Activate Games

Activate Games

Reviews Summary

The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers giving 5-star ratings. Customers praise the fun, engaging games suitable for all ages, from kids to adults. Many highlight excellent staff who are helpful, friendly, and enhance the experience. The facility is consistently described as clean, well-organized, and worth repeating. Team-building, date nights, and family outings are all recommended. A few minor critiques mention occasional game glitches or lack of rewards, but these are rare. Overall, it’s a highly recommended, active, and enjoyable experience.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Tournaments
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

8735 Lyra Dr

Columbus, Ohio 43240

Hours

Monday 10AM-10PM
Tuesday 10AM-10PM
Wednesday 10AM-10PM
Thursday 10AM-10PM
Friday 10AM-11PM
Saturday 10AM-11PM
Sunday 10AM-10PM

Customer Reviews

Went here on a date for Valentine?s Day and it was better than I expected!! I expected long waits for game and dirty play areas but what I got was less than 5 minute waits (if any) and a wonderfully clean and state of the art facility. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful and the games were all explained well on the registration boards. We had 75 minutes and got to play everything multiple times. We even reached level 4 on a couple games! On top of all that I burned 500 calories in those 75 minutes! We

I had the BEST time here to celebrate my birthday!! Wishing I would've worn a sports bra because it can get intense!!! Loved the collaborative and competitive options! Something for everyone. Can't wait for the next visit!!!

Fun outing for the whole family! Each room had its own unique skills/games that were fun and competitive. 75 minutes flew by and we all got a good workout in too! I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys physical/minute-to-win it type of games.

What an AMAZING time. The videos online made it look fun, and it was EVEN BETTER in real life. (Rare experience) We were hot, sweaty and had the BEST time! 100% will be back again!! And Kyle was so very helpful.

Had a great time here with the kids. I was a little skeptical at first about how fun it would be, but I was wrong. I think I had more fun than the kids. We were all super competitive and had a blast destroying asteroids and jumping/rolling past lasers. We are definitely com8ng back to have more fun. Too bad they don't have any food or drinks, that would be great.

Phenomenal staff and the games are amazing. We drove down about 2 hours and this was our main attraction. So well worth it. If you have kids that love to run and play, this is the spot. Our 7year old had an absolute blast. Will be back again.

10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Bring tennis shoes and water!! Before and after photos below lol we can't wait to come back next month for my birthday. Worth every penny!

Activate is fantastic! I took my sons, ages 8 and 11, and we had a blast playing the games. It's setup in a very simple manner, the games may take 1-2 tries to understand the strategy, but that's the fun. The best part is that it was both challenging and fun for everyone involved. I would recommend this to adult friends, as well as anyone with kids older than around 6.

This place is packed full of opportunities for fun! Games for everyone. Even the young ages (young as 6) can find a game to play. The best thing about the games are that they can be played as team or competitive.

This was a very cool and unique experience?I did not know I would sweat so much! The kids loved it!

This place was absolutely amazing! So much to do, you could easily be there for hours and not play every variety of game. I love how the games are very fast paced and you can determine what games you want to play. I brought a group of 15 teens for the first time and they all agreed we are definitely going back. Great work guys!

My son and I had an absolute blast on a busy Saturday afternoon. We never had to wait more than a minute to enter a new room and loved discovering all the different games. The staff was super friendly and explained things so well and everything was super clean and well ran. The general manager Chase is very caring and wants to make sure everyone is taken care of! Can't wait to go back with more family and friends. The only warning I'll give is prepared to SWEAT while having a great time! ??

This was a fun new experience! We liked the variety of games and how the levels more get challenging. We appreciated the complimentary lockers to store items ahead of time. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes as it is a very active experience. Wish some of the games let you play longer before having to exit, but it was nice not to have to wait long to get into a room. Would go again!

Charity, Lennon, and Olivia were amazing hosts!! We had an incredible time. I love that there are so many levels you can come back and keep it fresh!

So much fun and workout! Came here several times when it was open new with lots of offers and discounts. There were tens of innovative and impressive game modes at various rooms. The staff is always friendly. It is easy to make an appointment through its website.

This place was fun for everyone in our group from 8 years to 45. We had so much fun and got our exercise in! We will definitely be back!

I had such a great time here with friends! As someone who cares about fitness, I think this place is fantastic for keeping you active-both physically and mentally.

We had a very good time here. The games are fun and varied, and they were friendly and welcoming even while being very busy.

Can't wait to bring back our whole family! We opted to use the lockers so we didn't have our phones to take pictures which was actually very freeing. This is super active so dress like you're going to the gym!

This place is so awesome, not to mention the staff they are all so nice and welcoming. Chris was great he was the show stopper of them all very detailed and helpful? Gabe, Dylan, Olivia everyone was immaculate .the place was very clean and sanitized they wipe down almost after every touch ?. You Het make your way here and have a blast ??

We had such a great time at Activate in Polaris! The games were super fun and a perfect mix of physical and mental challenges for the whole family. Everything was easy to jump into, and the staff was awesome?especially John! He was super helpful and made the experience even better. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun, active outing!

Awesome experience. Takes some getting used to but once you start beating levels, the real fun begins.

This is a lot of fun. Not just for the fact it is a large variety of games, but you get one killer of a work out. Activate should legit come up with Member plans or something because this is now gonna be my work out loved it. My husband and I got to rank 3 spot 2 on the leader board lot of fun. Can't wait to go again!.

This was such a fun experience! My daughter took my grandson and his friends for his birthday, and all of us had a great time. Very challenging and so many variations of games.

My son begged us to go here for his birthday after he attended a birthday party and it did not disappoint! Our entire family had an absolute blast and did not want our time to end! The facility was so clean and the staff was extremely kind and generous to my son on his birthday. We will be back and can't wait to bring friends here when visiting from out of town!

I took my kiddos over spring break and they loved it. I also loved it. Such a fun experience!!!! We went back 3 days later. If you can find a slower time, it's a bonus! The staff is awesome and super helpful.

We love going here! Fun for the whole family! There are lots of different games and levels and you can earn coins too.

My husband and I had a great time! Can't wait to come back with family and friends plus our kids!

Was such a fun experience! I like that that they are short spurts of games so your not waiting a long time to get to play different games. Reminds me of Minute to Win it but more physical games. Had a great time! We will definitely be back!

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team at Activate last night for orchestrating what can only be described as the ultimate surprise birthday celebration last night. From start to finish, every detail was executed with absolute perfection and intentionality, making it one of the most unforgettable experiences. As we wrapped up an exhilarating session in the Grid room, the entire team stunned us with a personalized birthday message projected on the screen, accompanied by a thoughtful voiceover directin

So much fun! Josh and Reece were so helpful and really nice! I went to activate game in Atlanta the first time and it was overwhelming and they didn't walk us through anything. At this location there is someone to explain things and help you understand the games! I came with group of adults age 25-33 and we had so much fun!! We will be back!

Me and my boyfriend went, it was so fun!! We weren't completely prepared to run around so we were in long pants and jackets. It got very hot very fast. The games were entertaining with lots of different modes and levels. Employees were very friendly and helpful. Overall had so much fun!! We didn't get to play the laser shooting game within our time because we didn't realize there were two doors to the laser room. Simply user error, the employees were very nice and offered us an extra 5 minutes to try the g

So much fun! We had a blast as a family of five doing this. I did not really know what to expect but a friend had recommended it and we are so glad we tried it. Josh helped us out and was awesome. Charity was also helpful and sweet.

I rarely leave reviews in general, but THIS, this was worth every penny! The whole experience from booking to playing games was perfection! It looked fun online, but nothing could prepare us for how fun it is IRL. I want to speak to the integrity of the game too, how the time goes is so fair and I hope it stays that way. I want to bring my family back as soon as possible! Dress comfortable, which I did! You will sweat! ??

Went to Activate with my kids and it was very fun. We spent our 75 minutes full of running around, joyful yelling as we coordinated to win games and I'm absolutely coming back. Well worth the cost.

Josh and Chara were so helpful and made our first experience at Activate so fun! My whole family had a blast! They both were welcoming and made sure we would have a wonderful time! Thank you both!

30+ and had a GREAT time! 10 out of 10 recommend. Lots of variety of games from physically active to mentally active. Great layout, it's fun, you never have to wait, you're just with your group. Forsure will go back!

What a fun and interactive place. Be prepared to sweat when you go. They have numerous different rooms with interactive games to play that will keep you engaged. Highly recommend for youth and adults

Such a fun experience!!! Me and my bf went for the first time Friday and it was the best! It's really active hints the name lol but definitely will be back :)

Some of the most fun I've had in a long time. Seen these games on social media all the time and wanted to try them out. There were so many options to choose and not a long wait for anything nobody could hog a room.

The worker told me to stop running. My family says that there was a few glitches in the games. At the end when we were about to leave a staff member gave my baby brother a tennis ball. My dad?s back hurt after the first game. Maybe that's just cause he's fat. A personal problem. At the end with all of our points, you should be able to earn rewards. But they said that they ran out of rewards and all I wanted was just for them to give me a water bottle that will take off at least one star. I do not know how t

Had a blast with my family--2 boomers with adult kids. Not gamers, so was not sure if it was for us, but we all had an awesome time! Friendly, helpful staff. Kyle's check-in was quick and seamless. Clean, well-maintained facility. Definitely worth a visit!

I went today with my 6 and 10 year old. So much fun and no one wanted to stop. Glad we went when it first opened in the morning, less people. But it is spring break week. There was minimal waiting. Only bummed when you couldn't stay in a room because others were waiting. Wish there was a membership bc we want to go all the time now!

Super fun place to bring the family. We did have a 4 year old with us that was able to play most games as well. I called in advance to be sure they could attend with us and they warned me they may not be able to participate in all activities. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Definitely will be back!

This was so much fun! Josh, Chara, Kyle, and Julius were amazing, friendly and really made the experience the best. They all deserve a raise and you deserve a visit!

Absolutely fantastic concept and even better entertainment! My wife and I came here for a date and definitely underestimated the workout we were going to get here. Not only did we sweat, but we had much fun at the same time. The variety of games, for the price we paid, can't be beat! We enjoyed it so much, we can back with my family for the holidays and they enjoyed it just as much. They started to research where the closest one was to them, so they could do it when they got home. We would highly recommend

Great staff, super friendly, informative and thorough. Great activities for all ages. Amazing bonding and team building experience! Clean! I had an absolute blast.

All of the staff were super friendly and helpful. We spoke to Olivia (I believe?), and Chris and they were both great. The facility is clean and the games are very different than anything we've done, and super fun. It is quite the workout, so wear your tennis shoes. Although not every room requires running. Overall very cool experience we highly recommend it!

It was so much fun! I came with a group of 8, the games only allow up to 5 in a room, but we split up and still had a blast. It definitely gets you moving. I suggest bringing a water bottle. I will definitely be back.

Place was set up perfectly where you have plenty of playtime with hardly no waiting. Tons of games to choose from. Five star experience, will definitely be back!

My hubby and I wanted to go somewhere to have fun and be big kids and oh boy was this the perfect place!!!!! We had so much fun! It was a great experience and we will be back!

Activate is so fun! It's great for groups of all ages, or a date night. There's so many different games and levels, so you can focus on one you love or try something new!

So much fun. My husband and I first came with my teen nieces and had so much fun we came back by ourselves. We've since been back with friends multiple times. Our guides, Julius, Kyle, and Josh, were super helpful!

So much fun! Tons of different game options. Great time for families or group events. We have a group of over 20 and the staff was still very helpful and friendly. They did a great job explaining the process and getting everyone setup. Will definitely be back.

I highly recommend this place to anybody that is just looking for fun. It is great for kids teens people in their 20s and even adult. I would say wear athletic clothes and do not wear layers as you will be getting hot. Gabe was super helpful with our set up and made sure we had a great experience. If you're looking for a fun active time, head this way!

I've been a couple of times and have decided I won't go back. They really need to have a cut off time for children to be in there. I went with a couple friends on a Saturday night and it was over run with large groups of kids running wild running into people. One group of kids cut in front of us when we were waiting in line for a game. Another group went up and scan their bracelets and added themselves to our game. No adults in sight making these kids behave. Lastly they let way too many people in at a tim

This is a fun activity for older kids and adults! We will definitely come here again.

Our entire family had a blast! Definitely will be back. The staff was also super friendly and helpful.

Had an absolute blast! It was such an energetic and fun experience?definitely got my workout in for the day! So much excitement, and I couldn't stop smiling the whole time. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good time and a great way to stay active!

I'm truly obsessed with this place. It's clean, staff are helpful, I think it's fairly priced. Nothing but good things to say after multiple WEEKEND visits! All these five star reviews are spot on and legit. They don't miss a beat

We had a really fun time playing for my son?s birthday. He was turning 12, but his younger brothers are 9 and 6. Something i read on the website made me nervous that my younger sons wouldn't be good at the games or able to have fun and participate. But that was not the case. They all had a blast and the games were very doable for them. Team member wise, McKenna was super kind and fun and helpful. The guy that checked us in repeatedly seemed annoyed with our questions and scolded us to be quieter while pla

Reece, Josh, & Olivia were welcoming, personable, & helpful. This was a great first time experience. We will be back within the month

Loved this place! Charity, Josh, and Dante were amazing and great with the kids! Everyone had fun and they make sure everyone gets to play the games and it's safe. Definitely recommend!

So much fun! Different rooms with various games and levels! The employees are also helpful and nice!

I really like going here, but one big flaw is if someone else wants to play the game you're playing, you get kicked out. If you're going completing gradually more difficult levels and you get kicked out of your room, you lose momentum and it really takes the wind out of your sails. This location also doesn't have the rockwall room and that was one of my favorites. The duplicate rooms isn't my favorite.

Pretty cool place for kids over 6 and teens also adults. Expect a learning curve on how to play the games correctly. Definitely a fun experience

Great place to have a good time. Family friendly or a date night. Wear comfortable clothes, you will sweat.

We came here as a family and one of my kids brought a friend and all 5 of us had a blast. Every room we were in was clean and everything worked great. The staff was great especially Josh.

This place is a ton of fun for all ages. We visited with grandparents and kids, so we ranged from 70 to 9 in age and everyone had a great time. The entire staff was kind and Josh was especially informative and kind!

We had a blast at Activate Games. There are tons of fun options in each room that means there's something for everyone. Kyle and Erica at the front desk were friendly and helpful! We will be back.

This place is ultimate fun for the entire family. We all have the best time with lots of laughs and calories burned. McKenna and Chara were the best guides while checking us in as well and ensured we all had a blast and amazing videos!

Bring some energy to this place and then more - wow amazing workout, family time, kids time, grown up as kids time - overall fantastic fun!

Josh and Kyle were the folks who checked us in, we had a great time! Tiring and fun! Would recommend for anyone and groups especially!

Incredibly fun!! Staff fantastic!! Drive 3 hours to come to the business and would drive again!

Josh was such a great hosts and made the experience so great!! This was my first time going and trust me, me and my family will be back!!

A group of us went or a friend's birthday and had a great time. Gabe was very helpful and explained the sign in process very well. Also gave us keychains to use when we come back for an easier sign in process. Asher was also very helpful with explaining each of the different games. We will be back for sure, I would recommend people of all ages come by.

Came to have a team building event and it was 10x better than I expected. It doesn't matter if you work together or competing against eachother, you'll have a blast!

Excellent experience, Josh explained all the rules to my son and friends super patiently. Great fun.

Kyle, Julius and Josh were fantastic!! We came here for a Team Outing and will definitely be back!

My husband and I had SO much fun here on our date yesterday! I genuinely felt like I could laugh like a kid again. This place is an amazing time!!

Super fun, we had a big group and everyone got to do different things. Liked the competitive games. Olivia at the front desk was also super nice

Activate is SO MUCH fun. Super interactive games that make your heart pump like Squid Games and you just can't get enough!!! Bring gym clothes as you will be running, ducking, throwing, ACTIVATING your brain, you name it! It's cheaper if you bring more people to fill a room and the maximum to play one room at a time is five. Chris and other staff like McKenna and Chara are super nice and want to make sure your experience is enjoyable as possible!!!!! The more you play, the more points you can rack up and ge

Loved this place! I took my son here for this 15th birthday and the whole family had so much fun!

If you like anything athletics/sports/competition you need to bring your friends and battle! As a mid 30s guy, I'm looking to go again very very soon!

Such a great experience. Compared to other Activate Games Locations I've gone, this one was very nice with lots of functioning games and very friendly staff.

Josh did a great job helping us out. Our group had a blast!

Very fun and interesting experience. My group really enjoyed playing here. Also, staff were really nice and insightful. Thanks!

This place is a blast and a great date night or spend time with your kids and friends. You have to try it. Go and have a blast!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.