Free-roam Virtual Reality: Enter a new dimension of VR experiences at this new venue in Leeds – fun for all ages

The Park Playground is a virtual reality experience which began in Belgium in 2018. It has 12 venues across Europe but the new Leeds attraction, at Kirkstall Road, is its first in the UK.

What makes them stand out from the crowd is these are free-roam experiences – meaning players move around a huge 9m by 9m field with wireless headsets.

With experiences exclusively designed for Park Playground by the Belgium creators users also get unique experiences they will not have seen elsewhere.

The big open space means lots of room for movement, whether you’re trying to kill off your opponents in a challenge of armed wits, or working with your team to crack a puzzle.

The whole experience is designed with fun in mind for all levels of skill and experience –whether that’s three generations of the same family or a corporate team-building event, a hen night or a kids’ birthday party.

Find out more by visiting their website. We asked Park Playground to answer some frequently asked questions and here’s what they said.

Do you need experience?

No, you could be a complete beginner, or a seasoned VR expert. All players will get an introduction and time to practice before they begin the game for real.

What’s The Plank?

This is the ice-breaker for anyone coming to have a go and the chance to get used to the VR headsets and see how everything feels. You’ll be invited to put on your headset and will walk into a virtual lift which takes you high up to the top of a skyscraper – where you’ll both see and feel the ‘plank’ beneath your feet as you step out – but will you dare to look down?

How many can play?

The average group is between four and six people, but if there are more they will be split into two groups as the venue has two different playing fields. And it can cater for larger groups of up to 100, if you fancy gaming with friends or colleagues.

Do you crash into each other?

No, don’t worry. You can see the other people in your game clearly – even reach out and touch them and you’ll see your arm – albeit a computer generated version of your arm – reach out too.

Are the games violent?

There is a wide range of experiences, some of which have a recommendation for over 12s if they are a little scarier. But some, like The Mask of the Pharaoh are specifically for 7-12-year-olds. This one is set in ancient Egypt and is am exciting puzzle.

What can I expect to play?

All experiences are team-focussed so you are working with others. You might fancy a shoot-out type experience with guns and crossbows – such as The Hallow, a zombie-hunting game set in the 19th Century. Then there’s the escape-room style games – think Crystal Maze – where you and your team-mates work together to crack puzzles before you can move on. The Snitch is similar to the popular The Traitors show, where one of the group will be secretly told they are The Snitch and whilst you all work together The Snitch will be trying to sabotage your efforts – but will you work out who they are?

Who is The Park Playground suitable for?

Couples, groups, families, friends, corporate events, it’s great for any occasion and there’s even a boardroom for hire, so you could hold a business meeting and follow up with a bit of team building in the VR zone.

Is there a bar or food?

Absolutely! There are plenty of snacks and crisps available, but more extensive catering can be arranged for bigger groups if pre-booked. There’s a fully-licenced bar and catering so you can get a drink and a meal. You’re welcome to meet friends before your session and stay on afterwards in the bar area – and enjoy watching other VR competitors get lost in their experience!

Find out more

The venue opened in mid-December, and is already proving a hit with people in Leeds who are looking for something extra on a night out. It’s open every day, from 10am to 10pm. It’s a short bus ride from the city centre, and there’s some free parking at the venue.

One of its points of difference is that each session lasts a full hour with The Plank, and intro game before the game starts in earnest – so there’s plenty of chance to find your virtual feet.

Check the website to read more about the different experiences, find out about any special offers, and to make a booking.