Boomers! Parks

Boomers! Parks is an American chain of family entertainment centers and water parks that provides a range of indoor and outdoor amusement activities designed for visitors of all ages, including go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, batting cages, laser tag, bumper boats, and SpinZone bumper cars.^[1] The company, which operates under brands such as Boomers and Big Kahuna's, emphasizes creating memorable family experiences through fun, safe, and diverse attractions while prioritizing environmental, social, and governance responsibilities.^[2] Founded in 2014 as a privately held entity focused on acquiring and revitalizing out-of-home entertainment venues, Boomers! Parks has grown to include six family entertainment centers and two water parks located in California, Florida, and New Jersey.^[3] Many of its locations originated as independent amusement facilities in the late 20th century before being integrated into the Boomers brand, allowing the company to build on established regional favorites.^[4] Key to its operations is a commitment to guest safety, cleanliness, and community engagement, with offerings that cater to birthdays, group outings, and casual visits.^[5]

History

Founding and Early Development

Boomers! Parks began as a family entertainment center with its inaugural location opening in 1994 in Boca Raton, Florida, marking the start of the brand in the United States.^[6][7][8] Positioned adjacent to the Boca Raton Airport and Interstate 95, the site quickly established itself as a go-to destination for local families seeking affordable, all-ages recreation.^[7] The early concept emphasized a blend of indoor and outdoor attractions to cater to diverse family interests, featuring arcade games alongside thrill rides like go-karts and miniature golf courses.^[9] This combination aimed to provide a complete entertainment experience under one roof, fostering repeat visits through varied activities suitable for children and adults alike. The park adopted the slogan "Where Family Fun Rules!" to encapsulate its commitment to wholesome, inclusive amusement.^[10] In its initial years, the Boca Raton location operated as a standalone venue, building a loyal customer base through community events and seasonal promotions that highlighted its accessible pricing and safe environment.^[4] By focusing on core family-oriented innovations, such as integrated play areas that encouraged group participation, the park laid the groundwork for the brand's expansion into a recognized chain prior to broader corporate integrations.^[3]

Expansion and Acquisitions

In 2001, Boomers! became the primary doing-business-as (DBA) brand for Palace Entertainment's family entertainment centers, following the company's formation in 1998 through the merger of several independent operators including Camelot Parks, Palace Park, Boomers!, Grand Prix Race-O-Rama, and Family Fun Center.^[11] This merger initially brought together 15 centers in California and Florida, laying the foundation for a unified chain focused on year-round indoor and outdoor attractions like go-karts, mini-golf, and arcades.^[11] The rebranding effort standardized offerings across sites to enhance brand recognition, transforming disparate local venues into a cohesive multi-state network.^[12] Key acquisitions accelerated growth, particularly the 2002 purchase of Malibu Entertainment, which added 10 family entertainment centers and expanded operations beyond California and Florida.^[11] Specific integrations included the rebranding of Palace Park in Irvine, California—opened in 1997 as a standalone go-kart and arcade venue—into Boomers! Irvine in 2001, with minimal disruptions to operations as attractions like bumper boats and batting cages were retained and promoted under the new banner.^[13] Similarly, Grand Prix Race-O-Rama in Dania Beach, Florida, originally established in 1972, was acquired as part of the initial 1998 merger and fully integrated into the Boomers! brand by 2001, incorporating its signature go-kart tracks and adding consistent arcade and mini-golf elements during the transition process.^[12] By 2014, Boomers! had grown to over 10 locations through targeted expansions, including entry into the Texas market via rebranded Malibu Grand Prix sites in San Antonio and the New York market with a Medford facility.^[14] These moves involved adapting local attractions to the Boomers! model, such as installing uniform laser tag and redemption arcade systems, to foster cross-regional appeal and operational efficiency.^[11] The original Boca Raton site, opened in 1994, exemplified this scalable approach as the prototype for standardized family-oriented experiences.^[15]

Ownership Transitions and Financial Challenges

In September 2014, Palace Entertainment sold 10 Boomers! locations, along with two Malibu Grand Prix facilities, two SpeedZone racetracks, and the Big Kahuna's water park, to the newly formed Apex Parks Group for an undisclosed amount.^[14] This transaction, which followed Palace's earlier expansion of the chain, allowed Apex—backed by private equity firms The Carlyle Group and Edgewater Funds—to acquire a portfolio of family entertainment centers with the goal of operational restructuring and growth.^[16] Apex, led by industry veterans including former Six Flags executive Al Weber, focused on enhancing management and efficiencies across the properties to address prior underperformance.^[17] The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted operations, prompting Apex Parks Group to temporarily close all 10 family entertainment centers and two water parks in compliance with federal, state, and local mandates starting in March 2020.^[18] On April 9, 2020, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, citing the prolonged closures and resulting revenue loss as key factors.^[19] As part of the proceedings, Apex entered into a stalking horse purchase agreement with its prepetition secured lenders, establishing a baseline bid to facilitate a court-supervised auction of its assets and ensure continuity for viable locations.^[18] The bankruptcy process resulted in the permanent closure of multiple Boomers! sites, including those in Fountain Valley and Upland, California, announced on June 8, 2020, due to insufficient funds to resume operations post-pandemic.^[20] Similarly, the Boomers! locations in Kearny Mesa (San Diego) and El Cajon, California, shuttered permanently the same month, contributing to broader operational downsizing.^[21] In June 2020, APX Operating Company, LLC, emerged as the successful bidder and completed the acquisition of eight surviving family entertainment centers from Apex's estate, retaining the Boomers! branding for most while appointing Tim Murphy, a veteran in the amusement industry, as CEO to oversee financial stabilization and restructuring efforts.^[22] Post-bankruptcy challenges persisted, with some closed sites facing demolition; for instance, the former Boomers! El Cajon property was cleared in 2022 to make way for potential redevelopment.^[23] Additionally, certain locations underwent rebranding reversals, reverting to pre-Boomers! names like San Diego Family Fun Center in an effort by original owners to revive operations independently.^[24] These transitions highlighted the chain's vulnerability to economic shocks and the need for adaptive management under new ownership to mitigate ongoing financial pressures.

Recent Developments and Rebranding

In the wake of the 2020 bankruptcy of Apex Parks Group, which led to the transfer of Boomers! Parks operations to APX Operating Company, LLC under Cerberus Capital Management, the chain underwent significant ownership shifts in 2025 to stabilize its remaining locations.^[22][25] On May 27, 2025, Herschend Family Entertainment completed its acquisition of Palace Entertainment's U.S. attractions from Parques Reunidos, incorporating the remaining Boomers! locations in Palm Springs and Vista, California, along with other family entertainment centers like Castle Park.^[26] This move briefly expanded Herschend's portfolio to include these Boomers sites, which had been part of Palace's holdings following earlier closures and restructurings.^[27] However, on July 31, 2025, Herschend sold these remaining Boomers locations—along with Raging Waters Los Angeles, Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe, and Castle Park—to Lucky Strike Entertainment Corporation, formerly Bowlero Corp., which had rebranded in December 2024 to reflect its broadening focus on diverse entertainment venues.^[28][29] The transaction, effective immediately for 2025 operations, integrated the Boomers sites into Lucky Strike's growing network of over 360 locations, emphasizing family entertainment centers (FECs) and water parks.^[30] Under Lucky Strike's ownership, Boomers! Parks has pursued rebranding initiatives centered on portfolio synergy, such as cross-promotions with other FECs and water parks including Raging Waters, exemplified by the introduction of a shared Summer Season Pass offering unlimited access to bowling, go-karts, and arcade games across properties.^[31] Current operations are managed through APX Operating Company, LLC as a subsidiary entity, with Lucky Strike providing overarching strategic direction and investment.^[32] This structure supports Lucky Strike's July 31, 2025, announcement of accelerated portfolio expansion, targeting enhanced guest experiences through integrated entertainment offerings.^[28] Looking ahead, Lucky Strike has outlined 2025 plans for Boomers! Parks that include attraction upgrades, such as state-of-the-art arcade enhancements rolled out in September 2025, and potential new site developments to capitalize on family-oriented growth opportunities.^[33][34] These initiatives, detailed in company press releases and investor updates, aim to position the parks for long-term stability and increased visitation amid the post-pandemic recovery in the entertainment sector.^[35]

Attractions and Activities

Outdoor Activities

Boomers! Parks offer a range of outdoor activities designed for family entertainment, featuring physical challenges and competitive fun in open-air settings. These attractions emphasize safety and accessibility, with height and age restrictions to ensure enjoyable experiences for participants of various skill levels. Common across locations, the outdoor offerings include go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, and batting cages, providing options for both casual play and higher-intensity thrills. Attractions vary by location; not all are available at every park.^[1] Go-karts at Boomers! Parks feature tracks that cater to different speed preferences, such as family-friendly circuits and high-speed speedway-style races. For instance, the Thunder Road track provides a family-oriented layout suitable for younger drivers. Safety features include sturdy kart construction, mandatory helmets, and strict height requirements—typically 58 inches to drive solo and 40 inches as a passenger. Typical sessions involve multiple laps.^[36] Miniature golf courses at Boomers! Parks consist of 18-hole layouts with themed obstacles that promote adventure and strategy. These courses incorporate lush landscapes, water features, trick shots, and challenging elements like ramps and tunnels to create an engaging, exploratory environment for all ages. Scoring follows standard miniature golf rules, where players track strokes per hole to determine the lowest total score, with tips emphasizing angle prediction for successful putts around obstacles. Free play is often available for children 4 and under when accompanied by an adult, making it an inclusive family activity.^[37][38] Bumper boats operate as water-based bumping games in dedicated ponds, allowing participants to navigate and collide playfully while spraying water via onboard cannons. These attractions include features like waterfalls for added excitement, with rules requiring riders to be at least 44 inches tall to drive and 40 inches to ride as a passenger, ensuring safe operation in the shallow water environment. Capacity is generally limited to two per boat (driver and passenger).^[39][40] Batting cages provide pitching machines with variable speeds to accommodate beginners and advanced players, including slow pitches at 36-40 mph, medium at 41-45 mph, and fast/expert at 65-70 mph for ages 16 and older. Equipment such as batting helmets and bats is provided on-site, though personal bats are permitted (no cleats allowed to protect the surface). Sessions are structured around token or credit systems, delivering a set number of pitches per round, allowing focused practice in a controlled outdoor space.^[41][42]

Indoor Attractions

The indoor attractions at Boomers! Parks provide climate-controlled entertainment options designed for families, emphasizing skill-based and interactive experiences that appeal across age groups. These facilities typically feature modern arcade setups, high-energy laser tag arenas, and gentle rides for younger visitors, ensuring accessibility regardless of weather conditions.^[1] Arcade
Boomers! Parks arcades serve as the central hub for indoor gaming, offering a diverse selection of video games including racing simulators and shooter titles that encourage competitive play. Visitors purchase arcade credits via reloadable play cards, which can be supercharged with bonus credits through attraction passes, allowing for extended sessions without tokens.^[43][44] High-score tracking via leaderboards fosters replayability, while redemption games award e-tickets that players exchange for prizes at on-site centers, such as toys and gadgets.^[33][45] Laser Tag
Laser tag at Boomers! Parks involves team-based gameplay in black-light illuminated arenas, where participants use light phasers to tag opponents while avoiding hits. Equipped with sensor vests and phasers, players engage in fast-paced matches emphasizing strategy and quick movements.^[46][47] These indoor battles are structured for groups, promoting teamwork in a safe, enclosed environment suitable for all ages above basic height requirements.^[48] Bumper Cars (Indoor Variants)
Indoor bumper cars, often branded as Spin Zone, feature electric-powered vehicles that enable spinning and bumping mechanics on a padded arena floor, delivering controlled chaos for thrill-seekers. Participants must meet a minimum height of 44 inches to operate independently, with maximum height limits and age guidelines enforced for safety, typically requiring adult supervision for younger riders.^[49][48] These attractions highlight family-friendly interaction without the exposure of outdoor variants.^[50]

Unique Features and Signature Experiences

Boomers! Parks sets itself apart with signature thrill rides like the Flamethrower, available exclusively at its Irvine and Modesto, California locations. This two-person tandem ride features twists, turns, and inversions designed for adrenaline enthusiasts, requiring riders to be between 52 and 76 inches tall with a maximum combined weight of 396 pounds to ensure safety. The experience emphasizes high-intensity outdoor thrills, limited to two ride cycles per session followed by rest periods, distinguishing it as a unique high-impact attraction within the chain.^[51][52] Special events form a core of the parks' branded experiences, particularly through customizable birthday party packages that cater to family celebrations. These include 1.5 hours of reserved table time with a party host, tableware, and a personalized sign, bundled with catering options like pizza and drinks, arcade credits, a Boomers T-shirt for the birthday child, and unlimited play passes for select attractions. Signature packages, such as the Full Throttle Party, emphasize hassle-free organization and nonstop engagement, making them a popular choice for creating memorable occasions.^[53][54][55] Seasonal holiday themes enhance these events, with offerings like Halloween promotions that incorporate laser tag variants and spooktacular activities, including giveaways of unlimited attraction passes to extend the festive fun. Corporate team-building programs further differentiate the parks by leveraging attractions for interactive group dynamics, providing customizable packages with access to go-karts, bumper boats, arcade games, and laser tag in private or semi-private spaces. These programs focus on fostering collaboration through competitive yet enjoyable outings, with dedicated group sales support for tailored experiences.^[56][57][58] Water park integrations at select sites, such as Boca Raton and Irvine, add playful elements through bumper boats in Splash Island zones equipped with water-spraying cannons and waterfalls for interactive splash battles, where drivers must be at least 44 inches tall and passengers 40 inches. Complementing these are Boomers Backyard cabanas with fire pits, offering reserved seating and cozy gathering spots for groups to relax post-activity, available for rental.^{[39][59][60][61]} The Unlimited Attractions Pass represents a key value-driven experience, granting all-day access to most rides including unlimited go-karts and mini golf, plus 20 arcade credits. Pricing varies by location and day, typically around $30–$40 as of 2025, with special sessions like After Dark available at reduced rates. This structure provides families with cost-effective, flexible entertainment by eliminating per-attraction fees and enabling comprehensive participation across indoor and outdoor offerings.^[62][44][63]

Locations

Operating Locations

As of November 2025, Boomers! Parks operates six family entertainment centers and two water parks located in California, Florida, and New Jersey, each offering a mix of go-karts, mini-golf, arcades, water slides, and other activities tailored to local themes and histories.

• Boca Raton, FL: Situated at 3100 Airport Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, this flagship location opened in 1998 as the original Boomers! site and features a comprehensive array of attractions, including indoor bumper cars and an on-site bar for adults. Owned and operated by Boomers Parks under Lucky Strike Entertainment, it serves as the brand's headquarters and primary East Coast hub.^[61]
• Irvine, CA: Found at 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, this park was formerly known as Palace Park before its rebranding to Boomers! and highlights thrill rides such as the Flamethrower, a high-speed go-kart track. Owned by Boomers Parks under Lucky Strike Entertainment, it emphasizes urban accessibility near major Orange County freeways.^[64]
• Livermore, CA: Located at 2400 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore, CA 94551, this site was rebranded from Camelot Park and focuses on standard outdoor activities like go-karts and batting cages amid the East Bay's open spaces. Owned by Boomers Parks under Lucky Strike Entertainment, it caters to families in the Tri-Valley region.^[65]
• Modesto, CA: At 4215 Bangs Avenue, Modesto, CA 95356, this former Camelot Park includes standout features like the Flamethrower ride alongside classic arcade and mini-golf options. Owned by Boomers Parks under Lucky Strike Entertainment, it provides Central Valley families with affordable, all-day entertainment.^[66]
• Santa Maria, CA: Addressed at 2250 North Preisker Lane, Santa Maria, CA 93458, this ex-Camelot Park venue prioritizes family-oriented setups with gentle rides and group event spaces suitable for the Central Coast community. Owned by Boomers Parks under Lucky Strike Entertainment, it promotes inclusive fun for younger visitors.^[67]
• Vista, CA: Located at 1525 West Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083, formerly the Vista Family Fun Center, this coastal-influenced site blends arcade games with ocean-view go-kart tracks for a relaxed North County vibe. Owned by Lucky Strike Entertainment, it supports local school groups and beachgoers.^[68]
• Palm Springs, CA: Situated at 67-700 East Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234, previously Camelot Park, this desert-adjacent park incorporates themed elements like sun-inspired mini-golf courses amid the Coachella Valley landscape. Owned by Lucky Strike Entertainment, it appeals to tourists seeking shaded outdoor play.^[69]
• Destin, FL (Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park): Located at 1007 US-98, Destin, FL 32541, this water park features over 40 water slides, lazy rivers, mini-golf, and adventure activities including a SkyCoaster. Operated under the Big Kahuna's brand by Boomers Parks under Lucky Strike Entertainment.^[70]
• West Berlin, NJ (Big Kahuna's Water Park): Situated at 535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091, formerly Sahara Sam's, this indoor/outdoor water park offers year-round attractions including slides, pools, and arcade games. Operated under the Big Kahuna's brand by Boomers Parks under Lucky Strike Entertainment.^[71]

Following acquisitions in 2024 and 2025, all Boomers! Parks locations fall under the ownership and operational oversight of Lucky Strike Entertainment (a subsidiary of Bowlero Corp.), ensuring standardized safety protocols and promotional integrations across sites; visitors can access location-specific websites and contact numbers for bookings and hours.

Former Locations

Boomers! Parks has experienced significant contraction over its history, with several locations closing due to financial difficulties, lease expirations, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many closures occurred in 2020 amid the bankruptcy of operator Apex Parks Group, which led to the permanent shutdown of multiple sites that were unable to reopen after temporary pandemic-related suspensions.^[72] The Anaheim, California, location operated as a Boomers! site until its closure in 2004, after which the property was demolished and redeveloped into warehouses. Similarly, the Escondido, California, park was sold in 2004 by Palace Entertainment and subsequently replaced by a CarMax dealership, with the original structures demolished to make way for the new retail development.^[73] In Bakersfield, California, the site originally known as Camelot Park was rebranded under the Boomers! name before reverting to Camelot Park following its 2004 closure; the facility later shuttered permanently around 2023 due to operational challenges, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since been renovated and reopened as MB2 Entertainment in 2024. The Fresno, California, location closed on September 4, 2017, after losing its lease, leaving the site vacant for several years until it was redeveloped into a Living Spaces furniture store that opened in February 2025.^[74][75] The Dania Beach, Florida, park, formerly operating as Grand Prix Race-O-Rama, shut down permanently on January 25, 2015, deemed unprofitable by Palace Entertainment, and the site was later demolished to accommodate a $250 million shopping plaza development known as The Landings at Dania Beach. In Houston, Texas, the Boomers! location closed in early 2020 amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no major redevelopment reported for the site as of that time.^[76][77] Several California locations closed on June 8, 2020, as part of Apex Parks Group's financial struggles and pandemic shutdowns. The Fountain Valley site was permanently shuttered and demolished in 2021, clearing the property for potential future use. The El Cajon location met a similar fate, closing that June and being demolished in 2022 to make way for a Hyundai dealership. The San Diego (Kearny Mesa) park also closed on June 8, 2020, but briefly reopened on September 5, 2020, under new management as Huish’s Family Fun Center; it operated until its permanent closure on January 4, 2022, after which the site was demolished. In contrast, the Upland, California, location, closed in June 2020, was acquired and renovated by the original creators' family, reopening as Bullwinkle’s Entertainment on December 10, 2021, with restored miniature golf courses and other attractions.^{[78][79][80][81][23][82]} The City of Industry (Los Angeles), California, location, formerly SpeedZone, specializing in racing-themed experiences with multiple go-kart tracks and high-speed simulations, permanently closed in October 2025.^[83] The Medford, New York (Long Island), location, which had been removed from official Boomers! listings prior to 2020, closed in 2019 and has remained vacant since, with local discussions focusing on potential future uses for the site. These closures highlight a pattern of challenges for the chain, particularly the heavy toll of the 2020 pandemic and associated bankruptcy proceedings on its California operations.^[84]