Activate is the world’s first active gaming facility and they are planning on opening in Cherry Hill, taking over a former Rite Aid building on Route 38 and Chapel Avenue.
Developed by a couple who found initial success in escape rooms, they wanted that same “Friend And Family Fun” experience but in a more interactive way. So they created a series of dynamic game room experiences with integrated digital technology, which ensures an adrenaline filled adventure!
Game room experiences can vary in each location but examples include a digital climbing wall, “floor is lava” grid tile matching room, hoops, or how about a laser maze-like experience which requires you to navigate through the laser beam filled room without breaking a light-beam… just like that popular spy movie!
What started in 2017 as an idea and initial design at the home of Adam and Megan Schmidt, became the first Activate facility in 2019… and now just six years later they have 40 locations open in the United States as well as additional facilities in 10 other countries.
Clearly they have created a product which has connected with the global community! In our area the closest facility appears to be in the American Dream Mall in North Jersey, and the Cherry Hill Activate location looks to be the first for the Philadelphia area.
The Cherry Hill project is being presented to the Planning Board on March 17th and for the most part seems like a perfect match for the former Rite Aid building and will require minimal exterior changes. It’s a prime location, as well as the electronic gaming aspect is a permitted use in the zone.
The property location is on Route 38 and Chapel Avenue just a few blocks from the massive economic powerhouse Cherry Hill Mall, as well as the AMC Cherry Hill movie theaters. With a variety of “destination” retail and entertainment options in that immediate area it’s likely expected the proximity of the businesses will help each other.
While there are some variances being requested, one interesting reason they are heading to the Planning Board is that when the pharmacy project was originally approved in 2008, one of the conditions of that approval 17 years ago was that any future “change of use” of the property would automatically require Planning Board review and approval.
Activate Games – Social Media Success
One reason for the success and growth of Activate is they’ve “gone viral” on social media platform TikTok, which is a significantly youth oriented platform and a perfect match for the Activate experience.
At the official Activate TikTok page videos showcasing the digitally lit lava floor room are very popular with one reaching 75 million views, another is 63 million and still a third at 46 million!
The Grid lava floor experience is based on a series of grid like squares that can change color, and also detect footsteps. With the color changing lights the game is able to create virtual safe zones as well as danger zones… which can change as players are moving around the board.
It looks simple, it looks fun… and it absolutely looks like an adrenaline infused, heart pumping fun time.
Links and Location
Activate Games – Cherry Hill (Planned)
1509 Route 38
Cherry Hill NJ
Cherry Hill Planning Board Meeting – Activate Games
Virtual Zoom Meeting
March 17th at 7pm
Zoom Details at Website
