Recently my children were invited to a birthday party at Play Big Zone. I had never heard of the place before, but the mom who asked us said she always takes her kids there.
Being a socially awkward butterfly, invitations for me can be either exciting or a hassle. I’m at that age in my life where I now understand the saying, “You don’t have to be everywhere all of the time.”
However, since I have young kids, I have to face the reality that I will be a chauffeur for at least the next 10 to 12 years.
When you have kids, you never say no to a party, even if they have other things going on the same day.
Once we walked into the Play Big Zone, I instantly fell in love. This place was a nice-sized arcade with enough fun for everyone to enjoy. I like it because you can see much of the facility from the entrance.
Sometimes I do not want to go to an extensive facility because going with small kids; they can wander off. That’s the last thing a parent wants to worry about.
What is Play Big Zone?
Play Big Zone is a small arcade located in Morganville, New Jersey. The closest major highway to get to Play Big Zone is Route 9.
It is a small intimate facility to go to if you would like to have a birthday party for your child or something to do after school.
I call Play Big Zone the hidden gem of Morganville because I did not know anything about it until my friends mentioned it.
What to expect?
Upon arrival, the front desk will ask you if you have filled out the waiver. If you have not, it’s okay because you can fill out the waiver once you get there.
There is no kiosk in the facility, so you will have to sign the electronic waiver from your cell phone.
Tickets
There is no fee to enter the facility, but to play the games and use the attractions, you will have to load a game card which you can purchase at the front desk.
You can load and reload your game cards at set amounts shown on display at the counter at the front desk. I believe the starting amount is $20.
It’s okay if you do not get a chance to use all of your credits during your visit because your credits will never expire.
Hours
Big Play Zone has hours open to the public on Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The weekends are reserved for private and birthday parties.
Since the time slots for open play are very short, check the website before planning a trip to the location. The last thing you want to do is to get your children excited about going, and once you get there, the place is closed.
Play Big Zone will allow your family and friends to come to enjoy the facility if they do not have any parties on the weekend. Weekend open play does require reservations online.
Things to do at Play Big Zone
There are a variety of activities to choose from at Play Big Zone. All activities can accommodate children between the ages of 4 to 14 years old. The activities include:
Galaxy Wars
It is a fun game where you and your friends can go toe-to-toe with each other using either Gelly ball blasters or nerf guns to compete against each other. Play Big Zone gives you an option to either bring your own Nerf guns or you can rent one once you arrive.
Amazing Race
It is a two-story obstacle course located in the rear of the facility. You can race your own speed in completing the course, or you can race a friend. Grip socks are needed to play in this area.
Human Foosball
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Become the game with Human Foosball. The fun part of this activity is remembering to keep your hands on the rope.
Laser Maze
If you are up for the challenge, see if you can make it through the green laser lines to get through the laser maze.
Spin Zone Bumper Cars
I love this activity because the bumper cars are not hard to turn like they were when I was younger, especially since they can spin.
Arcade
You can spin hours on the fun games they have. My children loved the lights and sounds most of the games made. My favorite game at all of the arcades is the hoop game.
Virtual Reality Pod
The virtual Reality Pods are fun 9D roller coaster rides you can ride at Play Big Zone. My son was too young for this ride, but my 8-year-old enjoyed it.
Wax Hands, Spin, & Sand Art
There is a room in the rare Play Big Zone located to the right of Amazing Race where you can make your own wax hands, spin art, and sand art with the assistance of one of the staff members.
Little Zone
This is a cute area located to the right of the front desk where your smaller children can have fun playing. There are costumes for the kids to play dress up, and a giant size connect 4, a slide, oversized mirrors, and so much more.
Staff
On the few occasions I visited the facility, the staff at Play Big Zone was terrific. They paid attention to the needs of the children. When my son got on the VR, and he seemed scared, the staff member immediately stopped his ride to take him off.
Once he got off the ride and settled down, the staff member asked him if he wanted to get on again, promising another VR would be better. I thought that was a great gesture.
Also, while on the Amazing Race, all staff members ensured the children played safely and provided each child with grip socks. It’s the little things like that that will make an experience great.
Is there food at Play Big Zone?
Play Big Zone does not have meals like pizza or chicken fingers for the public, but they have a snack stand to purchase quick-to-eat items such as ice cream, candy, or popcorn.
Birthday Parties Rooms and Private events at Play Big Zone.
The good thing about Play Big Zone’s private events is for the most part you can have the facility to yourself. Your guest can enjoy all of the attractions in an intimate setting.
Your party may overlap just a little with another party coming to the facility, but that usually happens when you are finishing up your party, and most of your guests are in the party room eating.
Once you finish the play area, your party host will guide you to the private party room for pizza.
Play Big Zone does not prepare food on the premises, but they have a company that caters food for your event.
Play Big Zone allows you to bring your food for your event at a fee. Click here for FAQ.
Other places with party rooms
If you’re looking for another great place to have your child’s birthday party, check out Monster’s mini Glow in the dark golf, click the following link.
There are three kinds of party packages to choose from:
*All-Star Party
*Ultimate Party
*VIP Party
All packages are affordable and start with ten guests. You can add guests to your party; however, each guest has an additional fee.
Does Play Big Zone provide cake and Ice cream?
Play Big Zone does not provide cake, but you are welcome to bring your own. The same goes for ice cream. If you want a cake with your ice cream, Play Big Party Zone can put your ice cream in a freezer until it’s time for your guests to eat.
Can I decorate my party room?
I haven’t personally had a private party at the Play Big Zone, but my friend did, and she was allowed to bring her own decoration. I would check with the facility to see the rules when decorating.
Summer Camp Program
Play Big Party Zone also provides ten weeks of child care for the summer months. The summer schedule starts at the end of June and ends at the beginning of September.
Summer camp days are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. For more information, check the website for details.
Where is Play Big Zone?
located at 300 Campus Dr. Morganville, NJ 07751
As always,
Thank you again for coming along on this journey with my family and me. If there’s any place you feel my family would enjoy visiting, please tell us in the comments below. You can also put any questions in the comments if there are any questions I have not answered about the Play Big Zone.
