Nonvirtual Playground for Kids (and Adults) to Open on Las Vegas Strip

Fun is still a thing possible to have in the real world, not just the virtual one. That’s one of the messages of Play Playground.

When the new attraction — made of actual physical materials and accessible only by an old-school slide — opens early next year in 14,000 square feet of the Luxor Hotel and Casino, it will have the distinction of being the first analog playground ever to appear on the Las Vegas Strip.

“There’s no need for VR when the real thing looks this fun,” reads the promotional material from Play Social, the Pelham, New York-based corporation opening the attraction that it calls a “multi-dimensional, dynamic world that stimulates all the senses and facilitates social interaction through bespoke social games.”

Another message is that fun is not the exclusive province of children. In addition to its revivalism, Play Playground will be unique — at least on the Strip — for inviting adults along for the rides.

Its 17 games and attractions are open to “kids of all ages” by day, but only to the 21-and-over set at night, promising to transport them “back to the carefree joy of childhood” along with some encouragement from two bars full of “theatrical cocktails and endless cheering.”

Childishness Encouraged

For these and other reasons, Play Playground reflects a strong influence from the popular and slightly hallucinatory entertainment and arts district that opened in a series of warehouses off the Strip in 2020.

AREA15 is also accessible to all ages by day, but only to adults at night.

“As we grow up, we have forgotten the importance of play — of laughing together, high-fiving, and the excitement of winning with your team,” Jennifer Worthington, Play Social’s cofounder COO, said in a news release. “We want people to put their phones down, grab a drink, jump into the games and play to the top of the leaderboards.”

There are some electronic components, since its creators say Play Playground is also a gamified experience offering “the excitement of working up the leaderboard with friends both old and new.”

Play Playground will feature VIP mezzanines and private event spaces that can be customized for corporate buyouts, special events, conventioneers, and birthday and other parties.

For more information, visit: www.playplayground.com.