We had one last little hurrah before school started, checking out the new GameWorks here in Denver up at Northfield. They’re located between Target and Bass Pro on the west side of Northfield, making it the perfect place to send your kiddos while you’re off getting the shopping done.
GameWorks is a family-friendly entertainment center, complete with a full restaurant and bar, tons of arcade games, the largest 2-story laser tag arena in Denver, and the only eSports LAN gaming zone in town. We had a blast checking out every square inch of their 36,000 square feet. Did I mention Paul and I were there with the kids for SIX HOURS? True story.
First of all, the bar and restaurant area is massive. Big screen TVs everywhere, showing every sports event going on. Full service bar, with great beer on tap. Food choices ranging from pub-style grub to sit-down restaurant entrees. We enjoyed trying the sampler platter and my kids fought over the wings. Pretty good! Paul and I tried their turkey club (awesome), the vodka penne (meh), and Pablo had a mini cheese pizza (two thumbs up.)
Next, we checked out all the fantastic arcade games. SO. FREAKING. FUN. Everything is card-based, meaning you don’t have to worry about tokens or money or stuffing tickets in your pockets. It’s like a casino for little kids. My kids (including the big one I’m married to) had the best time.
While we played games, we waited for our time slot for LASER TAG. They have games going on all the time, and you just need to go up and reserve your spot. When it was time for us to get our laser tag gear on, we headed into the staging area, where we learned all about how to play. It was funny and informative and super helpful for my littles, who had never played. This was my first time, too!
So, as a first-timer, all I can say is OH MY GOD YOU GUYS LASER TAG IS AMAZING. I mostly tried to hide while everyone shot me, because I am old and slow. But my kids were ruthless little laser tag warriors, right out the gate. They really enjoyed exiting the arena and seeing their scores on the big screen TV outside the door. Everyone can see exactly how they did! I think this would be the most fantastic and entertaining venue for a company party or team-building outing. Of course it would be a hot birthday spot too, but I love imagining a bunch of adults shooting the hell out of each other in their little light-up vests! I predict GameWorks will be seeing a LOT of company Christmas parties this year.
And onto Pablo’s favorite part of GameWorks – the eSports LAN gaming zone, which has 25 LAN PC stations and 22 XBox One consoles. You can take part in multi-player games such as League of Legends, DotA 2 and World of Warcraft, or log in and play Minecraft, either with your own account or one of the open accounts provided. You can participate in tournaments or just play on your own.
The staff inside the ESports lounge was INCREDIBLY kind and patient, which I always notice when I’m out somewhere with Pablo. They helped Pablo get set up and encouraged him to try new things. Big thumbs up. Big thumbs up, in fact, for all the staff at GameWorks – they were all friendly and helpful, and so enthusiastic about being part of the GameWorks team.
I can’t imagine a more fun place in town to take the kids, where they can run around with their friends, having the time of their lives, while mom and dad chill out with a craft beer! This is at the top of my list for Best Family Outing venue in Denver.
Here is where you can find GameWorks Denver:
The Shops at Northfield
7950 Northfield Blvd.
Denver, CO 80238
Phone: 720-330-9444
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week
Special thanks to GameWorks for providing my family the opportunity to check out their amazing venue.
DIY Painted Door Mat