There is no AR or VR at Play Playground; instead, players must rely on their agility, reflexes, and most importantly, each other to climb the leaderboards at each of their large-scale tactile games.
With over 20 larger-than-life games and attractions, two full-service bars, leaderboards, prizes, and surprises at every turn, Play Playground has rapidly become one of the hottest social spots on the Las Vegas Strip. Some games evoke childhood memories, like life-sized Operation, a synchronized movement game, and giant word game. Others encourage adults to break free from their routines and have fun, featuring a giant Velcro wall, a TV game show style obstacle course balance beam, a two-story slide, a bounce house, and more.
The inspiration behind Play Playground was simple yet profound: to reintroduce the concept of ”play” into the bustling lives of adults. Studies have shown that adults are lonelier than ever. The amount of time we spend both with our devices and on our devices, combined with the impact of the pandemic have resulted in a feeling of loneliness and disconnect. There is a nationwide need for spaces like Play Playground, designed to create meaningful social connections.
Before the days of the internet, bars were the ideal place where adults gathered to meet friends, both old and new. Today people need a little extra push to step out from behind a screen and make those face-to-face connections. To address this global issue, Worthington and her team did extensive research into the human psyche, meticulously plotting every element of Play Playground to engage people and draw them out of their shells and away from their devices.
The team at Play Social Inc. embarked on a mission to create a space where adults could unwind and forge new friendships. Naturally, they chose to recreate the nostalgic ambiance of a playground—an environment where making friends came effortlessly in childhood. Central to this vision was lively social competition, designed to pull adults away from their screens and engage with those around them. For those needing a bit of ”liquid courage” to step out of their comfort zones, Play Playground offers just the right nudge.
Jennifer Worthington, co-founder of Play Social Inc., passionately believes that Play Playground fills a crucial gap in the current Vegas entertainment scene as well as the entertainment scene globally. ”Immersive entertainment venues are popping up across the world, and you can find a show on every corner in practically every city,” Worthington said. ”But no one is tapping into our fundamental need to connect. That’s what makes Play Playground unique. You’ll leave feeling closer to the friends you came with, and you’ll likely leave with a few new friends too.”
Partners
Bishop Design, an interior design firm helmed by hospitality designer, Paul Bishop
Interior design firm Bishop Design took on the challenge of capturing the worriless joy we knew as kids while creating an atmosphere that appealed to the 21+ crowd. The team steered clear of childish themes and leaned into larger-than-life elements, providing that sense of whimsy while still engaging adults. Play Playground’s design has some tongue-in-cheek mischief peppered in, to drive home the idea that this is a space to let loose and have fun. Bishop Design drew inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, featuring a myriad of rabbit holes, hidden doors, and secret passageways to be explored, and ensured the brand’s DNA permeates every aspect of Play Playground.
Upon entry, guests are struck by a 15,000-square-foot interactive amusement park adorned in a medley of saturated colors. With 20 life-size games and activations meticulously designed and crafted in-house, Bishop Design’s aim was to captivate guests bringing back nostalgic feelings from their youth while being fully immersed inside Las Vegas’ most playful bar. From a human crab-grab to the presence of the towering PlayPal mascot, every corner beckons exploration and discovery, immersing players in a world of wonder. Lighting plays a key part with visually dynamic features suspended throughout the venue, from neon wayfinding signs and animations to dramatic mood lighting and fluorescent walkways.