Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center {Gurnee, IL} Review

We have been to Gurnee Mills numerous times and somehow we have totally missed that they have an amazing Ice Arena and Entertainment facility there!  Yes right in the mall there is Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center!  It is a 60,000 square foot facility that features mini-golf, ice skating, laser tag and an arcade!  You can enter from both inside and outside of the mall.

Some specs:

• NHL sized ice arena
• 1200 square foot laser tag arena
• 18 holes of White Shark Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
• Hundreds of video and arcade games with a ticket (prize) redemption center
• Learn to skate and play hockey with their professionally trained instructors and classes
• Restaurant featuring home made pizza, burgers, hot dogs and other snacks
• You can host birthday parties, field trips, group outings and corporate events here
• Open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day

My family got there right when they opened and we had a blast.  Even though it was a Saturday it wasn’t too crowded, probably because it is so big you don’t feel crowded.

We first tackled Glow in the Dark Mini golf, which my boys (4 and 5) had never done and they discovered they loved, especially because it was glow in the dark!  The course was easy but challenging enough for my kids and took about 20 minutes for us.

Next up was Laser Tag.  Neither myself nor my boys had ever played laser tag before and this was probably my favorite.  We were suited up with vests and guns and had 15 minutes to go out there.  Now I don’t know what a laser tag course should look like, but this one was dark with obstacles we could hide behind so we don’t get shot.  It was super easy to shoot and so much fun watching the vests light up when you shoot someone.  The course was the perfect size for the five of us.

Now we were ready for Open Skate.  You do need to check the schedule as there are classes but we timed it so we had open skate availability.  My boys are just starting ice hockey lessons and any ice time they can get is fun for them.  The ice rink was big and fun to zip around, especially when you realize you are in a mall!

Finally, we were done and ready for a few arcade games and lunch.  The pizza was actually pretty good and huge!

Overall, we had a blast and now when I drag my family to Gurnee Mills for shopping I can entice them with a game of mini-golf and laser tag!  The prices are reasonable and it is a nice break from shopping or sitting around.  Hey you could also drop your husband and kids off there and walk the mall in peace (okay well that’s my dream.)  We will definitely head back to Rink Side, even though its an hour away.

VISIT:  Look for Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center in Gurnee Mills Mall (Gurnee, IL), parking lot entrances H & J

Mom and More Disclosure: I received passes for the mini golf, ice skating and laser tag as well as pizza and drinks for my family in exchange for sharing my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.