4If you ask my eight- and six-year-old boys Teddie and Gilby to name their number one fun day out, the resounding response is “Timezone!” This school holidays their dreams came true with a chance to review this fun family entertainment arcade in Singapore. My teen daughter Willa and husband came along to try out some of the newest VR games, attractions and simulated racing games. Here’s what we thought of the experience.
Well known and loved family entertainment brand
My husband and I have fond memories of playing at Timezone as kids growing up in Australia (Pac-Man anyone?!). Around for over 40 years, it has built a solid reputation as a premier social and family entertainment destination. Fun fact: today Timezone has 280 venues across Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam! My kids have enjoyed parties at the VivoCity arcade in Singapore, but we all hadn’t yet been to the Timezone Orchard Xchange flagship venue. We decided that now was the time.
Easily accessible
With 13 venues island-wide and two new venues coming in June 2024, Timezone is easy to reach no matter where you live in Singapore. Timezone Orchard Xchange is a breeze to get to, and we parked in the ION carpark. And it’s well placed for grabbing a bite to eat before or afterwards – we went for family fave Shake Shack!
A wide variety of games for all ages
On arrival, I was struck by the sheer size of the space, spanning 22,000 square feet with over 160 games and attractions. Think classic arcade games, VR games, mini-bowling, bumper cars and more. There was something to appeal to everyone from my little boys, to my teenage girl and us (young-at-heart) adults. It’s hard to find a family activity that can make everyone in my crew smile, but Timezone ticked all of the boxes!
Games we tried and tested at Timezone
To make the most of our morning at this arcade in Singapore, I did my research in advance. I wanted to cover off a variety of simulated racing games, VR games, and other arcade games and attractions.
#1 Sailor’s Quest VR game
First up we headed to the new Sailor’s Quest VR game. The headsets were super easy to fit, even on Gilby who is quite petite. Strapped in with seatbelts, we stood back and watched on as the machinery moved the boys around in response to obstacles on their screens. It was very engaging even as a spectator, and the smiles said it all. “I felt like I was actually there in the action, so awesome. I give it 5 out of 5 stars,” said Teddie.
#2 Bowling Highway 66
Next, we moved on to Bowling Highway 66. This was a mini-bowling alley, equipped with retractable rails for the novice bowlers amongst us – not naming any names! The whole family joined in, and it lasted for a long time which was another bonus. Nothing like some good healthy competition to get the heart pumping. “My favourite part was getting a strike on the last go, beating my mum by a few points,” said Willa. This was my least favourite part, of course – but I was glad to see her beaming with happiness!
#3 The Bumper Spin Car
The Bumper Spin Car ride was very alluring and inevitable at this point. It was a nice surprise to see such a large old-school fairground ride indoors! This came in as the most expensive game of the day at $10, but the long ride time and shrieks of joy were worth it. “I loved spinning around the floor and crashing into my little brother,” said Teddie.
#4 Asphalt 9DX and the HyperCross simulated racing games
We split the crew and tried the Asphalt 9DX and the HyperCross motorcycle racing games. These interactive games allowed us to race head-to-head, doing tricks and stunts, moving the vehicle around as we sped to the finish line. Gilby emerged triumphant – must be all those hours of Nintendo practice at home! “I beat Willa, and she’s almost 13, so I’m going to be a racing driver one day,” said Gilby.
#5 Elevator Invasion
The boys then went as a team on new shooting game Elevator Invasion – high octane entertainment at its best. “We worked together and nailed the enemy,” said Teddie.
#6 Other arcade games
No trip to Timezone would be complete without a family game of life-sized Hungry Hippos and trying our luck on a few of the thrilling coin drop machines and the claw. E-Tickets accumulated, we had enough to redeem a few sweets in the prize shop on the way out!
Timezone is also the ultimate all-inclusive party venue
After hosting costly and high-prep-and-clean-up parties at home, I’m now a convert to outsourcing to Timezone. The beauty of the party package is that there’s a dedicated party host, 80 minutes of unlimited playtime and pre-loaded e-tickets for guests to redeem prizes at the end of the party. For $550 for 10 guests for an unforgettable party, that sounds like a deal to me. Sign me up!
Special offer:
Expat Living readers receive free $15 Timezone game credits with $25 game credits purchased. Plus for the Timezone party package, the Birthday Child will celebrate for free ($55 off). Read full terms and conditions here.
Like this review of a Timezone family entertainment arcade in Singapore? Read more on fun things to do in Singapore here!
Purchase the latest issue or subscribe to Expat Living so you never miss a copy!
