iPlay America offers classic boardwalk action miles from the beach

By:  | May 26, 2024 |  Entertainment |  Monmouth County

By Lauren Lavelle

If not for the large sign placed strategically in the grass alongside Route 9 in Freehold, an average resident traveling down the busy highway may miss iPlay America, the indoor amusement park that sits in a large shopping center on Schanck Road. A quick swing into the parking lot reveals cars, and lots of them, especially if you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday. While most bear the typical New Jersey license plate, many also show they trekked from New York and Pennsylvania. 

“We obviously get a very local, loyal community that comes all the time, but we do reach pretty far out,” said Samantha Roszkowski, iPlay America’s chief operating officer. “It's not crazy for our parking lot to be filled with New York license plates on the weekends.” 

From the outside, iPlay America looks like a building in your average shopping center. Its signage hangs above a row of glass doors that don’t give much of a sneak peak into what lays beyond the tan-colored exterior. 

“What you’re looking at from the outside to what you’re looking at when you walk through the doors are two totally different experiences,” Roszkowski said. “You don’t understand what it is unless you’ve been through the doors.”

Those entering the space are soon welcomed to a sprawling, 150,000 square foot amusement park oasis that feels like a slice of the Jersey Shore has been transported to Freehold. An indoor boardwalk lines the floor of the space, with classic boardwalk games like Balloon Darts and Hot Shot Basketball sitting prominently on the boards, waiting for visitors to give them a try. 

A full arcade - complete with crane games, video games and prizes is also a staple in the sizable entertainment space. But that’s not all. iPlay America also has a wide array of amusement park rides, from a mini ferris wheel to its very own indoor rollercoaster, the Freedom Rider. 

“We really have something for everyone and I don’t think that that's what a lot of other places can offer,” Roszkowski said. 

iPlay America’s Director of Operations, Chris Carle, echoed Roszkowski’s thoughts.

“We have something for everyone,” he said. “We’re an indoor boardwalk so you can get that summertime fix all year long between the rides, the boardwalk games, the arcade, fried Oreos and even more that you can’t find at the boardwalks.”

Upon arriving, visitors are given a few options to play. They can choose the unlimited iRide Band which includes unlimited rides all day for $39.99, or they can play as they go by purchasing a game card and loading it with credits that can be used to ride the rides or play arcade games. 

“We [also] have our summer season pass which is $79.99,” Roszkowski said. “It’s unlimited rides all summer long and it's valid for five months, which is nearly half the year.”

And with the park remaining at a regulated temperature, it's the ideal spot to spend those hot summer days. “It's the perfect place to beat the heat or a rainy day,” Carle said. “It's always a beautiful 70 degrees inside.”

Since its founding in 2011, Roszkowski says that the main vision for iPlay has remained the same: it is a place for families to come together and play. 

“We’ve updated our offerings, we have new attractions, new arcade games and we’re always changing with the times, but our core vision is still the same no matter what. It's about bringing these families together,” she said. “We’re not just selling a product, we’re providing an experience.”

And while one may mostly see families taking turns spinning in the Dizzy Dragons or hopping on line at Sonny’s, (iPlay America’s best spot to get classic boardwalk treats), Roszkowski says there are activities for all ages at the indoor park.

“Everyone can enjoy it,” she said. “We’re very family-oriented, but we also have a lot of adults that like to come and hang out.”

Some attractions for the older crowd include two-level laser tag in iPlay America’s state-of-the-art laser tag arena; an IPA Speedway for go-kart fun; the new multi-sensory 4D interactive attraction, XD Dark Ride; and the Top Golf Swing Suite for those looking to take a break from the boardwalk and visit the virtual green. Specifically, Carle says, laser tag and go-karts have been fan favorites for years. 

“Laser tag and go-karts have been in place since the beginning and are still some of our top favorite attractions,” he said. 

And for those looking for a bite to eat between arcade games, iPlay America has plenty of options for every visitor which, according to Roszkowski, is a fairly new offering.

“Our food and beverage operation has grown from being a more grab-and-go concession style to really elevated dining options,” she said. “It's something so unique that you won’t find in an amusement park anywhere else.”

Dining options include a boardwalk pizza shop, a full-service bar and grill and iPlay America’s newest spot for decadent bites and casual cocktails, The Loaded Spoon. 

iPlay America also offers several birthday packages that put the birthday girl or boy at center stage. “We have [birthday] packages that are designed for all ages,” Roszkowski said. “We have packages for the little ones and we’ve got you covered for your older kids who may not want to do the things that little kids do.” Packages can include everything from laser tag games with friends, to unlimited rides, to time in the Ballocity structure, a three-story interactive play-place with obstacles, climbing tubes and bridges. 

“The birthday child is a VIP and the best part, I think, is for mom and dad,” Roszkowski said. “We handle everything so it's a nice option to come here to have your birthday party because we’re going to handle everything from start to finish and [parents] just get to hang out and watch their kids have the best day ever.”

Overall, both Roszkowksi and Carle agree, iPlay America is the perfect way to spend a day with family and friends when you’re craving that Jersey Shore boardwalk feel but want to stay a bit closer to home. 

“We’re passionate about bringing people together to make memories and with a variety of rides, attractions and games,” Carle said. “The whole family can get in on the fun.” Roszkowski added, “You can come with the whole family, everyone can have a good time, we’re local and we are passionate about positive guest experiences. We love being part of this community and I feel like we’re a great place to hang out and have fun.”