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Head to Sandbox VR for a one-of-a-kind virtual gaming experience that’s especially fun for tweens, teens, and adults. Try “Squid Game Virtuals,” “Stranger Things: Catalyst,” “Age of Dinosaurs,” and more with an exclusive discount for our readers.
If you’re looking to win cool points with your kids–especially harder-to-please tweens and teens–Sandbox VR belongs at the top of your family’s to-do list. The immersive gaming destination invites players to strap on some VR gear, and step into virtual worlds filled with highly-interactive adventures for a range of ages and abilities.
I had a chance to visit the Woodland Hills location with my kids and, after an hour of the new “Squid Game” experience, my boys are already begging to go back for more. Read on for my review of Sandbox VR, plus answers to some of the most asked questions, including age requirements and ways to save on admission–plus an exclusive 20% off discount.
My kids and sister had a blast playing “Squid Game Virtuals.” Photo by the author
What is Sandbox VR?
Sandbox VR is the ultimate high-tech VR gaming destination–with multiple locations across the LA area and beyond. To create the fully immersive experience, players are outfitted with sensors on their ankles and wrists, haptic vests that vibrate during gameplay, and full VR headsets. Basically, your body becomes the controller.
Once everyone is geared up, players step into a private room to embark on an approximately 30 minute gaming experience, completing different challenges and competing against one another for the highest score. Adding to the fun, all of the games are filmed so that you can watch a recording of your efforts afterwards–which is pretty entertaining!
What ages are best for Sandbox VR?
Sandbox VR is best for kids ages 6 and up–and it’s a great family activity for tweens and teens who have outgrown the outings of their younger years! It offers an action-packed opportunity for grownups to engage with older kids, and have a blast while doing it. It’s intended to be a high-adrenaline experience, so it’s definitely ideal for thrill-seekers who like a good scream or startle.
That said, the company does not have a minimum age or height requirement–anyone under 18 simply needs an adult to sign a waiver form. Select games are geared towards the younger crowd, and some experiences actually offer a “family-friendly mode” that the staff can toggle on to remove blood, gore, and more mature content. The VR gear is also adjustable, although it can get a bit heavy and bulky for the smallest players.
I visited Sandbox VR with my 7- and 10-year-old boys, 3- and 5-year-old daughters, and my 21-year-old sister. My boys and sister loved every minute of it, and can’t wait to return. And, while the staff supported my girls in giving it a try, both were overwhelmed by the goggles and opted not to participate in the end. Although they did have a good time watching us play!
My younger children really enjoyed watching the older ones play. Photo by the author
What family-friendly games are available at Sandbox VR?
Depending on your family’s ages and interests, you can choose from experiences inspired by popular Netflix shows like “Squid Game,” “Stranger Things,” and “Rebel Moon,” as well as specially-crafted VR games like “Age of Dinosaurs” and “Deadwood Phobia.”
For the younger set, “Age of Dinosaurs” is a great choice–created in partnership with The Natural History Museum of London. It invites players 150 million years back in time to feed a Stegosaurus, soar through the sky with flying reptiles, and escape a T-Rex (yes, it’s still a little scary). And the graphics are really breathtaking.
For older kids, “Stranger Things Catalyst” is a creepy and supernatural adventure that’s likely to resonate with fans of the show, and “Curse of Davey Jones” is a high-intensity pirate battle on the high seas. Meanwhile, teens and adults can really have their pick of all the games.
We opted for “Squid Game Virtuals,” which is more like the reality competition show than the TV series, and the challenges were a ton of fun for all ages–dodging virtual objects, jumping and ducking over barriers, playing a frantic game of coin collecting, and an epic dance party finale.
How many people can play at a time?
The rooms are designed for 2 to 6 players. During the game, you’re all able to freely roam around the room, communicate through your headsets, and interact with one another in your virtual world.
For those who don’t want to play but still want in on the fun, spectators can watch the game on a monitor. When my girls decided they didn’t want to play themselves, they really enjoyed following along as their brothers completed their “Squid Game” challenges. We also got a kick out of watching everyone dodge and jump as if they were avoiding physical dangers, when everything was just a digitized item on a screen!
Where is Sandbox VR located?
Sandbox VR has three locations in the LA area–Woodland Hills, Culver City, and Cerritos. There are six additional locations across California, and a number of others across the world.
We visited the Woodland Hills location inside The Village at Westfield Topanga. Of course, Topanga Village is filled with excellent restaurants and shopping, making it easy to turn a visit to Sandbox VR into a fun-filled family day.
What should we bring or wear to Sandbox VR?
No need to bring anything, but you should dress in light, comfortable clothing that’s easy to move in, and wear comfy sneakers or sandals. Remember, you’re likely to be running, jumping, ducking, and dodging–and probably breaking a sweat!
Sandbox VR is a perfect destination for family days, special ocassions, and birthday parties.
Does Sandbox VR offer birthday parties?
Yes! Party options vary across locations, but many Sandbox VR sites can accommodate kids parties, which include 1-2 virtual experiences, plus special activities, snacks, and drinks. Take a look at available party packages here by selecting your preferred Sandbox VR location.
If you’d like to book a room for a group that’s larger than 6 people, you can also visit the parties and events page.
Would you go back to Sandbox VR with your kids?
Absolutely! For such a one-of-a-kind outing, Sandbox VR was one of the easiest family adventures I’ve planned. Not only was booking our visit simple and straightforward, but the staff made it such a seamless experience.
The Sandbox team was encouraging and kind to my kids–and very patient when my girls decided that they didn’t want to play. One of my sons even asked to take off all of his gear, and then changed his mind 15 minutes later. They were accommodating and let him jump back in, even though they had to pause the game for him to do so.
Spaces that don’t just allow kids but really welcome them are such a win–and Sandbox VR is one of them. I’ll be keeping this activity in my back pocket for hot summer days (hello, AC!), rainy weekends, and special occasions…
Where can I book a visit to Sandbox VR?
While walk-ins are possible, based on availability, it’s definitely best to reserve your spot in advance. Simply visit the Sandbox VR website and click “Book an Experience” to choose your location and time slot. Tickets start at $39 per person.
Are there ways to save on Sandbox VR tickets?
There sure are! For a limited time, Sandbox VR is offering Mommy Poppins readers an exclusive 20% off discount at the three Los Angeles locations. Just use the code “MOMMYPOPPINS” at checkout to save on tickets.
For more special offers, visit the “Deals” page on Sandbox VR’s website and choose a location. For a limited time, select storefronts are offering 20% off when you book back-to-back virtual experiences. There’s also a Matinee Bundle at select sites that gets you a discounted game, drink, and snacks package when you play Monday to Friday between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
Ready to bring your family for the ultimate virtual gaming experience? Head to theSandbox VR websiteto explore all of the available games andbook your visitwith our exclusive discount code.
All photos courtesy of Sandbox VR unless otherwise noted.
