MOM'S LITTLE BLACK BOOK | Under the Big Top

March 2013 - FUN FOR ALL AGES

At first glance, I thought this play zone might be too pricey for my typical adventure but given a closer look, I discovered they have special pricing days offering Unlimited Timed Access Passes for a discounted price. So I began to calculate the true value of the pass and quickly discovered the $15.95 to be a great price for a full day of activities. On a recent day off of school, we left home around 10 a.m. and did not return until about 6 p.m., making this a great purchase for my group of kids. The morning hours tend to be quieter and filled with younger children ranging in age from toddlers to preschoolers while the afternoon hours were filled with older tweens to teens.

A common ground for all ages was the three story ball blaster tower with a mega slide. Scores of foam balls shoot out from a center fountain and the children are able to scoop up the balls with cloth bags provided and take them to various levels of the tower to shoot out of cannon blasters. The younger children just enjoyed collecting the balls while the older kids relished in the strategic placement of their cannon blaster to surprise their friends. The tower is filled with mazes, obstacles, swinging areas, and a slide; offering plenty of space to move about.

Another hit was the Urban Laser Tag – not your traditional laser tag. The room was filled with smoke amongst partially demolished buildings and boxes with various levels of doors, windows, and corners to provide ample hiding opportunities. Children as young as five were playing laser tag but the majority were older kids strategically garnering points. Next, we moved on to the indoor go-karts which gave every child over 42” an opportunity to drive their own car. For those not quite tall enough, dual seated cars are available and permit a taller child or adult to drive a smaller participant. There is over 9000 square feet of track providing plenty of turns and opportunities to try and pass each other during the racing time.

Another bonus to the Unlimited Timed Access Pass is that any non-ticketed arcade games were also included, so the kids got to play Guitar Hero, drive motorcycle games, driving games, and dance games. A unique feature in the arcade area is the Star Booth. Any aspiring singer can enter the booth for $5 and record a CD to take home! The variety of activities at Under the Big Top felt endless and certainly provided my group a day’s worth of fun!

OVERVIEW

Three story ball blaster arena, indoor go-karts, urban laser tag, arcades

Under the Big Top, Inc., 731 N. 17th Street, St. Charles, IL 60174

Phone: 630-377-4386

Website: www.underthebigtopinc.com

Hours: Closed Monday (except for school holidays), 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Prices: Prices vary depending on activities selected; Unlimited Access Passes Available; Special Pricing Days Available (check website)

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