Elev8 Fun and Dart’em Up
From Elev8-ing the Game to Foam-Fueled Mayhem
by Barry Zelickson
From a massive, two-story former Sears-turned-entertainment-epicenter in Florida to a foam-blasting battlefield born in a Texas backyard, Elev8 Fun and Dart’em Up couldn’t look more different, yet they share a mission that unites them: reimagining play for every generation. While Elev8 Fun dazzles with scale, tech and a full-spectrum experience blending go-karts, VR and craft cuisine, Dart’em Up thrives on simplicity done right, building community and adrenaline with foam darts, glowing dodgeball and heartfelt fun. One is a polished powerhouse; the other, a passion-driven playground, but both prove that when you put creativity first, the result is unforgettable.
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Elev8 Fun – Sanford, FL
Just a short drive from Orlando, in the city of Sanford, lies a 125,000-square-foot powerhouse of entertainment: Elev8 Fun, the AAMA’s 2024 Family Entertainment Center of the Year. Housed in a former two-story Sears department store, this flagship facility has been transformed into a vibrant playground for all ages – and it’s easy to see why it earned top honors from the industry.
Elev8 Fun is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Nate’s tour began with Keith Baldwin, a passionate ambassador for the facility, who walked us through an experience that felt like stepping inside a living, breathing amusement ecosystem.
First up was the Sky Trail ropes course, combined with Clip ‘n Climb, an untimed, harnessed aerial adventure and rock-climbing zone perched above a glowing mini-golf course. “We originally left this space open for parties,” Keith explained. “But mini-golf added more fun – and it’s multigenerational. Grandma, Johnny and Susie can all play together.” With UV lighting and climbers overhead, it’s an immersive twist on a classic.
Walking through the space, both Nate and I noticed eclectic touches, like Viking statues, which Keith attributed to the owner’s unique design sensibilities. Nothing about Elev8 Fun feels like an afterthought – every square inch had purpose, personality and polish.
Among the standout features is Lucky Putt, a tech-enabled mini-golf experience where your score tracks digitally via club and kiosk. No pencils or lost cards here! “It literally follows you hole-to-hole,” Keith said. It’s gamification done right, and a favorite for adults seeking a social, competitive vibe.
No visit would be complete without testing the multi-level indoor go-kart track, a high-octane thrill ride where karts reach speeds up to 45 mph. “We’re close to Daytona,” Keith said with a smile. “Go-karting is big here.” It felt like strapping into a Formula 1 simulator, and yes, Nate asked if he could drive one home.
All that action built up an appetite, and Elev8’s Craft Kitchen didn’t disappoint. The Philly cheesesteak was a standout, followed by indulgent desserts and a stop at one of the facility’s full-service bars, perfect for those 21+ nights out.
Then came the arcade. Sprawling and packed with fan favorites, it was buzzing with energy. But the real hidden gem? The Virtuix Omni Arena, a full-body VR experience. Armed with a headset, handheld gear and an omnidirectional treadmill, Nate briefly left Sandford, Fla., and became gunslinger in the wild west. After he was done Nate exclaimed “It’s a full-body workout, as he walked away sweating.
Elev8 is fun and an example of what modern FECs aspire to be: high-tech, multi-generational and deeply immersive. As Keith put it, “When guests leave here, we want them to say, ‘Wow, that was great. I’ll be back.’” And with everything from laser tag and cosmic bowling to team-building opportunities and community events, they will be.
Keith also emphasized the value of being part of AAMA: “It’s like-minded people creating memories. You don’t want to be on an island. Through AAMA, you can network, solve problems, and share best practices. It’s about lifting everyone up.”
That philosophy – of shared success, of rising tides – embodies what makes Elev8 Fun special. It’s not just about bigger attractions. It’s about creating experiences that keep people coming back and inspiring other operators to think bigger, bolder, and more creatively.
If you’re anywhere near Sanford, Fla., Elev8 your expectations. This FEC sets the bar sky high – and then climbs over it.
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Dart’em Up – Austin, TX
We’ve all been there – ducking behind the couch, Nerf blaster in hand, adrenaline pumping as we prepare to unleash a flurry of foam darts on unsuspecting siblings or babysitters. What if that moment never had to end? What if instead of running out of darts – or patience – you had an entire arena dedicated to keeping the action going? Welcome to Dart’em Up in Austin, Texas, where childhood nostalgia meets modern-day family fun.
At the helm of this foam-fueled phenomenon is Richard McVay, a former wireless communications and retail executive who swapped corporate life for something a whole lot more fun. Inspired by backyard Nerf battles with his son, McVay built Dart’em Up from the ground up – literally. “I wanted to create something different,” he said. “We did six months of research, wrote up a plan and just jumped.”
That leap resulted in a one-of-a-kind FEC anchored around indoor Nerf battles in two massive, ever-changing arenas. With over 700 blasters on hand and new game formats every few minutes – from Team Elimination and Medic to Capture the Flag – no two visits are the same. A live DJ/emcee keeps the energy high, calling games, pumping out music and lighting up the arena with dance-club effects. It’s foam warfare with flair. And yes, you can bring your own blasters.
The Dart’em Up experience isn’t just for the 6-12 age group it targets. McVay has hosted 75th birthday parties with whole families diving behind barriers together. “It’s all about creating memories,” he said. And to make sure those memories last, they offer action pro helmet rentals so players can take home their foam-fueled highlight reels.
One of the smartest features? Unlimited ammo. Instead of scouring the battlefield for missing darts, players grab from buckets scattered throughout the arena. And when it’s time to clean up? It’s turned into a game. “We call it the Dart Game – green team vs. orange team – and the one that picks up the most darts chooses the next game,” McVay said.
The fun doesn’t stop there. A full arcade, snack bar, glow-in-the-dark dodgeball nights and special events round out the experience, making Dart’em Up a full-fledged destination for birthday parties, team building and all-out family fun.
More than just a business, Dart’em Up is a passion project that radiates care and creativity. “We’re building something where everyone feels like family when they walk in the door,” McVay said. From childhood fantasy to full-throttle foam adventure, Dart’em Up proves that the simplest ideas, executed with passion and precision, can create the most unforgettable experiences.
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How They Compare and Why You Should Visit Both
Each venue is unforgettable – but cater to very different vibes:
Big Stone Miniature Golf is artistic, serene, and perfect for nature lovers and creative spirits.
Putt Nation is energetic, tech-forward and ideal for group outings, date nights and partygoers.
From whimsical sculpture gardens to high-energy game zones, these two mini-golf stops show just how versatile the game can be. So whether you’re strolling through sculpture gardens in Minnesota or spinning the challenge wheel in Georgia, one thing’s for sure: mini-golf isn’t just a game anymore – it’s an adventure.
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A heartfelt thank-you to our amazing sponsors: American Specialty Insurance, Amusement Entertainment Management, Birthday University, Foundations Entertainment University, Rhode Island Novelty, Rides-4-U, Roller, Semnox and TrainerTainment. Their continued support helps make Fun Across America 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.