Activate: Minnesota’s Ultimate Active Gaming Experience

Looking for a one-of-a-kind indoor adventure that combines fitness, fun, and friendly competition? Activate is the Twin Cities’ go-to spot for immersive, high-energy gaming.

Activate is the world’s first active gaming facility, designed to pull you off the couch and straight into the action. With nine interactive game rooms powered by cutting-edge technology (and an extra exclusive room at Mall of America), this Minnesota destination lets you and your friends become the players. From dodging lasers to solving puzzles and running across LED grids, Activate blends physical activity with mental challenges for an adrenaline-filled experience you won’t forget.

What to Expect at Activate

When you step inside, you’ll find a vibrant, neon-lit environment buzzing with energy. Each guest is given an RFID wristband that registers you as an individual player and activates the games as you go. The wristband keeps track of your progress, scores, and levels, making the experience feel personal and competitive. Each game room offers its own unique challenge—some require speed, others demand strategy, and many blend both. You’ll play as a team, moving between rooms, racking up scores, and laughing your way through fast-paced games. With all-you-can-play passes, you can replay your favorites or keep leveling up until you conquer them all.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Because Activate is entirely indoors, it’s the perfect destination any time of year. Escape Minnesota’s cold winters, rainy spring days, or hot summer afternoons with this climate-controlled activity. Whether you’re looking for a weekend outing, a rainy-day plan, or a fun indoor date night, Activate is always a good fit.

Age Restrictions and Occasions

One of the best parts about Activate is its versatility. The games are designed for kids (ages 10 and up), teens, and adults, making it perfect for families, friend groups, and couples alike. Children under 13 typically need to be accompanied by an adult, ensuring the experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Activate is also a popular choice for birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette celebrations, and corporate team-building events. With scalable difficulty levels, everyone can get in on the fun—no matter their age or ability.

Game Rooms at Activate

Activate is home to nine interactive game rooms at its Roseville location, with an extra exclusive room at Mall of America for even more variety. Each room is designed to challenge a different set of skills—from speed and agility (Grid, Mega Grid, Strike) to accuracy and coordination (Hoops, Portals, Mega Laser). For those who enjoy strategy and problem-solving, Press and Control focus on memory and quick thinking, while Hide adds a stealthy twist that keeps players on their toes. At Mall of America, the additional Scan room introduces a high-tech, wristband-based challenge that tests reflexes and precision. Whether you’re a puzzle solver, an athlete, or just in it for fun, Activate has a game that will bring out your best.

Each game is designed to challenge a different set of skills. Here’s what you can expect:

• Control – Step onto a glowing floor of light-up tiles where speed, balance, and quick thinking are key.
• Press – A wall-to-wall puzzle of glowing buttons where memorization and fast teamwork are the path to victory.
• Portals – Race against the clock by tossing balls into the correct LED portals with lightning-fast coordination.
• Hide – A suspenseful spin on hide-and-seek where glowing “eyes” track your every move as you sneak to the finish.
• Grid – Like a high-tech version of “the floor is lava,” where your team must move strategically across color-changing tiles.
• Mega Grid – A giant version of Grid with over 500 LED tiles that demand communication, strategy, and endurance.
• Hoops – Test your aim in a neon basketball court where glowing backboards and countdown timers raise the stakes.
• Mega Laser – Navigate a laser maze, hit glowing targets, and master futuristic blasters in this upgraded version of laser tag.
• Strike – A digital dodgeball challenge where you blast glowing wall targets as quickly and accurately as possible.

Bonus Game Room at Mall of America

In addition to the nine core rooms, the Mall of America location offers an exclusive game:

• Scan – A fast-paced challenge that combines precision and quick reflexes. Players interact with touch screens and scan their RFID wristbands at the room hub to complete objectives and progress through levels. This unique experience is only available at the MOA location, making it worth the visit if you want to try every Activate game.

Where It’s Located

Locations in Minnesota:

• Activate – Roseville
  1700 County Road B2 W, Suite C
  Roseville, MN 55113

• Activate – Mall of America
  358 South Avenue
  

Website & Reservations:
Roseville – Book your session here to secure your spot and avoid the wait!
Mall of America (Bloomington) – Book your session here to secure your spot and avoid the wait!

Where to Eat and Drink Nearby

Roseville Restaurants

• Karta Thai – A local favorite serving flavorful Thai dishes in a casual setting. Perfect for grabbing a comforting noodle or curry dish after an active gaming session.
• OG ZaZa – Known for its wood-fired pizzas and hearty Italian-American classics, this spot is ideal for groups looking to share plates and enjoy a relaxed meal together.
• Chianti Grill – Cozy Italian dining with pasta, flatbreads, and indulgent desserts, offering a warm sit-down option for winding down after your games.

Roseville Bars & Coffee Shops

• Tipsy Steer – A lively bar and eatery serving craft beer and elevated pub food, with a fun atmosphere that’s great for continuing the night.
• Smash Park Roseville – More than just a bar—this entertainment hub has pickleball courts, yard games, and a social vibe paired with cocktails and shareable bites.
• Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. – A unique café offering traditional Yemeni coffee, teas, and pastries. It’s the perfect spot if you’d rather wind down with something cozy and cultural.

Mall of America Restaurants

With hundreds of options inside MOA, you’ll never run out of places to refuel. Popular choices include:

• FireLake Grill House + Cocktail Bar – Seasonal Midwestern fare with a polished vibe.
• Cantina Laredo – Modern Mexican eats with plenty of vegetarian-friendly options.
• Twin City Grill – A local favorite offering comfort food classics and cozy booth seating.

Mall of America Bars & Lounges

• Cedar + Stone, Urban Table – Stylish bar inside the JW Marriott with craft cocktails.
• Cowboy Jack’s Saloon – Casual drinks and a lively atmosphere, just steps from the gaming action.
• Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar – Trendy cocktails, sushi, and rooftop patio dining.

Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Reserve in advance: Weekends can fill quickly, so online booking is best.
• Dress for movement: Comfortable clothes and sneakers are a must.
• Bring water: Games get surprisingly active—you’ll want to stay hydrated.
• Use the wristbands for lockers: Your RFID wristband also works to secure a locker so you can safely store away phones, bags, and valuables while you play.
• Go with a group: The team-based games are even better with friends or family.
• Plan for 1–2 hours: Long enough to try everything and still have energy left for dinner.

FAQs: What You Should Know

How much does it cost? Pricing depends on the pass, but the all-you-can-play option is the best value.

Do I need to be athletic? Not at all! Games are made for all fitness levels, blending mental challenges with fun movement.

Is it kid-friendly? Yes, most games work well for ages 10 and up, though younger kids may find some games difficult.

What size groups work best? Rooms are ideal for 2–5 players, but larger groups can split into teams and rotate.

Can I just walk in? Walk-ins are welcome if space is open, but booking in advance is strongly recommended.

What is an RFID wristband?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. At Activate, your RFID wristband is used to activate games, register you as a player, and track your scores. It also works as a digital key for lockers, so you can safely store away valuables while you play.

Why Should You Visit Activate?

Activate isn’t just an indoor activity—it’s a unique entertainment experience in Minnesota that blends games, fitness, and fun. Whether you’re sneaking through lasers, swishing neon hoops, or solving glowing puzzles, each room pulls you deeper into the action. With locations in both Roseville and Mall of America, Activate makes it easy for families, couples, and groups to mix play, exercise, and adventure—all in one unforgettable outing.

Share Your Experience

Did you check out this experience or try one of these local favorites?
I’d love to hear what you thought! Leave a comment or review below to share your experience—it helps other readers discover the best of Minnesota too.

Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @minnecravings if you post photos from your visit! Whether it’s a delicious restaurant, a scenic getaway, or a fun local activity. You can also follow along on Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook for more Minnesota finds, travel tips, and foodie cravings.