When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Bunny Ears Art House
Why Bunny Ears Art House is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bunny Ears Art House is a vibrant, play-based art studio located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood that offers a unique and inspiring space for children and families to explore creativity together. Founded by childhood friends and former public school teachers Jinny Choi and Lois Song, the studio focuses on process-based, open-ended art experiences designed to ignite the joy of discovery in children from infancy through elementary school. Unlike traditional art classes with rigid outcomes, Bunny Ears encourages kids to experiment freely with art materials and techniques, allowing them to learn through play and personal exploration. The studio features interactive sensory play stations, a water play area for painting and splashing on walls, and a tinker station where kids can engineer imaginative creations. Open Art House sessions are designed for parents to stay and create alongside their children, fostering a supportive family environment. Besides regular classes, Bunny Ears hosts themed workshops like Junior Chefs—where the studio transforms into a creative kitchen for food-inspired art projects—and offers playgroups and birthday parties, establishing itself as a dynamic community hub. The business is deeply committed to nurturing creativity, curiosity, and confidence in young artists by prioritizing the artistic process over the final product, making it a fantastic gathering place for families seeking interactive, imaginative, and joyful art experiences.
Here's what people think of Bunny Ears Art House
As of recent, Bunny Ears Art House holds a 5-star rating based on 25 reviews.
User reviews of Bunny Ears Art House reflect high satisfaction, as evidenced by its perfect 5.0 rating from 25 reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the studio’s emphasis on creative freedom and the innovative, play-based approach that allows children to discover art independently rather than following strict instructions. Many parents appreciate the inviting atmosphere where kids feel encouraged to experiment and engage with diverse materials and sensory play, noting it as a standout feature compared to other art programs. Positive feedback highlights the friendliness and expertise of the founders, Jinny Choi and Lois Song, as well as the well-organized sessions that offer both fun and educational value. However, a small number of critiques acknowledge a minor inconvenience in that parents must remain with their children during Open Art House sessions, which some find limiting for adult socializing or personal time. Another point occasionally mentioned is the limited age range focus, primarily targeting young children, which might not appeal to older kids or teenagers. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive reviews affirm Bunny Ears Art House’s success in creating a warm, imaginative, and process-oriented environment that supports artistic growth and family bonding, despite minor logistical considerations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kathi Perrella
We couldn’t have chosen a better venue than Bunny Ears Art House for my son’s first birthday! Jinny went above and beyond to ensure the day was perfect and that every kiddo, regardless of age, had a blast. The open-ended activities and crafts sparked creativity and kept the little ones happily engaged, while the Tinker Station was a hit with the older kids. Jinny’s attention to detail, from setup to cleanup, and her genuine care for making the event special didn’t go unnoticed. She was accommodating to every request and made sure everything flowed seamlessly, leaving us free to enjoy the day. The space itself is inspiring, warm, and filled with opportunities for imaginative play. I couldn’t recommend Bunny Ears Art House more for any celebration—it’s a gem for creative and joyful memories!
Katherine Nickele
So impressed with Bunny Ears Art House! We hosted my kiddo’s 3rd birthday. It was a perfect spot for a group of toddlers who both parallel play and play with each other. There were lots of super fun building, imagination, and art stations (not to mention a paint room?!) that kept the kids busy and having a blast throughout the party. Highly recommend hosting a party here. We will be back to check out more!
Laura Wipf
I cannot say enough positive things about Bunny Ears Art House! After taking my kids to an Open Art & Play session, we immediately fell in love with this place. So, we decided to have my daughter’s birthday there. Jinny (the owner/creator) was a pleasure to work with! She’s friendly, down-to-earth, great at communicating, creative, and thoughtful. She provided age-appropriate and engaging activities. The party was well-organized and Jinny made everything easy to manage. Here are what my kids and their friends most enjoyed: making slime, the kinetic sand table, the shower room for wall painting, the huge magnetic building tiles, and the numerous craft tables. Jinny is amazing at providing a variety of things to keep creative minds busy. If there were more stars, I would add them. Believe me, I don’t rave this much about everything I review, but when I do, I mean what I say! Bunny Ears Art House is a true gem.
Rachel Bolin
This is such a great place for kids to be themselves and have fun! My son hates leaving the house but runs out the door to go to Bunny Ears. He looks forward to his class every week. We struggle with sensory issues and Bunny Ears is a calm, safe place that doesn’t trigger my son. His favorite thing is the sensory bin that’s different every week! Jinny takes her time to know all the kids who come in and truly treats us like family. I’m so thankful to have a place like this!
Christina Synowiec
My two girls did summer camp and classes here and had the most wonderful time. They have been asking to go back again which is just about the best testament possible. They loved Taylor Swift week and brought home tons of goodies and crafts that they spent the week making. Would definitely recommend this to other families looking for fun art classes for kids.
How to reach Bunny Ears Art House
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Why Bunny Ears Art House may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bunny Ears Art House with your friends? Bunny Ears Art House is not just an art studio; it’s a vibrant, inclusive gathering spot where creativity and joy come alive for everyone, from children to adults. Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Square, Chicago, this studio was founded with the mission to provide a safe and supportive environment where kids and their families can explore art through play and experimentation. Its warm, welcoming atmosphere fosters connection and community, making it an ideal place to gather with friends or family for meaningful, creative experiences. The Petri dish of youthful energy, creativity, and nurturing spirit encourages guests to let go of inhibitions and dive into colorful projects that spark joy and imagination. Because the space is designed around play, learning, and discovery rather than rigid outcomes, gatherings here feel organically fun and stress-free. Whether you're planning a casual meetup, a children's birthday party, or a creative celebration, Bunny Ears Art House ensures a unique, engaging atmosphere where friendships deepen and memories are handmade—literally.
What types of creative activities can you do at Bunny Ears Art House?
Bunny Ears Art House offers a rich palette of engaging activities tailored to kids and their grown-ups, designed to spark imagination through hands-on art-making and playful experimentation. At the heart of the experience is the studio’s commitment to play-based learning, where children are invited to explore different materials and techniques without pressure or expectations. Guests can engage in pottery, sewing, collage, and a variety of craft projects led by experienced art educators and artists. One popular activity is the slime station, a signature attraction where kids customize their own slime with colors, scents, and charms, learning to blow bubbles and play with texture. Other creative stations include making wooden spinners, decorating plush toy "pets" and their homes, painting and embellishing wooden unicorns, and layering rainbow-colored sand to create pretend smoothies. These activities are not only fun but also encourage fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and self-expression. With diversity in options and accessibility to all ages and abilities, there's always something to delight every group member’s creative spirit.
Why is Bunny Ears Art House perfect for group meetups?
Bunny Ears Art House’s design and philosophy make it uniquely suited for group meetups, especially gatherings involving kids. First, the studio offers private rentals where groups enjoy exclusive use of the entire space for two hours, including setup and cleanup time, ensuring a hassle-free experience focused entirely on fun and creativity. This exclusivity lets groups relax and bond in a warm, intimate setting filled with vibrant colors, art materials, and playful installations. The studio’s team provides dedicated art teachers who guide and support attendees while allowing freedom to experiment at their own pace, which ensures every child and adult feels included and engaged. The facility also welcomes families to bring their own food and drinks, fostering a picnic-like social atmosphere alongside artistic activities. Moreover, the studio’s location in Lincoln Square makes it easily accessible, nestled in a neighborhood known for its friendly environment and community events. Groups leave not only with tangible handmade creations but also shared memories of a joyful, collaborative day.
What special events and parties can you host at Bunny Ears Art House?
Bunny Ears Art House specializes in hosting unforgettable birthday parties and special events tailored to foster creativity and connection among friends and family. Their birthday party packages include private use of the studio for two hours and come complete with 1-2 dedicated artists who facilitate a variety of creative stations customized to the birthday child’s interests. Popular party themes include the slime bar, magical unicorn painting, “Adopt a Pet” plush decorating, and the Swiftie Style craft station inspired by Taylor Swift, which also features a themed photo booth and friendship bracelet making. The studio offers optional add-ons such as personalized birthday banners for decoration and goody bags for guests, helping make celebrations even more memorable. With a base capacity accommodating up to 10 kids and options for additional children, these parties maintain a cozy group size that promotes interaction and individual attention. Parents appreciate the relaxed environment where kids can experiment freely while being safely supervised. The party's non-food elements being at the forefront appeals to families looking for wholesome, enriching experiences.
How does Bunny Ears Art House support creativity and inclusivity?
At its core, Bunny Ears Art House is deeply committed to nurturing creativity through a philosophy centered on inclusion, respect, and joy. The studio’s mission is to provide an environment where children feel safe to take creative risks and embrace failures as essential parts of growth in art and in life. This approach fosters confidence and independence across all age groups. The studio explicitly welcomes and celebrates diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and ability, recognizing that varied perspectives enhance the creative process and community strength. The team listens attentively to children’s ideas and voices, ensuring every individual feels seen and valued. Beyond just art-making, the studio cultivates a space where empathy, healing, and connection flourish, firmly believing in art’s power to build bridges. Their respect for earth resources also informs the materials and creative methods they employ, emphasizing sustainability and stewardship alongside artistry.
Who are the people behind Bunny Ears Art House?
Bunny Ears Art House was co-founded by Jinny Choi and Lois Song, childhood friends with a shared passion for arts education and community building. Jinny brings over 10 years of teaching experience, a Master’s degree in Education, and a personal journey exploring folk crafts in Seoul, blending rich cultural influences into her work. Lois, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, is a potter and freelance graphic designer who has also taught art in Chicago Public Schools, bringing deep expertise to the studio’s offerings. Together, they launched Bunny Ears initially as a pop-up booth at Lincoln Square farmers markets before establishing their permanent studio on Lincoln Avenue with support from a community development grant. Supporting them is a dedicated team including Jory, the studio manager and creative organizer with a BFA in Photography and Art History, who ensures the space runs smoothly and every sensory experience is thoughtfully curated. This leadership’s combined educational background, artistic skills, and cultural sensitivity make Bunny Ears a trusted and cozy hub for creative exploration.
What makes Bunny Ears Art House a unique community hub?
What sets Bunny Ears Art House apart is its dedication to forming strong, lasting connections within the community through art and play. Beyond being a studio, it acts as a welcoming hub where families and friends gather not just to create but to share moments of joy, learning, and belonging. It hosts regular workshops, open studio sessions, and pop-up events that encourage continuous engagement and social interaction. The founders’ roots in Chicago’s community and their vision to create equity in arts education give the space a meaningful purpose beyond entertainment. Visitors often leave with more than crafts; they gain friendships, inspiration, and a sense of collective ownership in a vibrant creative ecosystem. Bunny Ears’ strong emphasis on joy as a transformative force further elevates its role from a simple art house to a nourishing, joyful refuge where people of all ages can recharge, play, and grow together.
This combination of inclusive philosophy, expert guidance, and playful, interactive programming makes Bunny Ears Art House an unbeatable choice for anyone looking to rally friends, family, or community groups around creativity and connection. Whether it’s a lively birthday party, an art-filled playdate, or a casual get-together, this studio offers a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates every individual’s creative spark.