New interactive gaming center opens in Utica

UTICA — A brand-new interactive gaming and activities center called Activate has opened in Utica.

Those looking for a fun activity and a good workout will want to check it out.

During the evening Oct. 10, Activate in Utica held a friends and family night at its location at 45330 Utica Park Blvd. to show the things it has to offer before officially opening on the weekend.

Nico Blood, general manager at Activate in Utica, said the staff was excited to open the first Activate in Michigan, and even more so with it being in Utica.

“We think the location has great potential with the traffic flow and connections of the local cities. We thought the opening went really well and was received well by our guests and neighbors. We hope the buzz around this company created more foot traffic and allows us to open future Michigan locations,” he said.

The location includes games that involve jumping, climbing, problem-solving and laughing as people move between challenges. Each dynamic game room has interactive technology that reacts in real time.

There are nine rooms with a couple of different activities each.

Customers start by selecting their favorite room. Customers can stay in one room or try all the rooms.

Each room has a variety of high-tech games that each last approximately one to three minutes. Gamers read the descriptions of each game and choose their adventures by scanning a wristband. The wristband tracks one’s score on the leaderboard.

Difficulty levels range from 1-10, and players unlock them as they beat them.

Prices start at $19.99 Mondays-Thursdays and at $24.99 Fridays-Sundays for 75 minutes. The hours are noon to 9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino said that city officals are proud that Activate chose Utica for its first Michigan location.

“Activate has over 30 other locations worldwide. Their investment in our city will bring added excitement and vibrancy to the Hall Road corridor,” Calandrino said. “The Activate concept is something new and exciting. It’s a unique blend of technology and recreation. When I visited the new Utica location, I felt like I was entering the movie ‘Tron.’”

He said Activate will appeal to families looking for a fun way to spend time together, as well as adults looking for a fun way to get some exercise and stay healthy.

For more information, visit playactivate.com/detroit.