Activate Games

Activate Games is one of the most genuinely original family entertainment concepts in recent years — a space where the physical world becomes the game. Instead of sitting in front of a screen, players move through a series of interactive rooms where their bodies are the controllers. Laser grids to dodge, targets to hit with your hands, rhythm challenges that test coordination, and team puzzles that require real communication.

For school-age kids and teens, this is catnip. The novelty of being inside what feels like a video game — where the room actually responds to what you do — creates a level of engagement that traditional entertainment rarely matches. Kids who are normally glued to screens find themselves genuinely preferring the physical version.

Activate is ideal for ages 7 and up. Younger kids can participate but may need help with some of the more cognitively demanding rooms. The sweet spot is roughly 8–16, where kids are coordinated enough to succeed at the challenges but still find them surprising and exciting.

Each game session takes about 60–90 minutes and includes access to multiple rooms with different challenge types. Groups of 2–6 players work best. For families with competitive older kids, the scoring systems and challenges add a replay-visit incentive that other entertainment venues lack.

Book in advance — walk-in availability on weekends is unpredictable. Budget around $100–$140 for a family of four. Wear athletic clothes and sneakers; this is a workout as much as it is entertainment.