You’ll have no arguments luring your plugged-in video-game-loving kid out of the house when you plan an IRL (in real life) excursion to one of these Toronto attractions for gamers—including virtual reality arcades, flight simulators, and laser tag arenas. They will have fun and perhaps even interact with other humans. All of these places organize on-site kids’ birthday parties, so you should have no trouble planning a video-game-themed party for your young gamer.
Awesome parent achievement unlocked!
Airline Adventures
Threshold Aviation boasts Canada’s first open-to-the-public flight simulator, a 737NG simulator made from the cockpit of a real Boeing 737 aircraft. Participants must be 10 or older, but younger children can observe.
215 Carlingview Dr., Unit 110, EtobicokeFrom $129 for 1 hour
Book ahead; no walk-ins
diVRge
Divrge has 18 virtual reality stations with over 25 titles to choose from. Play in your own station or rent multiple stations with friends and play together in the virtual world.
2711 Yonge St., Toronto$30/hour
The E-zone
The plugged-in kid will feel right at home, with laser tag, an arcade, virtual golf, video game simulators, and a gaming lounge at the E-zone. And for moveable fun, there’s WhirlyBall—a ball game with bumper cars!
130 North Queen St., TorontoFrom $30/half-hour for video game and virtual golf
Book ahead; no walk-ins
Flightmaster
Aspiring pilots of all ages have a chance to fly in more than a dozen different aircraft including commercial jumbo jets and fighter jets over a wide variety of landscapes.
401 Magnetic Dr., Unit 34, North YorkFrom $135/hour
Kids Fun City
Kids of all ages can check out Kids Fun City, with its different attraction areas such as Lazer Frenzy (acustomizable, competitive laser maze), Arcade Zone, Atomic Rush, Mini Golf, Toddler Play area, and the
indoor playground.
Form $11 for 90 minutes
Laser Quest
Laser tag combines hide-and-seek with a high-tech twist. The flashing lights, dry ice, and pumping music all add to the experience in Laser Quest’s multi-level arenas. For ages 5 and up.
Two locations:1224 Dundas St. E., Unit 9, Mississauga
1980 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto
From $9 per person for a regular game
Levelup Reality
Levelup has a wide range of more than 80 virtual reality games and experiences, from puzzle to strategy games, sports and exploration, shooting and driving. For ages 8 and up.
384 Yonge St., lower level, TorontoFrom $39/player for a half-hour
Nations Experience
More than 100 arcade games await your kids’ eager hands. The prize counter offer small prizes for points redeemed, or redeem your points at the food court for a post-game snack.
1980 St. Clair Ave. W., TorontoPlay cards start at $12
Playdium
Find a laser maze, roller coaster simulators, and dozens of video games at Playdium. They also have an 11-acre outdoor park featuring go-kart track, bumper cars, and batting cages.
99 Rathburn Rd. W., Mississauga$25 for a 2-hour power card
Playtime Bowl
In addition to bowling lanes, Playtime Bowl offers state-of-the-art laser tag and arcade gaming. The new 4,000-square-foot laser tag arena is filled with fog, glowing pillars, arches, and passageways, and music.
33 Samor Rd., TorontoFrom $10/person for a game of laser tag
RaceSim1
Things get competitive at this car racing simulation centre. Experience what it’s like to race powerful cars, safely and without spending a fortune. Kids must be 4½ feet tall to play.
693 Bloor St. W. (entrance on Clinton St.), Toronto$30/hour
The Rec Room
The Rec Room offers driving simulation and virtual reality games, over 80 arcade games, shuffleboard, Ping-Pong, and pool tables. Redeem points at their Trophy Case for a wide variety of “commemorative items”.
Toronto Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd., TorontoFrom $10 for 40 credits on a prepaid bracelet
RINX
Kids will be kept busy with all the attractions at RINX, like laser tag, cyber sport (with bumper cars!), Time Freak, and shooting balls in black light in Balladium. There is also bowling, mini golf, and hockey.
65 Orfus Rd., TorontoParties/events from $22/child, with minimum 10 guests
Book ahead; no walk-ins
Toronto VR Games
Claiming to be Toronto’s first and largest virtual reality lounge, Toronto VR games features virtual-reality game booths in the heart of Kensington Market.
55 Kensington Ave., TorontoFrom $23/person for 1 hour of play
Ufly Simulator
A commercial pilot will accompany you and answer any questions as you take the controls of a Boeing 777-200LR long-range commercial jet. For ages 7 and up.
1535 Meyerside Dr., Unit 6, Mississauga$149/person for 1 hour
VR Arcade and Lounge
VR Arcade and Lounge offers nods to the past, present, and future, with their arcade, karaoke lounge, pinball machines, virtual reality relaxation rooms, and multi-player virtual reality games room. For ages 10 and up.
39 Drummond St., EtobicokeFrom $60/hour for 1 person
