Game On: Detroit's Can't-Miss VR and Gaming Destinations

Story by Lindsay Whitman Drewes

Looking for high-tech fun in Detroit? From VR zombie battles and virtual racing to interactive shooting ranges, the city offers cutting-edge attractions perfect for families, friends, and anyone ready for a futuristic adventure.

If you're into high-tech fun and love sharing new experiences with friends and family, Detroit is the place to be. From battling zombies to racing in virtual worlds or testing your aim at a virtual shooting range, the city is packed with futuristic, family-friendly adventures. Whether you're looking to play or even learn something new, Detroit's cutting-edge tech scene is full of exciting ways to explore, connect, and have fun.

Anvio VR

1030 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226

Anvio Virtual Reality Club is an incredible way to jump into a virtual world with your friends. You can go into the arena, which is over a thousand square feet, and move around freely. You're not stopped by wires! The full-body, immersive experience allows you to free-roam in VR. You can battle aliens and zombies, solve puzzles, and pick from over 25 games. You have to check out the videos online—it's hilarious to see people having such a blast!

The Tailgate Garage

43335 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188

The Tailgate Garage is a Wayne County favorite for virtual reality lovers who want to get together with friends and have a completely fun and unique experience. They have not just virtual reality but also a virtual gun range. There's axe throwing with different games projected onto the target, a golf simulator, and bubble soccer—where you get into a giant bubble and bounce around while playing with a huge soccer ball. They also have archery tag, a new type of dodgeball where you're actually shooting safe foam-tipped arrows. You'll find three different virtual reality gaming setups, a ropes course, cornhole, football bowling, and a classic arcade. Plus, there's a restaurant and bar with options like flatbreads, sandwiches, pizza, and appetizers. There are so many things to do that it's perfect for any group wanting to jump into the virtual reality scene in a whole new way.

Activate Detroit

45330 Utica Park Blvd, Utica, MI 48315

Going to Activate is like jumping into a video game or entering a digital escape room. It combines tasks, problem-solving, gaming, and the physical world. You can choose your difficulty level, your room, and your game. You wear an electronic wristband that tracks your gameplay and achievements—and helps you climb the leaderboard. It's a great activity to do with a couple of friends. You choose your own adventure and then take part in 1- to 3-minute games with varying difficulty levels. There's the Grid, Hoops, MegaLaser, MegaGrid—so many ways to mix it up and have fun. It's a unique experience that fans of video games, virtual reality, and escape rooms will love.

VR Life Arcade

Oakland Pointe Plaza, 320 N Telegraph, Pontiac, MI 48341

VR Life Arcade is a really neat, unique, and innovative way to pair virtual reality with STEM learning. This place is unlike any other in the area. It offers K–12 VR STEM enrichment, VR math tutoring, and VR career training. You can go with a group, join a day camp, or visit on a field trip. The career and technical training courses give hands-on experience in virtual reality for fields like carpentry, welding, healthcare, and life sciences. It's a really cool way to learn a new skill, get help with school, and do it all in a cutting-edge environment.

Nu Era Gaming Den

41019 East Huron River Drive, Belleville, Michigan 48111

New Era Gaming Den is a great place for gaming in large groups. The den has a gaming room that can fit up to 30 gamers. They host tournaments, corporate events, fundraisers, and gaming parties. There are plenty of screens and video game systems available for the event. The room is dark with neon lighting, making it a fun place to get together with a bunch of other game enthusiasts.

Legoland Discovery Center

4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Legoland Discovery Center at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is a great way for families to explore virtual realities. Gaming is combined with a physical ride on Kingdom Quest. There's also the Great LEGO Race VR Experience, where you get to race in virtual reality in your own LEGO car. The 4D Theater lets you watch a fun LEGO movie made specifically for the Discovery Center, complete with effects like wind, rain, and snow. These are all great family-friendly experiences. Just note that adults without children aren't allowed—it's only for adults accompanying kids. While you're there, be sure to check out mini-Detroit, a LEGO replica of Detroit's most iconic buildings and neighborhoods.

Gamer Eats

When you're exploring virtual worlds in Detroit, don't forget to stop and grab some real-life eats. Try Pie-Sci Pizza or 1Up Arcade Bar. You might also love Offworld Arcade, Troy Escape, or Barcade. Check out this list of classic arcades around Detroit. Detroit has so much to offer in the world of new tech, virtual reality, and classic gaming.

Credit: Nick Duke

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