Smack in the middle of Downtown Denver you can find a Pac-Man game screen a screen square footage that’s bigger than a bedroom. 100 other arcade, pinball, and carnival style games light up and lure kids of all ages. Whether you are a Gen X parent with fond memories of pumping quarters into machines at the local arcade or a kid raised on the latest tech, you will love the sprawling, sparkling new FTW Denver. It’s an offshoot of the upscale Lucky Strike bowling lanes. Finally, there is a family fun destination in downtown Denver that has something for everyone.
Located on the third level of the Denver Pavilions, this 15,000 square foot space is wonderland of gaming fun. Families can compete in multiplayer racing games like MarioKart DX or line up in front of a half dozen Skeeball lanes to see who has the best aim. Earn tickets and redeem them for nicer-than expected prizes.
My five teenagers had a blast exploring the colorful maze of games. They loved being in control of their own gaming experience. FTW Denver uses pre-loaded cards to pay for games. Pockets packed with quarters or tokens are a thing of the past. Swipe your card and get instant updates on your balance. Games and activities are assigned different point levels. Even cooler, when you win tickets they are loaded onto the card. It never expires, so you can reuse your card and stockpile tickets.
We also bowled (badly) at Lucky Strike. Despite our lack of skill, or maybe because of our lack of skill, we laughed a lot! That’s no small thing for a mom with five teenagers. Maybe it was the amazing food we tried?
FTW Denver and Lucky Strike have a fabulous menu packed with classic comfort foods and new favorites, like street tacos, cheese curds, and poutine. We devoured a platter of meaty buffalo wings, chicken bites, and loaded poutine while we bowled. Soda flowed like the Colorado River. The highlight had to be the can’t-miss warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies. I’ve never said, “Let’s go bowling and eat bowling alley cookies!” but I think I’m going to start.
Spring break is just around the corner. If you want to surprise your kids with some adventure in the heart of Denver, FTW and Lucky Strike should be on the top of the list. There is ample underground parking located at the Denver Pavilions and a quick elevator ride up to level 3. For more information, to check out their menu, and for pricing and party information, visit FTW Denver’s website.
CONTEST
One of our Mile High Mamas readers is going to win an incredibly fun party experience. FTW Denver and Lucky Strike will host your party of 8. You’ll get two hours of bowling, shoe rentals, plus a $25 game card for each person! You may enter as many as five times.