Empire Adventure Park, inside the Samanea Mall, requires you to sign waivers and secure valuables in a locker before charting your course for hours of fun. The layout is mostly stroller friendly and benches are situated throughout. 

What to Do on a Visit to Empire Adventure Park

Trampoline Floor

Bounce on the sprawling honeycomb trampoline floor, gaining serious air. Duck and dive while navigating the trampoline during a dodgeball match. Talk about utilizing all your core muscles at once! Attempt some aerial leaps and tricks on the runway-style trampolines. Test your vertical jumps at the motorized sweeper inflatable.

Or navigate the ginormous inflatable park, which has a tall slide and jump zone with a target floor. Aim high! A standout experience for us was the quantum space area. I know I sound like a Trekkie here but bear with me. LED screens follow your trampoline movements and your motions become abstract art–like an airborne Pollock!

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Dive into the challenging obstacle course at Empire Adventure Park. 

Obstacle Courses

Two multi-tier climbing playgrounds offer ninja course obstacles, tubular climbing nets, balancing pads, and slides. Duel against your siblings or friends with a shooting game using soft air balls. You can also ride on a bulbous red ball in the zipline area.

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Watch your image engage with on-screen mixed reality games.

Augmented Reality Offerings

Here’s where you’ll find some unique adventure park offerings. A trio of Valo augmented reality games are dotted throughout the park. Created in Finland by an incredibly innovative company, each Velo platform offers a different experience. Without giving too much away, you’re basically inserted into the games. Watch your image engage with on-screen mixed reality games, sports, climbing adventures, and more.

A separate 18-player eSports arena is equipped with temperature-controlled tables, soft, high-back chairs, and dimmed lighting for an optional gaming experience. Be on the lookout for tournaments and other opportunities here. Note: there’s a separate use fee for this space.

Now settle in for our very favorite part of this park: HyperDeck. Strap into a virtual reality headset while you’re standing at a moveable, dual-hand controller unit. Choose between three games and start your 10-minute session. We chose DreamMaker, which is most suitable for all ages. Not only are you visually inside the game, but the floating floor is slanting as you play, and cool and heated air is blowing as you glide by mountains or inside volcanoes. It's definitely a fully immersive experience. Note: you must be 48” to play and there’s an additional fee for this, but we think you should not skip it!

Toddler Section

There’s a separate corner for toddlers that has two floors of fun with soft foam gym equipment, ramps, and other pint-sized attractions. This age group could also use one of the climbing playgrounds. A designated Toddler Time is planned for fall, so stay tuned!

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Challenge yourself to the climbing wall at Empire Adventure Park. 

Know Before You Go: Empire Adventure Park

• The food court has one kiosk serving up pretzels, chicken fingers, nachos, and fries, as well as chips, drinks, slushees, ice cream, and more. Plop down at a picnic table and recharge for more Empire adventures. We also suggest bringing your own large water bottle, because this workout will have you reaching for a refresh frequently.

• Four party rooms are available for rental during celebrations. Guests spend an hour-and-a-half exploring the park before settling in for some food and dessert. Make note that no outside food is permitted. An attendant is assigned to each party to ensure all needs are met.

• Getting There: Located on the second floor of the Samanea Mall in Westbury (the old Source Mall), Empire Adventure Park has ample parking outside and in the garage. The nearest landmark is Ranch 99.

Photos by the author