Whipples Fun Center in Phoenix is an indoor play place for kids. But it is not your typical trampoline park or playground! Whipples has laser tag, bumper cars, a full arcade, and a two-story climbing structure with a ball blaster. Add a cafe with tasty treats (and beer for adults!) and you have a great place to visit with the family.
We visited Whipples this summer, thanks to the lure of a Groupon. It included a discount on two kids for the Super Pass (2hrs of bumper cars and laser tag, $3 credit at the arcade, and unlimited time on the trampolines and play structure). We spent almost 4hrs here! Each child gets a card at check-in with credits; it is then swiped when they play laser tag, bumper cars, and the arcade. The card is reusable for other visits.
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The kids were super excited about the bumper cars in particular. And they didn’t disappoint. Even our 4 year old was able to ride and drive. They are fairly easy to figure out. The ride time is about 3 minutes. Two levers allow the driver to move forward, backwards, and turn. A few times, the cars do an automated spin, which the kids found hilarious! Up to eight people can play at one time.
Our eight year old also tried and loved the laser tag. Each person has a screen name with their vest and laser gun, and wander through the maze to find opponents. Team play is offered too. Each game is about 5 minute. Our laser tag loving daughter reported that she loved the experience, it was just too short! Good thing there’s the unlimited 2hr access!
The arcade had a variety of games for all ages and levels. We’re not huge arcade people, but the kids enjoyed a racing game and fruit ninja! To claim your prizes, you simple take your card up to the reward desk, an employee scans the barcode, and a screen shows how many points you won. Use the points to pick out your prizes! Hats off to the employee who was extremely patient with our children; picking out prizes is a very serious task and apparently can not be rushed.
The two other activities available are the trampolines and play structure. The trampolines are sectioned off individual jumping spaces for safety. Basic but fun! The play structure has a couple slides, and the epic ball blaster in the center. This probably entertained the kids the most. (If you’ve been to Uptown Jungle, it’s a similar setup to their ball blaster.) Kids can shoot the balls, catch them, or balance them on top of shoots of air! Benches are around the play area so parents can easily keep an eye on their children.
If you have young toddlers, there’s a small play area under the main one, on the corner by the trampolines. It has some basic soft structure toys and blocks.
Last but not least is the cafe, with plenty of tables and chairs for eating and working. The cafe offers snacks, drinks, pizza, appetizers and more. We tried the mozzarella sticks and they were amazing! Prices were decent as well.
Overall, we enjoyed our visit to Whipples Fun Center! The bumper cars were unique and fun enough to draw us back. If you need a place to beat the heat, or just settle while the kids play, this is a good option.
Whippples is open to all Friday-Sunday, with a special toddler time on Thursday, and more open hours during the summer. Friday hours are 4-9pm, Saturday is 10am-9pm, and Sunday is 11am-7pm. Toddler Time on Thursday is 9:30am-1:30pm, for ages 6 and under. Prices vary, depending on activities chosen:
- Toddler Time on Thursday: $7.95/child, $5.95/sibling, trampolines and ballocity only, limited age appropriate arcade games.
- Toddler Pass, Friday-Sunday: $10.95/child, trampolines and Ballocity only.
- VIP Pass: $15.95/child, 3 attractions plays with any combination of laser tag or bumper cars, trampolines and ballocity, $2 in arcade credits.
- Super Pass: $21.95/child, 2hrs unlimited laser tag and bumper cars, trampolines and ballocity, $3 in arcade credits
Additional arcade credits can be purchased. You can also pay per use for the laser tag and bumper cars, starting at $5/person. Socks are required for the trampolines and ballocity. Socks and close toed shoes are required for laser tag and bumper cars.
Whipples Fun Center
1510 E Bell Rd #300
Phoenix, AZ 85022
(602) 802-8350
One Response
Whipples closed last year. Sadly. You might want to remove it from your list. My grandkids loved that place and it was affordable, unlike most of the other places like it.