Monkey Joes

We recently moved to Lexington and were looking for something to do with our toddler daughter on a rainy day. I found Monkey Joes on Unilocal and called to confirm that they did, in fact, have a designated toddler area for kids who are 3 and younger.
We were disappointed with the amenities provided in the ‘Mini Monkey Zone’. There were multiple items that were broken or out of order. On top of that, the little slide and a lot of things were dirty and grungy and not well maintained. Still, I probably would have still given the place a 3 out of 5 stars. They do offer a small bounce area for toddlers. As long as your toddler is under 2, I wouldn’t have minded paying the $ 5 for her to play (I DO NOT think the Mini Monkey Area is worth it if you have to pay $ 7 – 8).
What really upset my husband and I is the fact that despite multiple large signs stating rules for the different areas, Monkey Joes does not enforce the signs. There are not supposed to be kids over 3 in the toddler area — but the entire 2 hours we were there the area was overrun with 5 – 7 year olds. They were pegging each other with the toddler toys and rough housing all over the place. One large girl almost trampled my daughter and I finally had to step in and stop her from rolling a large cylinder into my child. There were other parents (some who appeared to be parents to the older kids) watching as well, but most of them were sitting and eating with their faces buried in smartphones or iPads. All of the Monkey Joes employees were grouped together at the front and none of them ever walked around for the two hours we were there.
I understand there is to be individual parental supervision, but if a business states there is an area for 3 years and younger, I feel they should monitor the different areas and ensure children’s safety isn’t at risk. We won’t be returning.

Monkey Joes is a lot of fun! And if you have not been in awhile they have mixed things up a bit. They have age appropriate areas for safe play for all ages of kids. They also typically have several «refs» monitoring the play. Not much fun for adults though unless you have a book to read or your phone to play on. Most jumps do not allow adults and jumps that allow adults do not allow adults to jump. It is also too loud to really have a conversation or to hear the TV in the parent area. Plan your day well since once you leave you are done. And don’t forget socks for your kids.
Pros: lots o’ fun, kids always take great naps on MJ days, food at decent prices, great air flow/​temp, toddler area, free wifi
Cons: no in/​out privileges, food is poor quality, adults are not allowed to jump or play (only assist 4 and under), very loud
I would give five stars if in/​out was allowed.

We loved Monkey Joes. My 1 year old loved the 3 and under area

Monkey joes is a really fun place to take the kids. It’s actually the only place I go with my family where I can be a kid with them. The food is mediocre and all, but guess what? It’s not a restaurant. The only thing I will say is that the cotton candy machines music sucks.

Horrible customer service! They advertised «family night» with a pizza dinner for $ 10. They actually order the pizza from an outside vendor, and don’t make it themselves. I arrived with my girlfriends and 3 two year olds after daycare at 6pm and tried to order the dinner. The staff at monkey joes (including the manager) said they stopped ordering at 6 (not advertised) and were not flexible in allowing us to get food for our kids! I will not be coming back, given better places in town that are better at providing a welcoming environment for kids and families!!!