If a round of beers during a round of Skee Ball sounds like the perfect way to blow off steam, there are a number of Valley spots ready to remind you that it's OK to act like a kid - even if you're old enough to have your own.
There is absolutely something for everyone at this expansive, indoor-play park. They have a lurid sea of the standard arcade and ticket-dispensing games, as well as numerous kiddie rides, and that's just the beginning. They also have laser tag, bumper cars, go karts, mini golf and bowling. As for the food - you won't find re-heated nacho "cheese" sauce here. Visitors find a sprawling buffet with pasta, soup, salad, pizza and desserts that are unlimited with admission, and a handful of themed rooms in which to eat: sports, movie and beach to name a few. There's also beer and wine, but that will cost you extra.
Billed as the world's largest laser tag arena, Stratum offers the perfect place to bond with your buddies while simultaneously carrying out their virtual demise. Designed by the folks responsible for the Forum Shops displays at Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas and rides at Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, participants take the field on over 13,000 square feet of levels, towers and ramps, with a studio-style light production and a state-of-the-art sound system. They also offer an arcade with prizes and snacks, but the real fun here is seeing how many times you can sneak up on your best friend and make that little sensor on their chest light up.
This is the spot for all you adrenaline junkies out there. They don't serve any alcoholic beverages, but the rush from their rides is more than enough. The Desert Storm roller coaster features three full loops at speeds up to 56 miles per hour. There is also the Skydiver, a 180-foot free-fall ride not for the faint of heart. They also have four miniature golf courses, bumper boats, brand new Indy cars, the Sea Dragon, a richly ornate carousel, Magic Carpet Ride, newly renovated log ride and one of the largest arcades in the Valley, full of the classics as well as the latest in high-tech simulation. Summer Fun Days starts May 23 where people can purchase all-day ride passes for $15 at Bashas' and Food City.
If the arrival of Speed Racer has re-ignited your high-octane fantasies, the Valley has just the place for you. Billed as America's largest indoor race track, this place has 113,000 square feet of high-speed action. They have 32 cars and two ¼-mile tracks, and, get this, their cars top out at 45 miles per hour! Once you've gotten the lead out, speed demons can head to the arcade, rock wall or shoot some pool to let the adrenaline settle. Patrons can much on burgers and pizz and wash it all back with an ice cold beer or wine at the bar. Just be careful how much you drink before getting behind the wheel, employees keep track with wrist bands and a breathalyzer.
This isn't a kid's place that happens to have a bar, it's a bar that happens to have a lot of kid's stuff. Not only are there huge projection screens broadcasting the professional games, but there are plenty of games to play yourself. Pool tables, shuffleboard, and an arcade can also be found in this two-story institution. And the best part is the food - the menu spans everything from meatloaf to quesadillas. They make homemade chips, wings with the perfect amount of crunch and sauce, and a focaccia or pizza dough wrap that will change your life.
What list of places to act like a kid in Arizona would be complete without a place to live out your cowboy fantasies? Thank goodness Rawhide survived our Valley's growth because there's nothing more authentic to our state than washing your Rocky Mountain Oysters and fried rattlesnake down with a shot of whiskey, while watching a good old-fashioned gunfight. There's also a mechanical bull or live bull-riding through May on Fridays, gold-panning, stunt shows, card shows and through June, sundown cookouts on Saturdays, complete with hay ride and campfire (they start up again in October).
This is your all-American outdoor-fun park featuring all the classics. Bumper boats, arcade, go-karts, goofy golf, batting cages and in Tempe, a driving range, and in Scottsdale, laser tag. Don't expect gourmet food or alcoholic beverages, but you will definitely go home happy and feeling 10 years younger.
For the ultimate arcade experience, head to where the I-10 and US 60 meet at Arizona Mills Mall. Players will find the latest full-size, interactive, gaming wares brought to you by the proprietors, the legendary gaming pioneers at Sega, which means you'll find games here that you won't anywhere else. Be sure to check out Sega Karaoke which includes songs in Korean (try that after a cocktail for some laughs!), or the Kato Brothers - a play on Guitar Hero featuring a banjo or tambourine. Not only do they have the latest and greatest, but you can also find old-school classics like Donkey Kong and Galaga too. There's also a full-service restaurant and bar, The Arena Sports Bar and Grill, making this the perfect place to unleash your inner child.
The snacks are the typical amusement park fare and you won't find any alcoholic beverages, but there is plenty to keep you occupied. Video games, bumper boats, two miniature golf courses, an 18-hole putting course, volleyball courts, batting cages, go karts and a 300-yard, multi-level, shaded, fully-automated, tee-up system driving range sure to bring out the John Daly in everyone.
With a drink menu as comprehensive as the food's, it's pretty certain that the people behind Dave and Buster's are banking on the grownups. Every kind of dipper, wrapper and finger is available for sustenance, as well as an array of stimulating shots with names like Slippery When Wet, Freaky Deeky and The Big Oh. And of course, you can indulge in the games, whether it's electronic or manual, for the tickets or the bragging rights, this place is packed with possibilities.
The weather has cooled down, so dust of your bike
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LorinThwaits from in the oven - November 20, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I think these three should also be on the list: McCormick-Stillman train park in Scottsdale Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa Arizona Science Center in...
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