By Shoshana Dubnow
With so many options for leisure today, it can be difficult to narrow down an activity that family members of all ages can enjoy. Luckily, Phoenix has several great options for family fun that are sure to entertain every person in your family, no matter his or her interests!
Desert Botanical Garden
If you and your family want to learn more about native Arizona plants and wildlife, you should consider attending the Desert Botanical Garden. Founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937, the botanical garden seeks to help locals and tourists “understand, protect and preserve the desert’s natural beauty.” The garden features 140 acres for viewing, 50 acres currently under cultivation and over 50,000 plant displays. Depending on what you want to get out of your experience, you can choose from a variety of trails. To find out more details about the garden’s exhibits and admission prices, visit their website.
Arizona Science Center
Looking for a day filled with interactive learning and engaging exhibits that will leave an impression on your whole family? If so, you should consider spending a day at the Arizona Science Center. No matter what time of year you go, the center always has its nine permanent exhibits. These exhibits range from learning about the science of flight to feeling what it’s like to be in an actual hurricane, tornado or wildfire. The center also cycles through featured exhibits that are only available for a certain amount of time. Currently, the featured exhibit called “Pompeii” is open until May 28, 2018. Check it out to learn about this Roman city that was both destroyed and also preserved by a volcanic eruption. For more information on admission prices and membership options, visit their website.
Jake’s Unlimited
If you loved Amazing Jake’s, you will be blown away by the grand opening of what is now known as Jake’s Unlimited. Starting Dec. 1, guests will have the opportunity to experience the new games, food and drinks that will be available with the complete renovation.
When Amazing Jake’s opened its doors 12 years ago, it was a one of a kind business. Now with all the competition in the Phoenix area, the management team realized the need to evolve with the times. That’s when the Jake’s Unlimited idea was born.
The $5 million renovation means a complete restructuring of the building, which is still in its same location in Mesa. There is a new laser tag arena that is three times the size of the old one, and it allows for 30 people to participate at a time. There are also new bowling suites, eight mini bowling lanes, a new ride called the “Radius,” new bumper cars, 171 arcade games and more.
Another component of Jake’s Unlimited is called Jake’s After Dark, which appeals to an older audience. After reaching out to long-time Amazing Jake’s guests, many people expressed interest in keeping the buffet. Jake’s Unlimited decided to keep the buffet with the reopening, but at 8 p.m., it will close for an adult crowd. They will have the option of ordering food off an a la carte menu, and they can also choose to bowl or play other games. Jake’s Unlimited even added two full bars to add to the experience of Jake’s After Dark.
“The kids that we did birthday parties for eight to ten years ago and they are now 21, we’d love to invite them back to come in and see the new Jake’s,” said Melisa Schisel, the director of sales for Jake’s Unlimited. “Really we’re trying to target everyone– the kids, the millennials, the parents and the grandparents.”
Jake’s Unlimited continues to attract kids with its expanded kids zone, four family dining areas and eight party rooms. With a variety of event packages, every family is sure to find entertainment that fits their budget.
For its reopening, Jake’s Unlimited was able to hire 200 new employees into all types of positions. There are also many employees that will return from the Amazing Jake’s team.
“When we developed our new brand, we also developed our core values as a company,” Schisel said. “One is that we treat everyone like family– that’s staff as well as our guests.”
Jake’s Unlimited invites everyone to check out its brand new facility and all the fun that comes along with it. Visit their website to find out more about the festivities.
Watch the full episode of Jake’s Unlimited here:
