GreatPLAY - GreatLIFE Topeka

GreatPLAY - GreatLIFE Topeka

Reviews Summary

Overall, reviews are mixed but lean positive, with many praising the facility's family-friendly activities, variety of options, and value for kids' parties. High ratings highlight the fun atmosphere, reasonable pricing, and good workout areas. However, low ratings frequently cite poor customer service, maintenance issues (broken equipment, dirty locker rooms), and occasional disorganization or rude staff. Some mention safety concerns like bed bugs or bike theft. While many recommend it for families, others warn against membership due to cancellation difficulties or inconsistent management. The pool and kids' areas generally receive praise.

About This Listing

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.*

Features

Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

1936 NW Tyler St

Topeka, Kansas 66608

Hours

Monday 7AM-8PM
Tuesday 7AM-8PM
Wednesday 7AM-8PM
Thursday 7AM-8PM
Friday 7AM-8PM
Saturday 6AM-8PM
Sunday 12-6PM

Customer Reviews

I really like this one. It's very family friendly and there's just enough stuff in the weight room to keep you busy and allow a full workout. Besides, who doesn't love laser tag?

Do not recommend. Every time we show up they either have no laser tag available pool is closed or no one to supervis the trampoline also. There is an older white lady there who is very rude and tried denying my kids swim when there was well over an hour left of swimming. I wish I could get a refund after these past few months with issues and not being able to go or enjoy anything.. summer we are at the out side pool... the only thing. Is the last couple weeks the do t clean the pool and it starts to turn g

Please fix broken bench by the mirrored wall. When you sit on it, it tips you onto the floor. The hip adduction machine gets caught with the pulley up fully extended, so you are caught there waiting for help. Injuries just waiting to happen.

Had a kids birthday party (mostly 10 year olds) and tried out the laser tag, trampolines and indoor pool. Overall great for the price. Kept 17 kids busy for 2 hours. Could have easily spent more time there. Considering getting a membership just so we can go a few times per month. Facilities aren't new but they are well kept. You can bring in your own food. Party assistant didnt do much other than remind you when to move to the next activity.

We have loved going to great play but they no longer have the trampolines ?? staffing was grumpy and we ended up leaving to go to skyzone. Bummed because this was the one place that all of the kids agreed on.

This place fell apart after the young girl with glasses stopped running it. Cancel your membership or don't sign up for one.

Highly dangerous, specially with small children running around without adult supervision constantly. One inside the candy machine and another already pulled sitting in the box.

The workout equipment breaks and rarely gets repaired. The men's locker room is disgusting and looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a year. I stopped going to this location because it's so dirty.

Would do less if possible. Facilities are gross and disgusting. Equipment is always broke also judged my 14 year old on her size and humiliated her in front of people saying you had to be 14 to go in. She's already insecure. He could have simply asked her age. Do not get a membership at this place it's expensive and useless. Gyms are always closed or shutting down at weird hours.

This place is a well kept secret. It isn't big and fancy, but there is plenty to do to entertain the family. The staff is incredibly nice. The gym facilities hardly ever have more than 3 people using them. I almost don't want to post this cause I like the quiet gym time lol.

We recently canceled our membership to GreatLIFE Topeka after being members for 2 years as we are having to pay over $4000/ month out of pocket for treatment for one of our kids. Our contract ends in March 2024 and when we asked if they would forgo the remaining $70ish each month for membership fees (Dec 2023-March 2024) due to these circumstances they refused and said that if we don't pay them they will send us to collections. Their reasoning is that it's a contract (duh) and the only exception is military

Horrible staff the lady was really rude to us it was a good place for kids to come and do things but not anymore.

Booked a party and requested the grey room which was a private room. Got to location and they gave us red room which was basically for the public let's not forget the room was way in the back of the building. The room was in the arcade and jungle gym area no privacy what so ever. It was hot, loud and stinky. The area had all kinds of kids and adults walking and running around so I couldn't even hear myself talk. I told them I did not want this room and I am not paying $250 for a public room, this was not th

terrible place. Overpriced when half the games are broken and their lasertag is faulty. When asked for a refund the company did nothing and rudely expressed that they would not either issue a refund or give us a free turn on the trampoline. $70 completely wasted on trash. Corporate, if you're listening you'd better respond otherwise I'm taking this review to Twitter and Facebook.

Worst experience ever, especially for a place who advertises as kid friendly and family oriented! Purchased family plan and was told I could cancel at anytime. A month later went to cancel and was told I could not. The last day to cancel was 2/28. Well I didn't even sign up until 3/23. No tour was given. There is rarely a manger there or even an adult staff for that matter. 1 manager finally responded with an email who didn't have an answer. Was told to e-Mail someone else which took days to respond. So now

Have a family membership for all the locations and today during regular business hours was denied access due to private event. Called corporate office and they were less then apologetic. I had drove across town to take my kids there on their last day of summer break to only be told we couldn't utilize what our membership grants us access to. It's extremely distasteful to turn members away so that nonmembers can use entire facility during regular business hours. My kids were extremely disappointed.

Update: Came back in for a friends bday party, same attitudes. This owner and his managers need to sell this place to someone who can run it right. Its not these kids faults, there is definitely a lack of leadership and customer service understanding stemming all the way to the top here. This place is dirty and unfriendly. Young staff that do not understand customer service. Kids out of control here. Go to Genesis and pay a little more for a much better environment.

Front desk girl was straight up mean. For no reason. Horrible interaction. Super expensive for what it is. The mats were fun and the customers were cool. But the staff made me want to turn around and never come back. I haven't had someone treat me that bad at a business in a long time

What a Great place to take the family, we enjoy riding our bikes to GreatPLAY. Sadly they don't have any bike racks at this location. What a shame considering the area its located at. My family would come alot more if they had them.

I am only there for the gym. Kids seem to be having a great time though. The gym is small, but fairly well equipped to work out arm's legs back and abs. There are several treadmills and elliptical machines. Usually the gym equipment is no waiting.

Absolutely horrible place to go. Don't waste you time. Severely over priced and staff is extremely rude. Called 2 days before my son's 10th birthday and was told that they were open till 8. Made all plans and when we showed up at 5:30 with all his friends ready to enjoy a fun filled evening with our son and his friends for his birthday we were told the pool closed at 5:30, laser tag closed at 5:15 and the whole building closes at 6. When I asked why we were not told this on the phone when we called and ask

Bang for buck this place is great for kids. Indoor swimming, laser tag, trampoline and play area all for $5/hr. Then arcade games for $.50/ea. Lots of outdoor stuff too. Cheap membership options. Keeps kids entertained for hours. It's not all new and state of the art stuff, but not in bad repair either.

I threw my daughter's 7th birthday party here today, and the kids had a blast! So did the adults. We played laser tag, the trampolines, arcade and jungle gym. We needed a few accommodations and the staff were pleasant and helpful. I'd HIGHLY reccommend this place for parties.

Don't take your kids here. Took my boy plus 4 friends for his birthday and they tried to make me pay for a whole party . $175! For two activities! 5 kids! *I called ahead and asked what the drop in price and was quoted $5 each kid plus $5 for an extra activity. Sounds easy right? NOPE! They insisted I pay for a whole party. $175! They said because I had 5 kids I had to pay for a party and it was ?policy? if you have more than 5 kids you have to pay for a party. We had to leave because we didn't have enough

Kids had a great time attending a birthday party here. Did everything they have to offer except laser tag.

Now charging for services that many members never use because they have NO staff to monitor the people ( probably very few) who they say abuse the system. How do they know what that number is without a way to monitor?

It would be great if you could hire people to open your facilities at 5 am instead of us having to use fobs to enter your facilities. It is especially frustrating when we are unable to enter because your system is down and we are not able to talk to a real person. I believe the North Topeka location doesn't have an employee on location until noon. We are unable to contact anyone in person to reset your system.

Men's locker room had no air conditioning all summer now we have no heat and it is freezing. Rest of facilities are fine. Pool is warm, fitness area nice kids area great.

My bro and SIL scheduled a birthday party for my nephew today for 11 a.m. This place doesn't even open til NOON. When employees began showing up they completely ignored everyone that had been waiting outside for over an hour. When someone finally came to the door they were rude, only spoke through the glass and wanted to argue that the party wasn't scheduled until 1:00 p.m. How ridiculous when you have email confirmations backing up your side of the story. Save yourself the trouble and party elsewhere! ??

Great life Topeka has three nine hole courses over here at southern Johnson County. $50 bucks a month is not worth it when you don't even have an 18 hole course over here and the onesI have driven to in Topeka are in bad shape. These three 9 hole courses are not the best by no means. You got one guy running them with not much help Gardner was aerated a month ago and you still cannot put on them smoothly. Fairways are rough and you hit off dirt unless you move it to a patch of grass. For $50 bucks a mon

This is a busy gym, yet they are constantly out of towels (you want us to wipe down machines after use, how??) The ONLY stair step machine has been broken over a YEAR!! Two locker room bathrooms and one has been in repair twice since joining, in January). Lower your memberships, this facility is old, not working properly and outdated machines!!!

Set up a party, date time. Email confirming. Paid deposit. . . Show up for said party, place is closed. When someone finally showed up, was rude as can be. Saying our party was at a different time(with a different name), and we can't get deposit back. Would NOT RECOMMEND! RUDE! POOL DUDE WAS COOL THO ????? If I could give 0?'s I would.

We had my boyfriend?s sons? birthday party here and it was amazing. Great place for kids with a lot to do from jumping, laser tag, to swimming!!!! All the boys had a blast and the staff was wonderful!! I would recommend it for any kids party!

Great place for a party. They were really busy the day we had my daughter's party and the staff was little disorganized. What they have to offer is perfect for all ages. Highly recommend

Took my 14yo son and his friend to play. Arcade, trampoline area, lazer tag, etc. They had fun. There is a walking track above the lazer tag area that kept me moving while they played. Reasonably priced, too!

Sent confirmation party would be at 11:00. Show up, no one there. When they get there are told the party is at 1:00 and no you can not get your money back. They were extremely rude!. Would never schedule anything there.

Not very kid friendly place. Employees act like they can't stand them, one is extremely petty about all children?s areas. Teens aren't allowed to supervise siblings, so a parent can not workout while the kids play. So disappointed and will be using a different location.

Great place for the family. I enjoy being able to work out and exercise while watching my kids jump around on the trampoline. Laser tag, pool, and arcade really help make this place pretty cool

Nice basic gym, no frills, good pool, has enough machines and weights to keep you busy.

Great place to take your kids just for some extra free time to get rid of some extra energy . Great place to workout. Calm environment.

The staff working the front desk are accommodating and always willing to answer questions/ offer any help needed. Also the environment is extremely friendly and the workout equipment is in good condition.

Had my sons 8th birthday party at this location. There is nowhere in Topeka that offers a better amount of options for a kids birthday. I reccomend this location for all parents.

Me and my gals LOVE it here.. just wishing it was more safe for my bike to be outside considering the area

The kids had a blast. Staff in my opinion was too young to be running everything. It could have went a little more smoothly transitioning between activities.

I love Great Play. They have so many cool thing for the young and senior. I love working out on the equipment and the swimming pool. Super cool people come here.

Abysmal customer service. Good luck trying to cancel your membership if/when you need to.

Friendly people, clean, lots to do.

Went to my friend's son's birthday party. It was a nice , safe venue and the kids were having such a good time in the wave pool.

Disgusting!!!!! THIS PLACE HAS BED BUGS!!!! Do not visit this place...do not send your kids here.... do not bring your kids here! RUN AWAY FROM THIS FACILITY AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!

Nice gym reasonably priced. Clean and well equipped. Friendly staff. Great life came in and fixed the plac up nice!!

Our favorite place to work out while my kids enjoy the kids area.exellent stuff.

YMCA on steroids lol the place is amazing love all the hard work they've put into this building and new fun family safe activities to participate in

A good place for the whole family to work off some extra energy. The pool was closed for repairs as were some of the arcade games.

Nice gym ac could be turned down a little. Clean and friendly staff at this location can't say the same about other locations

Great place for kids but you know what will make this place better if y?all added a bike rack

Great place for kids. Trampolines, laser tag, arcade, swimming pool and more. Very clean place I was happy.

Great looking facility for the family, but it could use bike racks for security ??

Great place for my family. With 5 of various ages we all fund something we want to do there multiple.times every week.

This place is terrible messed up on our party times twice. My daughter didn't get to have her party and they didn't even offer me deposit back.

On the paintball field, You are not going to get many players if they can't use there own equipment.

This is a cool place! Organized, party rooms are big, the kids loved it!

Great pool, not to busy until 3pm and weekends

Always great to my kids! Have a balst every time we come in!

Lack of staff, lack of cleanliness, lack of functional equipment all make this not great play.

Great place for the family, but it could use bike racks.

Grandkids had a blast great price.

Great time for kids and good place to workout while kids bounce around.

It is sooo fun I wish I could go every day but I don't have that kind of money

Great place and good people

Best way to entertain 8 kids on a hot Saturday afternoon and not break the bank!!!! Great staff too!!!!

Fun place for the kids to have a party, laser tag, jumping..they were wore out.

Front desk help is super nice and friendly Also Members are so welcoming.

Great summer camp! My son loved it!

Awesome laser tag! Fun games and pool is a blast!

I was not expecting what we found! Had a great time will definitely go again.

Good place to work out while wife is in swim exercise

Great place to workout an take the kids

Cool place. Party could have used a little more direction from staff.

Great fun with the kids. Especially the laser tag.

Good fun for the price. The kids loved it.

Lots of fun for the family. The kids love it

Clean, accommodating, not busy, plenty of equipment. What's not to love?

Great place to entertain the kids and wear them out

Great place for a kids birthday party!

Greatlife has the best activities for all ages@

My kids loves everything bout it

My children can exercise with me..automatically 5stars

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.”