If your kids have been glued to their phones watching people run through glowing laser grids or leap across motion-reactive floors, the source of their excitement is probably Activate. And now, that viral experience is landing in our backyard.
The Canadian-born “active gaming” phenomenon just opened not one but two Southern California outposts—Culver City and Tustin—bringing with it a whole new hybrid of exercise, arcade, and escape room. It’s part fitness challenge, part video game, part birthday party waiting to happen.
Here’s how it works: You and your crew (friends, family, or just your particularly energetic child) strap on RFID wristbands and tackle a series of timed game rooms. Think of it like laser tag’s smarter cousin—with games like Mega Grid, Strike, and Control, designed to test speed, logic, coordination, and teamwork. Every move gets tracked, so you can rack up points, level up, and even go back to beat your own score. Yes, it’s as addictive as it sounds.
Is it just for kids?
Definitely not. The vibe leans young, but parents will find plenty to love—especially if you’re into those team-building challenge shows or just looking for an excuse to get moving without hitting the gym. It’s genuinely physical (sneakers required), so be prepared to sprint, jump, crouch, and maybe work up a sweat. But the puzzles also reward problem-solving, so it’s not just about being fast—it’s about thinking fast.
Activate Location Lowdown
Culver City: 11 rooms, 10,000+ square feet, located at 6000 Sepulveda Blvd.
Tustin: Slightly bigger with 13 rooms at The District at Tustin Legacy, 2403 Park Ave.
Both are open daily starting at 9:30 a.m., with closing times ranging from 10 to 11 p.m. depending on the day. Basically, if you’re hunting for something high-energy to break up summer screen time—or need a new spot for birthday parties that isn’t just pizza and arcade tokens—this could be your next go-to.
Pro Tips
Book online (slots can go fast, especially weekends).
Wear athletic gear. This is not the time for flip-flops.
Prepare for repeat visits. The games rotate, and kids will want to “beat their score.”
So, is Activate the next indoor playground trend, or just a flashy one-off? Hard to say. But for now, it’s giving local families a solid new option that blends movement, brainpower, and a whole lot of LED glow.
And hey, if it gets everyone off the couch for an hour? We’ll call that a win.
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