated as an inconvenience to them at best. Im done. Never again. I will tell anyone and everyone about my experience until they address these issues and apologize. Try not to support this place until they are responsive to the parents. I will revise this post when my concerns are addressed.

Stefanie C. (. P.

E-7yrs- it is awesome, it has sand and crafts and a kitchen with mops.

A-5yrs- there is a monkey kitchen with sand and a music stage with dress up.

A-3yrs - play play, sanding, soap and water and paint all on my fingers!

Mom - CAF is outstanding! They have thought of so many sensory and process art experiences that are epically engaging for the kiddos. This place was more than worth the 40min drive. My kids started asking for a membership before we even left. The staff are friendly and encourage the kiddos to play and explore. They were patient with my many questions and they also sell some amazing art supplies on site!! Most definitely recommended!!

I can't wait to go again.

Andrew S.

This place is absolutely magical! I don't think any amount of superlatives could do it justice. So many different areas, it's pretty much guaranteed your kid will discover an area they'll love - painting, music, building, exploring, imaginative play, physical experimentation, everything is here. Nevermind the kids, as an older adult, it would be awesome to get to hang out here and explore creativity in its many forums.

This is the kind of place that makes me want grandkids sooner so I could bring them here!

Parking on Yarmouth is a hassle, but there's free street parking across from the library, mere steps to the Art factory. There's an accessible bathroom, and separate spaces for birthday parties/private events.

Natasha M.

Enjoyed visiting The Children's Art Factory for the 1st time!
My children loved all the stations available. I baby wore my youngest and it was easy to navigate around that way. There were so many great self guided activities to explore that my kids didn't get around to everything in one visit. We definitely will need to go back to continue to explore more.
The only reason this is not a five-star review is because the lack of parking (due to the location only), and I noticed they sell water beads which are extremely dangerous if ingested by children. Again, there were no stations with water beads. This was only available for purchase if you chose to take the risk. Some parents are not aware of the dangers so it's probably best not to sell them at all in my opinion.
Overall, we will 100% be returning here.