Two Paths to Play
Lessons from KTR and Alley Cats
by Barry Zelickson
This month, we’re heading to two very different but equally compelling facilities: KTR in Chandler, Arizona, and Alley Cats in Burleson, Texas. One is built around motion, progression and high-energy activity; the other is a refined, full-scale FEC that’s earned its reputation over time. Both offer clear lessons for operators looking to sharpen their own approach.
KTR – Chandler, Arizona
KTR calls itself an indoor action playground, and from the moment you walk in, that description holds up. The space is built for movement. Skateboards rolling through the park, kids flipping on trampolines, athletes working through tumbling passes … it all happens at once, and it works.
As Fun Across America host Nate Reinhart put it early in our visit, “This is the place to go if you want to be active. Skateboarding, tumbling, jumping, parkour … all of it. This is the place to be.”
The facility centers around a few key elements: a large indoor skate park, a parkour and tumbling floor, trampolines, and a dedicated toddler zone. As the venue’s Lauren Hare explained, “We have a skate park, the largest indoor skate park in Arizona, and then our parkour area, tumbling track and a toddler zone for younger kids.” It is a focused mix, but it reaches a wide audience.
What makes KTR stand out is how approachable it is. You don’t need to show up with gear or experience. Guests can rent skateboards or scooters, and helmets are required. Nate summed it up well: “I don’t have my own skateboard, but you don’t need your own to have fun here.”
That accessibility feeds into something even more important: progression. There is a clear path from beginner to advanced, and you can see it happening in real time. We met Travis, who has been skating for seven years. When Nate asked about the learning curve, his answer was honest: “too many” falls to count. But he also added, “none yet” when it comes to broken bones. That combination of challenge and safety is part of what keeps people coming back.
The crossover between disciplines adds another layer. On one side, you have skaters pushing new tricks. On the other, competitive tumblers who have been training for over a decade. Nate joked about staying in his lane after a few scooter runs: “That already felt above my pay grade. I’m just going to stay on the ground and let you guys do your thing.” That light moment highlights how the space supports both beginners and serious athletes at the same time.
KTR also makes smart use of its space beyond daily traffic. Group events, school bookings and private rentals create additional revenue streams. Lauren shared that they have hosted everything from school groups to post-prom events where “they actually rented out the facility after close.” That flexibility adds real value.’
At its core, KTR stands out because it knows exactly what it is. It is not trying to be everything. It’s built around action, repetition and improvement, and it delivers on that promise. Now, if you were wondering what KTR stands for – it’s Kids That Rip. After our visit, I can assure you that they do!
Alley Cats — Burleson, Texas
Alley Cats takes a different approach, but the clarity is just as strong. This is a full-scale family entertainment center that combines indoor and outdoor attractions with a high level of operational consistency.
Walking in, Nate’s first reaction said a lot: “This place is amazing.” And as we spent more time there, it became clear why.
The business has deep roots, starting as a Putt-Putt in the 1970s before evolving into the Alley Cats brand in 2007. Today, it offers bowling, arcade, laser tag, food and beverage and a full outdoor lineup including mini golf, go-karts, batting cages and pickleball.
Alley Cats’ Josh Hamilton described their approach simply: “We pride ourselves on being your one stop for indoor and outdoor fun.” That positioning is not unique on its own, but the execution is what sets them apart.
One of the first things Nate pointed out was the attention to detail. “It feels like you opened last week,” he said, noting how clean and well-maintained everything is. That impression is not accidental. As Josh explained, “Trash is everyone’s problem.” It is a small operational philosophy, but it shows up everywhere.
Design is another differentiator. The space carries a consistent retro-inspired look that gives it personality without overwhelming the guest. Nate described it as having a “Jetsons kind of feel,” which is a good way to think about it. It’s modern, but with character.
Alley Cats also stands out by how they adapt to changing guest behavior. Their bar program includes both cocktails and a strong mocktail lineup. Josh explained the thinking: “If you know anything about the trends in drinking behavior – it’s going down – so we wanted to focus in on mocktails too.” It is a practical adjustment that broadens appeal without overcomplicating operations.
The arcade and redemption area are another point of strength. The team puts real emphasis on prize variety and presentation, which reinforces the overall experience. It is not just about playing games, it’s about what happens after.
Beyond the physical space, what really comes through is the culture. Their connection to AAMA and the broader FEC community plays a meaningful role in how they operate, Josh explained, describing it as collaborative rather than competitive. “Everybody wants everyone to succeed,” he said. That mindset shows up in how they share ideas and continue to improve.
Winning the 2025 AAMA FEC of the Year award reflects that collective effort – it’s not just the recognition, it’s what it represents. As Josh put it, “Everyone felt this sense of pride and joy … it just made it super special.”
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While KTR and Alley Cats are very different on the surface, they share something important. Both are clear about who they are and who they serve.
KTR stands out for its focus on movement, progression and creating an environment where guests can improve over time. Alley Cats stands out for its consistency, attention to detail and ability to deliver a complete experience across multiple attractions.
Nate summed up the broader takeaway in a simple way during the trip. After trying a few activities well outside his comfort zone, he laughed and said, “There’s something for everyone. You just have to find your lane.”
For operators, that might be the real lesson. Define your lane, execute it well and give guests a reason to come back.
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We always like to close our latest Fun Across America report with a shout out to our wonderful partners: Rhode Island Novelty, Roller, Semnox and Do The Beach. Please check out these great companies as they will have a solution for what you need and, without them, our visits wouldn’t be possible.
Barry Zelickson, is the co-creator of Fun Across America, a YouTube channel travelogue show. Zelickson has worked in the entertainment field for almost 30 years and has been awarded several IAAPA Brass Ring awards including one of the association’s highest honors, Family Entertainment Center of the World. His other projects include commercials, infomercials, feature films, documentaries, live events and entertainment centers.
Nate Reinhart, host and co-creator of Fun Across America, is a content creator for NalterDeeds and NalterCards on YouTube and content consultant for creators and businesses alike. After a shoutout from MrBeast, Nate has accumulated over 250,000 subscribers on his YouTube channels.