Family Entertainment Centers of Glendale, Arizona

Castles N’ Coasters

9445 N Metro Pkwy E.
Phoenix, Arizona 85051

castlesncoasters.com

For nearly 50 years, Castles N’ Coasters has stood as a cornerstone of family entertainment in Phoenix. “We get a lot of comments [from guests] saying, ‘I came here when I was young, and now I’m bringing my son and my grandchildren,’” says Gail Comer, general manager of Castles N’ Coasters. The 14-acre park blends timeless attractions with ongoing updates, offering roller coasters, thrill rides, miniature golf courses, and a large arcade. Its mix of indoor and outdoor experiences allows the property to serve a wide audience and remain resilient in a competitive leisure market.

“Our strength has always been offering something for everyone,” says Comer. “Whether guests come for a quick round of mini golf, an afternoon in the arcade, or a full day of rides, we want them to feel they can create their own experience.”

The park first opened in 1976 as a miniature golf center before expanding into a multi-attraction destination. Today, signature rides like Desert Storm, a double-inversion steel coaster, and Sky Diver, a 120-foot freefall tower, draw thrill seekers, while a lineup of family rides keeps younger visitors engaged. The arcade, featuring classics and cutting-edge releases, remains a consistent driver of attendance, particularly during Arizona’s hot summers.

Balancing the mix of attractions is a core part of operations. “If the rides are busy, great—that drives visitors across the park. If weather keeps people indoors, the arcade continues to perform,” Comer explains. “That balance helps us remain steady year-round.”

Reinvestment is also central to the park’s long-term strategy. Recent projects include arcade upgrades, refreshed theming on key attractions, and expanded options for group outings. Schools, companies, and parents seeking a location for a child’s birthday party are increasingly turning to Castles N’ Coasters for packages that combine rides, games, food, and private event space.

Even as the property evolves, Comer underscores the importance of its founding values. “We’ve built our reputation on being a safe, welcoming place where families can make memories together,” she says.

Game Show Battle Rooms

6909 W. Ray Rd. Suite 29
Chandler, Arizona 85226

gameshowbattlerooms.com/phoenix/

At Game Show Battle Rooms in Tempe, Arizona, corporate groups and private parties can step into the spotlight for an immersive, fully hosted game show experience. General Manager Chad Blue explains that every event is private, with bookings starting at six guests and increasing to 40 maximum participants in a single room, with the facility capable of hosting as many as 150 guests at once by utilizing rotating sessions and catering options.

The experience blends a series of themed games—such as Survey Battles, Match Up Wars, Spin and Solve, and What’s That Cost?—each designed to spark competition, laughter, and team engagement. The venue’s lighting, sound, and set design mimic a television game show, while professional hosts—many with backgrounds in stand-up comedy or emcee work—keep energy levels high and ensure that every guest participates.

Flexibility is a key differentiator for the attraction. In addition to in-house events, Game Show Battle Rooms offers a mobile roadshow option, bringing the full production to corporate offices, hotel ballrooms, stadiums, and even backyards. Recent activations have included events for the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns on their home court.

For corporate clients, the venue offers on-site games in meeting rooms, audiovisual support, and customizable catering packages. Game play pricing runs $36.95 to $39.95 per participant, depending on day and time, with event durations and formats tailored to client needs. With 16 locations nationwide and plans to reach 20 by year-end, Game Show Battle Rooms is expanding its footprint while keeping the focus on adaptable, high-quality experiences. As Blue notes, “Being adaptable with corporate clients is key—understanding their approval processes and customizing to fit their team dynamic ensures an event that’s memorable and effective.”

Golfland Sunsplash

55 W Hampton Ave.
Mesa, Arizona 85210

golfland.com/mesa/

Golfland Sunsplash offers a dynamic blend of water park thrills, classic mini golf, and dry attractions designed to appeal to families, parties, and even corporate groups. Alex Filenko, general manager, and Tony Jones, director of marketing, provided Funworld a tour and offered insight into the facility’s evolution, popular features, and strategic operations.

“Golfland started in 1983. It was just the castle and the mini golf,” Jones explains. The water park followed in the 1990s, with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool opening. Over the years, additional attractions, such as go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and bumper cars, have been added. “Every couple of years, we try to build something new,” says Jones.

The water park remains a cornerstone, especially during Arizona’s extended tourist season. “We actually get a really good water park season in March because we have a lot of the tourists come in for spring training baseball,” Jones notes. This influx balances attendance, as many locals feel that spring weather is too cold to swim in, creating a robust visitor base outside peak summer months.

While the water park is popular, the entrance previously directed visitors straight into the water park. However, this meant the facility’s other offerings were being overlooked. To solve the issue, the park’s layout had to evolve. “We changed the entrance to ensure that the public gets accustomed to the fact that we have all the dry attractions in addition to the water park. They’re not separate entities,” says Filenko.

Golfland also offers elevated experiences, such as cabanas with VIP parking and dedicated check-in kiosks. “We have seven cabanas right now. Once our new water slide is done, we’ll have more cabanas and even VIP cabanas, which will come with even more perks,” Jones says.

The park’s most anticipated new addition is the aforementioned ProSlide, which is currently under construction and will be Arizona’s tallest water slide upon opening, according to Jones. The ride features colors inspired by Arizona State University, contributing to a sense of place and reflecting local pride.

Makutu’s Island

6919 W Ray Rd.
Chandler, Arizona 85226

makutusisland.com

Makutu’s Island is a piece of family entertainment history. Originally built in the 1990s as a Club Disney location—one of several family entertainment centers developed by the company across the country—the indoor play center brought a unique form of engagement to children. While Disney eventually phased out the small-scale concept, the Arizona facility’s infrastructure remained, which owner and general manager Lacey Hall proudly embraces.

“This is the only one standing, which is pretty neat,” says Hall. “Now we have grandparents, who used to bring their kids here, bringing their grandkids. It’s generational—it’s really special.”

The facility retains many of its original Club Disney features, including its massive, Disney-designed indoor tree structure. “All of the structure, the play stuff—it’s all Disney. It’s quite the beast to upkeep,” she explains.

Hall, who grew up visiting the attraction, took over the space with her mother three years ago when they noticed it slipping into disrepair. “It was looking rough and feeling 30 years old,” she says. “We swooped in, and it’s been a monster—but a fun one. Bringing back the magic has made a huge difference.”

Makutu’s Island targets children ages one to 13, though the design encourages whole-family participation. “Kids will get a little nervous going into the high areas, so the adults go with them—parents, older siblings, cousins,” Hall shares. “Even if a toddler isn’t climbing yet, they’re walking and watching everything. I tell parents they’ll have fun just doing laps around the tree.”

The team keeps programming fresh with rotating themes and seasonal events. “Right now, we’re doing Shark Week, and the whole facility is decorated,” Hall says, while aptly adorning a shark head hat, earrings, and T-shirt. The team also brings themed offerings to the café menu, such as an Icee flight developed for Shark Week—a sampler of flavors designed for parties and group visits. “It’s like a flight of margaritas but kid-friendly,” Hall says. “We change [the theme] all the time—for summer, Halloween, everything.”

Birthday parties are a cornerstone of the business, with customizable packages that include decor provided by the facility—something that Hall believes isn’t offered at other FECs locally and differentiates the facility. “Kids pick their theme, and we handle the rest,” says Hall. “Parents love it—it takes a huge weight off their shoulders.”

Makutu’s Island even uses a behind-the-scenes “balloon room” to store decorations for future use. “If parents don’t take them home, we save them and reuse them,” she explains. “You’d be surprised how often we get requests like ‘dinosaur princess’—and we make it happen.”

The serene café space also sets the FEC apart. Beyond kid-friendly snacks, guests can enjoy wings, pizza, and adult beverages like beer and seltzers. “We want this to be a place where parents can relax, too,” Hall says.

Uptown Jungle Fun Park Mesa

5741 E. McKellips Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85215

mesa.uptownjungle.com

Uptown Jungle Fun Park in Mesa is a high-energy haven built for younger kids. With climbing walls, trampolines, and spider towers, the park is designed to encourage exercise and imagination—no arcade required.

“We’re quite a bit different from most family entertainment centers,” says Brad Collins, CEO and president of Uptown Jungle Fun Parks. “We focus heavily on active play and cater to a younger demographic. Most of our guests are between the ages of two and 10.”

Mesa was the second location for the growing brand, which now operates 10 parks across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. While newer locations offer updated features, the Mesa location still embodies the core of Uptown Jungle’s mission. Inside, there’s a gated toddler area for children five and under, a tall Stairway to Heaven climbing tower, and an inflatable obstacle course. Party rooms host weekend celebrations, and summer STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) camps often fill the space during weekdays.

One standout is the climbing wall section, where kids can scale vertical challenges using auto-belay systems—chosen for both their reliability and safety. “We also use self-locking carabiners to make sure kids stay securely connected,” Collins says.

Collins and his team constantly evaluate and evolve the facilities. One major change has been the transition to full in-house kitchens across various locations. Mesa’s kitchen is the latest to undergo renovation, shifting away from outside catering to serve in-house, kid-friendly foods like cheese and pepperoni pizza. “We tried tons of vendors, doughs, and cheeses,” Collins says. “We wanted something that was affordable, consistent, and appealing to kids.”

Uptown Jungle also offers a unique value proposition through its unlimited membership program. “For $19.99 a month or $200 a year, members can visit as often as they like,” says Collins. Another differentiator Collins highlights is the brand’s Tot Time programming, held Monday through Thursday mornings. “It’s not just open play. We have directors leading planned, education-based activities,” he explains. “It gives younger kids something more meaningful and structured.”

There’s also Uppie, the park’s mascot and star of an educational YouTube series designed to engage kids both online and in person. “We didn’t want a mascot just to have one,” Collins says. “We made sure it had purpose. Now a lot of kids come in already knowing who Uppie is.”

Even the smallest touches, such as themed grip socks, pizza slices, dinosaurs, and mythical creatures, speak to the brand’s thoughtful attention to the guest experience. “It’s all part of making it fun, memorable, and safe for families,” Collins says.

FatCats Mesa

5846 E. Longbow Pky
Mesa, Arizona 85215

fatcatsfun.com/locations/mesa/

FatCats Entertainment continues to build momentum in Arizona, offering a unique mix of attractions under one roof. With locations scattered across the Phoenix area, the company combines movie theaters, bowling, arcade gaming, mini golf, and dining—creating a multifaceted destination that appeals to a wide demographic.

“FatCats originally started as a bowling center in Salt Lake City,” explains Jason Reicks, general manager of FatCats Mesa. “Two friends got into the business together—one focused on the food side, the other on bowling. Over time, they added arcade games, mini golf, and movie theaters. That mix has really become our identity.”

The model has allowed FatCats to scale across Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, with both ground-up builds and adaptive reuse projects. “Our last opening was actually an old Macy’s that we retrofitted with theaters and bowling,” Reicks says. “But most of the newer centers have been built from scratch.”

Balancing multiple entertainment offerings creates resilience. When movies aren’t strong, the bowling and arcade businesses often pick up and carry the extra weight.

Programming keeps the facilities active throughout the week, with promotions like half-off arcade days, discounted movies, and bundled bowling packages. Attractions also evolve with guest interest—recent additions include AR darts, enhanced Atmos sound auditoriums, and themed glow-in-the-dark mini golf.

Corporate business is also on the rise. “We’re seeing more team-building events and big screen buyouts,” Reicks says. “Groups can rent a theater for a movie, presentation, or even video gaming on the big screen. It’s been a hit.”