If you are looking for active, competitive and genuinely different fun in London, this is my full review of Activate after visiting the Vauxhall location.
Activate is described as the world’s first active gaming facility, and it really does feel like you’ve stepped inside a video game. Instead of sitting down with a controller, you become the controller. You move between different high-tech game rooms that test your speed, coordination, teamwork and brain power all at once.
The Different Games We Tried
What makes Activate stand out is the variety of games. Each room feels completely different, so you are constantly switching between physical challenges and problem-solving tasks.
If you are into basketball, you will absolutely love Hoops. The balls are super bouncy and the games move quickly, so you need good aim and fast reactions. It feels competitive but fun rather than intimidating, and it is one of those games where you immediately want to try again to beat your score.
You are constantly moving, thinking and reacting, and I genuinely do not think I have used that much energy in such a short space of time before. These kind of games leave you breathless but laughing.
We also tried one of the laser-style rooms, where you have to avoid beams and move strategically across the space. We were running around, shouting instructions at each other and trying not to set everything off. We were not very good, but that made it even better. It felt chaotic in the best possible way.
Ages, Groups and Who It Is Best For
The minimum age to participate is six years old, but the games are designed with adults in mind and may feel challenging for children under ten. For children aged six to thirteen, an adult must be present in the facility and it is strongly advised that adults play alongside them for the best experience. For those aged fourteen to seventeen, an adult must sign the safety waiver before play, either online or at the venue.
To play, you need at least two people, and games are designed for groups of two to five. If you have a larger group, you can split into smaller teams and rotate during your session. There is currently no system to match solo players with others, so it works best as a family, friends or team activity.
We visited with children aged 8, 10 and 15, alongside adults aged 32 and 41, and it worked brilliantly for all of us. Everyone was fully involved, fully competitive and completely worn out by the end.
Activate Vauxhall Location Review
We went to the Vauxhall location, which is incredibly convenient. It is right by the train station and bus station, making it easy to reach from across London. That alone makes it a great option for a family day out.
There is also a Nando’s just a short walk away, which means you can easily make a full day of it. Active gaming followed by food is always a winning combination, especially after running around for an hour.
Prices start from £19.95 per person, and you can usually find cheaper sessions during weekday term time.
Is Activate Worth It?
If you are looking for active fun in London that genuinely gets everyone moving, thinking and working together, I cannot recommend Activate enough. We left sweaty, competitive and laughing. It is rare to find an activity that works just as well for teens as it does for adults, but this absolutely does.
For families, friend groups or even date nights, Activate at Vauxhall is one of the most fun indoor activities in London right now.
