I don’t play video games and certainly not the shoot ‘em up-style. I am not into sci-fi, nor do I enjoy horror movies. I probably don’t sound like a very fun mom. So my kids were quite surprised when I invited them to join me for a VR experience. Really, what appealed to me most was spending some real-life time with my two teens even if it meant wearing goggles and being shot at by skeleton pirates.
We headed to the IRL location Sandbox VR downtown. There are multiple rooms where groups up to six (and as small as two) can choose between 10 different immersive experiences. Each one feels like you’re living inside a game or movie with the help of the body trackers (velcroed onto ankles and wrists). With headgear and mics you stay connected with your teammates as you battle through alien swarms or.enter one of the locations from its newest experience based on the series Stranger Things.
For those walking past our room, you might have heard CoolMom (my very original VR player name) letting out a few screams. What you would not have heard was my eldest through the headsets saying “Don’ worry mom, I got you” as he swung his sword at the oncoming zombies.
TRIP TIPS:
Getting there: Sandbox VR is located at 21 Wellesley St just west of Yonge St. On TTC, it’s a two-minute walk from Wellesley Station. By car, there are a number of Green P and other paid parking in the vicinity.
Low-down: Reserve an experience online for 2-6 people. Cost ranges from $60-$70 (check their website for promotions on certain games.) Plan to arrive 15 min in advance and spend about 1 hr to gear up, play the game then relive the experience with a highlight video that’s included with the cost.
In the hood: Lots of restaurants for pre- and post-game eats.
VR EXPERIENCES IN T.O.
There are a number of locations that offer VR sessions where you can expect to pay between $30-$70.
Here are a few:
- For the littler kids and tweens in TOw, Levelup Reality (also downtown at Yonge & Bloor) has 20 different VR stations, with some family-friendly options such as flight simulators, mini golf and space exploration. Minimum age is 8+.
- The Junxion has VR escape rooms and arena games (age 8+), plus a Dino Dig, arcade and a “Club” with LED dance floor (used for birthday parties and events. Minimum age is 8+
- VRCADE is located in Scarborough on Lawrence and Birchmount. There are the typical shooter-style games, but also puzzles, sports and escape rooms. Minimum age is 8+
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