When I asked my son what he wanted to do for his birthday, there was no doubt in his mind—he wanted to spend the day at iPlay America in Freehold. With over 4 acres of pure fun, there’s plenty to entertain the whole family in the complex, and we had a ball hopping between the boardwalk, city streets, shops, restaurants, rides, and attractions. After a day of making memories of playing laser tag, chasing after Godzilla on the XD Dark Ride, racing in go-karts, playing some boardwalk games, and riding as many attractions as we wanted, my son said it was the best birthday ever. Scroll down for more on what we did that day at iPlay America and why it’s a top-rated indoor amusement spot in NJ. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
iPlay America makes you feel like you are right on the boardwalk. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Experience all the fun and games at iPlay America
We started by getting a game card and hitting what seemed like a game euphoria, with everything from skill games to video games and tons of boardwalk-style arcade games. They are even known for having more crane games than anyone in NJ. The kids were thrilled to spend time in the arcade, and it was easy since all they had to do was swipe to play and accumulate iTickets on their game cards. After, they could redeem their iTickets for prizes (no more holding onto paper tickets for that!). But the boardwalk games are where they really got excited. They dunked balls during Hot Shot Basketball, hit targets on Balloon Darts, played the ol’ favorite Whac-A-Mole, and spent time at Stinky Feet, a water race game and a favorite to play and compete with friends.
Go-Karts, the XD Dark Ride, and amusement rides
The IPA Speedway was an instant favorite with my son and his friends. They loved racing in the electric go-karts, and there were options to ride alone or in a double-passenger car. The go-karts started slow, but they flew around the track once they took off, aiming to get first place. The XD Dark Ride was our next stop, and the adults were even pretty impressed with this ride. We picked our movie, took a seat in the mini-movie theater, and grabbed a laser, which we used during the ride to aim at the screen to earn points during the 3D movie. The kids were excited to see their scores recorded, and the energy was high as they cheered on one another. We then hit the amusement rides, from the Kite Flyer flying ride to the spinning thrill ride called Reverse Time. Other rides include the Dizzy Dragons, the High Flyer, and the Mini Ferris Wheel.
Lasertron has two levels of glowing fun. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Two-floors of laser tag
With 6,500 square feet and two levels, the laser tag arena at iPlay America is a must-visit spot. When you step into Lasertron, you pick either a red or green team. The kids picked their teams, got on their gear, and they were ready to go. Once they entered the futuristic-looking interactive LED-illuminated arena, they learned the rules and immediately took off to earn points for their teams. While playing in the arena, colors changed, lights pulsed, neon lights flashed, and strobe lights went off, too. It was 8 minutes of exciting non-stop competition and the talking point between my son and his friends on the ride home.
Hungry yet?
All of the games, rides, and laser tag got us hungry, so we were happy to see plenty of snacks and food outlets sprinkled throughout the amusement park. Since the kids wanted something quick because they wanted more time with the arcade games, we headed to Rob’s Pizza to grab a slice of boardwalk-style pizza. Other food options included Sonny’s, with Jersey Shore-style snacks like cotton candy and fried Oreos, or the Loaded Spoon, with its creative cocktails and dishes like Ahi Tuna Sashimi or the Surf + Turf Skewers. The Top Golf Swing Suite is another place to chow down with full food and beverage service while you play, which is an excellent option for adult parties and get-togethers. Finish your meal with one of the largest candy shops in New Jersey at Broadway Sweets to choose your own candy selections or even try the homemade fudge.
Host a Birthday Party
Want to host a party? iPlay America makes it easy to host parties for toddlers up to adults. Once you work with a party planner, you’ll see the options— the Ballocity Jr. package is a starting package, where party-goers can play in the Ballocity area, pick three rides, and receive a $5 game card. Or go up to the VIP Ultra package, where guests can have unlimited go-cart and amusement rides, access to the XD Dark Ride, 2 hours of non-redemption video games, a laser tag session, and a $20 game card. We chose the Level UP party for our son, and his favorites included the go-karts, rides, laser tag, and the cool XD Dark Ride. It was also great to have access to the party room at the end of the party, where we ate, had a customized cake (my son chose Funfetti with chocolate mousse) and cupcakes, and sang Happy Birthday.
What to know before you go
iPlay America is open Wednesday through Sunday, with weekday hours starting at 4 PM and weekend hours open at 10 AM. On Friday and Saturday nights, iPlay is open until 11 PM (closing at 9 PM on other days). Tickets start with Unlimited iRide Band, which is $39.99 a person, or opt for the Premier Play Pass ($79.99), which includes unlimited free rides, unlimited time in Ballocity, 1 XD Dark Ride Experience, 2 hours of unlimited non-redemption video games, 1 round of two-level laser tag, and $25 game card,. You can also purchase Pay as you go credits for the games and arcade, and you can add-on experiences like the 1 XD Dark Ride, unlimited Ballocity, laser tag, or package bundles. If you plan on going often, sign your kids up for earning discounts by joining the Kids Club or iPlay America’s Book Club, where kids can read for rewards. Adults and older kids will also like the Top Golf Swing Suite, where there are 5 bays with simulators, HDTVs, lounge seating, and food and beverage service, and it can be rented for everything from parties to a family day out. In addition, iPlay America also has an Event Center, so check ahead for their schedule.
iPlay America
110 Schanck Road
Freehold, NJ 07728
Learn more about iPlay America on the website, Instagram, and Facebook.
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