Day Trip to iPlay America

February is usually just around the time that cabin fever sets in for those of us who tend to hibernate during the cold winter months. Indoor activities are the go-to choice for entertainment. But what if you’ve already exhausted your options of strolling through malls, sitting in movie theaters, or studying museum exhibits? Plans for summer day trips having fun along the Jersey Shore boardwalks are not yet within reach, but a nearby venue offers fantastic alternatives. At iPlay America in Freehold, NJ, visitors of all ages can easily spend a full day enjoying what is billed as New Jersey’s Premier Indoor Amusement Park, and it’s easy to see why.

When entering through the main doors of iPlay America, which originally opened in November 2011, you may immediately be a bit overwhelmed by the enormity of the place, which boasts four acres of rides, attractions, games, and food for kids, teens, and adults. The venue is cleverly and colorfully designed in the style of half small-town boardwalk amusement park/half New York City street, with huge separate areas for each group of activities and diversions. Altogether, the vast facility houses more than 250 arcade and boardwalk games, the largest indoor high ropes course in New Jersey, an indoor go-kart track, bumper cars, two-level laser tag, virtual bowling, a 4D theater, basketball, balloon darts, a spinning coaster, and numerous other rides for both youngsters and older guests.

If all the excitement works up an appetite, you can choose from Sonny’s Boardwalk Grill, where they serve up Jersey Shore-style favorites like hot dogs, cheesesteak, funnel cakes, pizza, and more, or take a seat at the Game Time Bar & Grill, featuring classic American cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, Broadway Sweets features Monmouth County’s largest selection of current and old-fashioned candy.

In May 2019, iPlay America added a Topgolf Swing Suite, making it the first family entertainment center in the United States to offer the popular virtual game venue that is a favorite of both golfers and non-golfers alike. The Topgolf Swing Suite offers six unique bays with game simulators on huge screens, lounge seating to comfortably accommodate groups, HDTVs, and full food and beverage service. It’s the perfect spot to rent with friends to enjoy happy hours, date nights, birthday parties, sports viewing parties, or all-around family fun. It’s also a great option for businesses seeking unique ideas for corporate outings, networking events, or team-building activities. Participants have a wide range of interactive virtual games from which to choose, including TopContender, TopPressure, and TopChallenge golf; Baseball Pitching, Zombie Dodgeball, Carnival Classic games, Hockey Shots, Quarterback Challenge football, and Penalty Kick soccer. Rental fees for the Topgolf Swing Suite are per hour, per bay and vary by day and time, with special large group pricing available.

The versatile space at the Event Center at iPlay America provides endless possibilities for hosting every conceivable type of corporate or social event, celebration, trade show, concert, festival, competition, or more.  Professional event planners are at your service, with a wide array of menus prepared by an in-house culinary team, and events can be fully customized for any occasion or audience. Measuring in at over 45,000 square feet, Warehouse 100 provides an event stage and gigantic trade show floor, or you may opt for the smaller Chelsea or Celebrity spaces. And convenient, ample free parking is all onsite.

The event spaces are not just for private functions, though. Public events hosted by iPlay America throughout the year have included chocolate and wine tastings, concerts by popular performers, craft beer events, dinner shows, charity fundraisers, sports celebrity appearances, holiday celebrations, music showcases, motivational speakers, magic shows, 21+ Friday nights, dance competitions, and overnight campouts.

All of this and more await with a day (or evening) trip to iPlay America. Hours vary for the arcade, rides and attractions, Game Time Bar & Grill, and Topgolf Swing Suite, so be sure to check the website before you go.

There are various pricing options available, too, with rates for weekend and other peak times such as holidays, school breaks, and summer hours; early bird prices; late night prices; and weekday prices. Rates also depend upon the entertainment options you may choose to include. If you just want to try your luck and skill in the arcade, you can pay as you go for game credits. A few activities, such as the ropes course, 4D theater, and bowling, are an additional fee. For those who want to do it all, there’s an iPlay All Day Pass that includes unlimited select rides and non-redemption video games, laser tag, the ropes course, 4D theater, bowling, and a $25 player card. For those who intend to make repeat visits, there’s a year-round All Season Premium Pass. iPlay America also offers a discount for first responders and military members, plus a host of generous discount promotions that you’ll find on their website.

iPlay America is located at 110 Schanck Road in Freehold, NJ, right off of Route 9 South. For more information, updates, and announcements, visit www.iplayamerica.com, call 732-577-8200, or follow iPlay America on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.