Planning a family outing or birthday party for younger children? Here is what parents need to know about age restrictions, chaperone rules, and kid safety at Activate Oak Brook.
While Activate Games is wildly popular with teenagers, college students, and adults, its interactive physical format also appeals heavily to elementary and middle school kids. Here are the official age guidelines enforced at the Oak Brook Promenade location.
The Official Age Guidelines
Activate does not enforce a rigid hard cutoff where children are turned away at the door, but it establishes distinct operational safety tiers based on age:
| Age Bracket | Participation Status | Chaperone Requirement | Gameplay Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 0 – 5 | Not Recommended | Must remain in lobby with non-playing adult | Games are too complex, loud, and physically fast |
| Ages 6 – 9 | Permitted with Paid Adult | Adult (18+) must book ticket & play in rooms | Great on Levels 1–3 for Push, Hoops, and Hide |
| Ages 10 – 13 | Full Access Permitted | Adult must remain on facility premises | Highly capable; excels on Mega Grid and Strike |
| Ages 14 – 17 | Independent Access | Adult signs online waiver in advance | Can play all rooms and compete on adult leaderboards |
| Ages 18+ | Full Access | Self-signed waiver | Unrestricted |
Why Kids Under 10 Need an In-Room Adult
Each gaming micro-arena at Activate is an enclosed chamber with automated magnetic doors. Because rooms can become chaotic when lasers sweep and countdown alarms sound, children aged 6 to 9 must have an adult playing alongside them to ensure safety, guide puzzle choices, and maintain team composure.
Mandatory Online Waivers for Minors
Every participant under 18 years old must have a signed digital liability waiver completed by their legal parent or guardian. If you are hosting a birthday party with neighborhood kids, send the waiver link to other parents at least 48 hours prior to avoid bottlenecks in the Oak Brook lobby.
