With economic hardship at home and violent conflict abroad, many families are looking for a way to escape — at least through temporary fun.
Fortunately, Indianapolis is home to what many have called the ultimate “mental vacation” spot — Xscape.
Xscape is a new entertainment center located inside Lafayette Square Mall on the city’s Westside. It is the first of its kind in the state of Indiana, and at 75,000 square feet, it is one of the largest in the Midwest.
In the best tradition of places such as Universal Studio, Epcot Center and Six Flags, the “warehouse of fun” has seemingly unlimited options for a good time. Unlike most entertainment facilities that cater only to a specific clientele, Xscape offers environments for everyone in the family, children and adults.
“The whole family can enjoy the bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag and the 40-seat virtual theater,” said Allison Clark of Xscape. “But we also have themed dining rooms like ‘Toonville,’ which has a cartoon theme for kids, the Sports Bar for adults and the Drive-In Movie Theater for everyone.”
The basic price of $8.49 admits anyone over the age of 12 to an unlimited buffet, beverages, a Pirates of the Caribbean bounce house and an adventure jungle gym. (Price is $4.99 for kids under 12, $6.99 for seniors and free for children under 2.)
The buffet includes over 20 types of pizza, as well as pasta dishes, salads, tacos, potatoes, soups and over a dozen kinds of desserts, including cakes, cobblers and brownies.
Beyond the basic cost, guests may enjoy numerous games and amusement style rides. Some activities range from a quarter (for one of 30 arcade and sports games), to $3 (for miniature golf, bowling and miniature rides) and $5 (for laser tag, 4D theater and go karts.)
Guests can also choose from dozens of redemption games like American Idol, Heads Up Poker, Skeeball and Tower of Power.
Xscape has already become a popular facility for parents to hold birthday parties for their children. With three packages priced at $149.95, $179.95 and $229.95, customers can arrange parties for 10 children that include 75 minutes in a private party room, a party host, cake, balloon bouquet, unlimited buffet for each child, a $5 game card for each child and 100 game tickets for the birthday child.
Various upgrades, such as different types of ice cream, gift bags, stuffed animals and extra activities can be added for small additional charges.
Despite a recent renovation, Lafayette Square Mall, which was opened in 1968, has been hit hard by the departure of key tenants such as Sears and Macy’s. Mall owners are hopeful that the presence of a unique facility such as Xscape will revive interest in the mall among customers, which will attract more retail tenants.
“We believe Xscape will be a draw not only for Indianapolis residents, but also for everyone in the region within a 75-mile radius, said Phil Thornton, general manager of Lafayette Square Mall. “Our goal is to provide a more family friendly environment to invite shoppers back to the mall. Xscape is one of several venues here that provide families a place to go.”
