Did you grow up watching Legends of the Hidden Temple, screaming at your screen that you could have demolished that temple run, unlike the filthy casuals that actually made it on the course? Did you do the same while watching Double Dare or Guts? Nickelodeon clearly had a chokehold on the obstacle course game show concept in the 90s, and now these experiences are more accessible than ever – and you can find them in Vegas, baby.
Play Playground Las Vegas is among the latest in the lineage of experiential game houses that bridge the gap between an arcade and an ARG. The 15,000+ square foot facility is packed to the brim with interactive activities that bring classic titles, like Operation and Bop It, to life on a larger scale. While some of their contemporaries, like Electric Playhouse, focus on digital screens and replicating Fall Guys minigames, Play Playground captures 90s nostalgia in a purely physical way. We spent an afternoon onsite to play games and do the hard-hitting research for you, but spoilers – you’ll probably want to check this out next time you’re in Sin City.
Play Playground itself is located at Luxor Hotel and Casino, nestled in the heart of the pyramid. Naturally, you have to sign a waiver when you enter because… well, you’ll see. Then you walk up the stairs and enter the play place by taking a ride down a slide. The slide lands you at the feet of a sprawling circus based on an “intentionally analog” experience (according to them). The thoughtfully nostalgia-inspired games and the focus on being “in the moment” are a refreshing escape on the otherwise overstimulating Las Vegas Strip.
You get a card to tap and activate experiences, while also tracking your scores in games. But other than that bit of technology, the entire place is meant to keep you off your phone. Scoreboards are updated in real-time, and all users are masked behind anonymous usernames. I, for example, was dubbed “Sleek Jalapeno” in the Play Playground universe. The gamification of the games creates healthy competition between strangers and friends, and can continue to be tracked online after you’ve left. The instant satisfaction of topping the high scores is an absolute rush and probably one of the safest highs to pursue in Las Vegas. The scores are also more than just bragging rights – points can be redeemed for prizes at the end of your playdate. I may have beefed it on Bullseye Bounce, but I still earned enough points for a bouncy ball.
There are some clear fan favorites for the games at Play Playground, and one of the centerpiece games is Bullseye Bounce. This is a single-player game where you get fitted in a full-body velcro suit, hop on a trampoline, and launch your body at a massive inflatable velcro wall that looks like a dartboard. It’s satisfying, it’s basically a HIIT workout, and it’s deeply fun.
Record Time is a game straight out of a classic Nickelodeon obstacle course. Big foam records (that are designed to also resemble poker chips) come swinging at you while you navigate across a beam. You have to go across the course twice in a timed effort, and you lose points for getting knocked off the beam. It is, indeed, just as difficult as those filthy casuals in the 90s made it seem.
One game that had a bit of a line was the blown-up version of Operation, called Doctor! Doctor! Players could group up with friends and dress up as doctors while trying to revive a patient by placing their bones. Unlike Operation, there’s no zap if you get the order wrong. Doctor! Doctor! is a timed game, though, so you can’t slack off. There’s a life on the line.
A majority of these games are quite physical, but Play Playground planned for that. There’s a full bar that also features mocktails and select snacks. There are plenty of tables and seating areas, so you can always rest between rounds (much needed). Their menu includes some hot snacks like wings, hot dog sliders, and jalapeno poppers, all served in retro lunchboxes.
We tried two mocktails, the Blueberry Lavender Spritz and the Berry Basil Smash, which were tart, fresh, and medicinally refreshing. Drinks were fast and we were impressed with the selection. The bar also features a tiki-bar style 50oz shareable drink in a massive mug, which was very cute and quite tempting. For the high rollers, Play Playground also features full bottle service and a healthy tequila and whiskey menu.
This space is fantastic for families, but only allows guests over the age of 13, so be sure your party is all of age. There is a family of four package that offers a decent discount for your group. If you’re not interested in playing alongside younger guests, after 7 PM the entire venue is strictly 21+. The venue’s atmosphere is transportative – you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of a casino; you feel like you’re in your childhood’s absolute dream scenario. The games are largely physical, so wear comfy clothing and shoes (athleisure is acceptable). Tickets start at $37 during the week, and VIP packages scale up to $99 per person, based on how much time you’d like to play.
Is this going on your Las Vegas bucket list? Would you absolutely demolish the obstacle courses? Yell at me about how bad my Record Time form was in the comments!
If this has you dreaming about your next Vegas vacation, keep planning your party with our coverage of other immersive gaming experiences in the city.
I attended this event as a guest of The Vox Agency, receiving complimentary tickets.
