Why Arnold’s Family Fun Center this weekend? Simple. It has arcade games, bowling, beer, miniature golf, rock climbing, beer and laser tag. Oh, did I mention they serve beer?
There may be nothing mind-blowing on tap if you’re an all-out craft beer nut like myself, but you can never go wrong with Victory Brewing Company HopDevil IPA and Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale. If you’re looking to have an adults’ night out while feeling like a kid again, you can grab a few brews or cocktails and play a few round of games. Just make sure to be responsible, Dishers. No drinking and driving those go-karts!
Me? I’m totally okay with skipping the go-karts. I have been scarred for life on that track. You see, many years ago, a few buddies from school and I decided to hit up Arnold’s for go-kart action because, let’s face it, what teenage boys don’t love to get behind the wheel and cruise around to race one another? You’d think I would. Well, let me tell you something, when they take you in a room to learn the in’s and out’s of go-kart racing with a video, best to follow along. You see, I was so filled with excitement to finally go cruising, I paid little-to-no attention at all on what I was supposed to be doing.
Finally, we leave the training room, strap on the helmets, seat belts locked on and wait for go time. There was go time, all right. Go, go, go and absolutely no stopping to brake. That’s right, I drove straight into the tires they have set as a safety precaution!
Now, I didn’t get physically hurt, but my ego sure did. You see, when you crash, they stop the entire track. That means all the adults and kids that paid to race, have to stop racing until the staff pulls you out from the wreckage. You’d think I learned by the first crash. Maybe even the second, but after three failed attempts, I swore off go-karts for life. My destiny in race car driving died at thirteen.
But you want to know what didn’t die? My love for strapping on a power vest, charging up a laser gun and shooting the snot out of anyone crossing my path. In the words of Barney Stinson, “laser tag is awesome!” Besides, we all know an alien invasion is inevitable. Best to be prepared!
In all seriousness, though, it’s a lot of fun. Whether you want to strategize with your friends as a team or run around like a lunatic shooting anything that moves, including your own teammates, it’s all about having a good time. Best part? My good buddy’s gun broke down during the last couple minutes of our game, which meant another free round for my whole group! Freeze frame high-five (for those true How I Met Your Mother fans)!
In addition, Arnold’s is local. Extremely local if you’re a fellow Phoenixvillian. Sure, who doesn’t enjoy a night out to Dave & Busters, but I personally love avoiding the Blue Route much, much more. Plus, the movie theater is right around the corner. Kill a couple hours before the show starts!
*I should note though, unlike Dave & Busters, where you can carry your beverage with you around the entire area, Arnold’s has a cut-off line. Best to get the brews in at the bar before you venture out for some games.
Bottom line? If you’re looking to do something different this weekend, give the bar hopping a break. Heck, maybe mom and dad want to shoot up the kids in the arena. Whatever the reason, Arnold’s Family Fun Center is the answer. A night that promises to be legen…wait for it…dary!
Find Arnold’s Family Fun Center at 2200 West Drive in Oaks, Pa. They are reachable by phone at (610) 666-0600.
Photo credits: Arnold’s Family Fun Center (go-kart photo) and Kevin Dragone.
