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Step Inside Thrilling New 'Squid Game' Experience in Midtown Manhattan
Fans of the hit Netflix show Squid Game can now play experience the thrills and excitement of the games in real life. At the new, immersive pop-up Squid Game: The Experience, players compete in five different games inspired by the show—but only one will win.
Unlike the actual show, this new experience is totally safe and family-friendly. I recently went to experience the games with my 8-year-old son, and we had a fantastic time. Read on for everything you need to know about Squid Game: The Experience
Find all of our recommendations or the best new things to do in NYC with kids in our Guide to New Openings for Kids in NYC.
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Squid Game: The Experience pulls inspiration from the Netflix TV show.
At the start of the games players are assigned numbers by entering their names in kiosks and are then greeted by the Front Man in a video explaining all the rules. Squid Game: The Experience includes games that evoke original challenges from the show, plus a few brand-new ones.
You'll find versions of the glass bridge and marble games, plus red light, green light. Rather than the tug-of-war played on the show, players battle through a blown-up version of Battleship where you try to sink the other team's ships.
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Many of the Squid Game trademarks are brought to life in this interactive experience.
Fans will definitely recognize the iconic set pieces like the bunk beds, the children's playroom decor, the guards in their iconic red, faceless jumpsuits, and of course, Young-hee, the doll who leads the red light, green light game.
Players accumulate points as they move through the experience and everyone's rankings are displayed on the leaderboard. There's one final showdown where the winner is revealed.
Don't worry: The experience is not scary and kids as young as 6 or 7 can play as long as they can follow the instructions. There are loud sounds and blinking lights, but other than that, the games are very fun.
Afterward, buy your very own Young-hee doll, tracksuit, and other Squid Game merchandise at the Squid Mart. An adjoining Night Market lets you revive yourself with some delicious Korean bites and drinks.
RELATED: Koreatown with Kids: Best Places to Shop, Eat, and Play
Even when the game is over, there's plenty of fun to enjoy at Squid Game's night market.
Things To Know Before You Go to Squid Game: The Experience
- Squid Game: The Experience is located at the Manhattan Mall on 6th Avenue and 32nd Street.
- The experience lasts about an one hour.
- Tickets start at $29, and advance reservations are highly recommended.
- Tickets are on sale now and through March 2025.
- There is no minimum age and parents are advised to use their own judgment in bringing young children.
Photos by the author
Places featured in this article:
The Squid Game Experience
