The Massive Indoor Playground In Nebraska With Endless Places To Play
By Delana Lefevers|Updated on January 15, 2023(Originally published January 10, 2023)
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
When you and the family want to get out and have some fun but the weather isn’t cooperating, the next best thing is to spend an afternoon playing inside. Head to Kearney’s Big Apple Fun Center for a fun day indoors that doesn’t involve board games or endless movies. And we bet you won’t hear anyone complain about being bored all day once they see the massive indoor playground and other adventurous activities!
Big Apple Fun Center is hard to miss with the big red apple jutting out from the roof. When we call this place "massive," we mean it - more than 50,000 square feet of adventure is awaiting inside.
Laser tag is also an option if you and your group need to run off some energy. There's nothing quite like the thrill of hiding behind an obstacle, only to jump out and shoot a close friend with a laser gun.
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For the littlest of visitors, there's Ballocity. The three-level padded play course is meant to inspire exploration, and it's big enough to let parents come in to play as well.
Over in the bowling alley, there are 36 lanes to enjoy. You can join or form your own league or simply show up during open bowling hours. But if you come after 10 pm Thursday-Saturday, you can experience the wild experience that is Cosmic Bowling.
The regular lights go out, the black lights come on, the music is turned way up, and laser lights dance on the walls. The lanes themselves glow in the dark, and there's even a haze machine.
Treat yourself to a game of miniature golf on the Cosmic course. The course is alive with glow paint and black lights to make the colorful art come to life.
The Big Apple in Nebraska will delight you with a unique experience as you play through the underwater, pirate, and jungle areas - and be ready for some (mildly) scary surprises!
What would a fun center be without go-karts? There's an outdoor course with gasoline-powered karts, or you can opt to stay inside and drive on the indoor course with electric karts.
The outdoor track is only open seasonally, so call to be sure that it's up and running before you go.
Two of Big Apple's most remarkable features are the 7D Theater and the Hyperdeck. These immersive experiences are like nothing else in Kearney - and possibly Nebraska.
The 7D theater provides an immersive environment where you'll take a virtual journey while sitting in an amusement-park-type seat. The seating area moves with the motion on the screen, where a film made especially for the 7D theater takes you on a wild ride.
Take a closer look at the Big Apple Fun Center's 7D theater in this quick video - doesn't that look amazing?
The Hyperdeck is another futuristic attraction that you've got to try. The four-player virtual reality setup features awesome games along with a multi-sensory environment that adds up to an incredible experience.
People watching from outside the Hyperdeck can even give little in-game gifts to players. If you love gaming but haven't had the chance to try a real VR game yet, check it out here.
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When you need some snacks to refuel, head over to the Big Apple Sports Bar & Grill. In keeping with the fun center's theme of "biggest and best," this sports bar is one of the largest in the state. It serves typical bowling-alley fare like burgers, pizza, and a wide selection of deep-fried appetizers.
This is where you can also play pool, shuffleboard, or darts. If you're into keno or pickle boards (and old enough to play), you can indulge in those games, too. And don't forget about the massive collection of screens where you can cheer on your favorite pro and college teams. Of course, being a bar and grill, there are plenty of drinks on the menu.
In addition to all of the fun above, Big Apple offers two outdoor sand volleyball courts. You can even have your next party or event there; with plenty of packages to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your group and your budget. Visit Big Apple Fun Center on its website or find this locally-owned Kearney business on Facebook.
Have you been to Big Apple in Kearney, NE? Share your favorite part with a comment. Then, check out the biggest activity center in any Nebraska state park in this article.
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More to Explore
More indoor activities in Nebraska
Chris Muras|January 15, 2023
What is the best indoor playground in Nebraska?
Nebraska has some pretty impressive indoor playgrounds. Perhaps the best is the Big Apple Fun Center in Kearney. However, the indoor playground at Mahoney State Park is also pretty amazing. Here is a list of some of the best indoor playgrounds in Nebraska to check out:
Nebraska does have several nice trampoline parks for some indoor jumping fun. Many of these adventure centers also have other features like obstacle courses or ninja warrior courses. Here is a list of the best trampoline parks in Nebraska:
If you are looking for fun things to do with kids on a rainy day, Nebraska will not let you down. From trampoline parks to climbing walls, and even fun interactive museums. Here are a few fun things to do with kids in Nebraska:
