Under the Big Top

Really enjoyed this place but unfortunately it has closed for business.

Under the Big Top is a family entertainment center with laser tag, indoor go karts, a ball blaster arena, and arcade with party rooms, a bistro, and a prize area for the kids. The main reason my son wanted to go so bad is the Ball Blaster Arena. It’s a 3-​story «big top» tent with ball blasting cannons, slides, ramps… and is basically awesome.
Another highlight of our recent trip to Under the Big Top was the Indoor Go-​Karts. In fact, it was my son’s very first time riding in a go-​kart. I thought he’d be a little scared, but he totally loved it. He was very chill about it actually. The track itself is a pretty good size, and I liked that the attendant asked us if we wanted to take it a little slow (since my son is only 4). I appreciated her thoughtfulness, for sure!
The arcade games were really fun too. Under the Big Top uses a card system for game play (no tokens required) and there were games that catered to a variety of ages. Our favorites? The motorcycles! If you played any games, don’t forget to pick out some prizes on your way out. We hardly had any tickets (probably just around 100) and he was able to pick out a few candies.
Overall we had a really great afternoon at Under the Big Top in St. Charles. A few things you should know before you go:
— The cost to only play in the Ball Blaster Arena is $ 7.95. The indoor go-​karts and a game of laser tag are $ 6.50 each. You can put as much as you want on your game card.
— They have a pretty decent snacks menu (appetizers, pizza, burgers, sides and desserts).
— They offer free WiFi and have 5 or 6 couches near the Ball Blaster Arena. So parents — bring your laptop, or browse Facebook on your phone!
— Bring socks if you plan to play in the Ball Blaster Arena. They do offer some for sale if you forget to bring a pair.
Under the Big Top is located at 731 N. 17^th Street in St. Charles, IL, near Randall Road and Dean Street.

I had heard about this place on a Facebook chat session in an arcade collector’s group and the (maybe owner)? Or at least someone who does business with them had put a truckload of beat games there recently and honestly, the game list really had me excited.
I decided to make the trip out, and it was actually kind of hard to find. The building itself is kind of in a strip mall? But it’s more like the back alley of a strip mall, hidden behind like a plastic, or pipe fitter company or something, it was really bizarre. I mean don’t get me wrong, the area was pretty nice, and the building was nice too, it was just kind of hidden away and very non-​descript.
Anyway, I head in realize it;s more of a modern arcade setting, but a very weird and bare modern arcade setting. The walls were very plain and had sort of a «just opened and hoping to earn enough money to decorate soon» kind of vibe. The first thing I noticed was all the new age ticket redemption games and ticket redemption counter, Fair enough, that sort of thing is still big in the burbs and how most of these places make their profit. Additionally, they had a ball-​pit /​pen that was mimicking a three ring circus. In theory it was kind of unique and cool. Obviously, I was too large to play on it myself, but I did see some little-​ones laughing it up center stage. Although, it really did look like it would be cooler and be filled with more balls from the photos i’d previously scene.
The concessions stand had lots of snacks and drinks to pick from and was weirdly over-​staffed considering no one was there. The bathroom was kind of sketchy? I feel like the lock was broken, and it was, co-​ed? Or at least I didn’t see another bathroom in sight to indicate otherwise.
The payment was done with swipe card method, and i’d say the price was right with all the games I played, like I clearly had more than enough credits to go around and burned them out on some ticket redemption on my way out.
On to why I came.
I found all of the beat games mentioned, literally stuffed into some corner almost like an after-​thought. In fact, the area almost looked like it was a separate garage, complete with a pull down door and everything. The games I hadn’t played were un-​impressive. The ones I loved were… decent at best. The had one of the new DDR mixes, which is lack-​luster at best. The also had a modded out (ITG) machine, with a DDR 5^th mix marqee. Honestly, the average person would be really confused walking into something like that. Though, the modded machine was super fun and had some nice song packs loaded on it, However, it had some super irritating announcer mod on it and really kind of ruined it for me. After each round, so terrible cockney accents would appear and announce my score. If I wanted to «click here for leetz0rz– do — barrel — roll — troll memes I would have stayed at home or went to Champaign to plain. Don’t insult me. DDR culture existed before people bastardized it with weaboo-​centric memes and themes. Keep it old school and maybe people would enjoy playing there.
Their percussion and guitar freaks machines had seen better days and we’re almost unplayable, and to pour salt on the wound they had a rock band machine. or guitar hero, or whatever… machine in the «good games» area.
Over all, it was a place I would have enjoyed greatly 5 or 6 years ago. Now, it’s too far put of the way, with very little to offer for me to ever return.
2 stars because… I really have had better.

If I could, i would rate every experience ⁶⁄₅! This place was the best ever! All the workers were really nice and helpful! The designs on the wall were very impressive and the arcade and laser tag and Go Karts were thrilling!
My kids have been there a few times for different parties. Each and every time it was STELLAR service. The food is fast and easy which is great.
GO Karts go fast and the Laser tag gets intense! It was funny seeing all my boys run around laser tag! Also, the ball blaster is prime in my family! We all have a BLAST in the ball BLASTER!
Do yourselves a favor and go and HAVE FUN!

Sadly this place has a lot of potential, but no pride of ownership. Most of the games are broken/​inoperable. Pricing is very high for what you get. No supervision of the facilities and the balls from the ball blast area are all over the place. Take your money elsewhere.

Under the Big Top has really gone down hill. We been many times, we even had a birthday party there, but after my visit last week, we won’t be back and here’s why:
1) The bathrooms are gross. More than once I’ve been there and there is a bathroom or more that is backed up. And really, clean the floors.
2) Some of the guns on the ball blaster don’t work… come on! That’s a main attraction, and the balls are simply filthy.
3) Many, many, many of the games are broken. I pay, then have no idea how many tickets we won. Or, they just don’t work at all. Get a mechanic on staff.
I realize this stuff could be expensive, but the bathrooms are inexcusable. That’s just lazy. There is plenty of staff to have better upkeep and cleaning practices.
Sad to see a business give up in itself.

Overall this place isn’t for young kids. The ball shooting area is dirty and noisy. Most of the video games don’t work and are expensive to play. A kids hot dog meal was $ 4.99 and tasted lousy. We won’t be back!

Been here two times for birthday Party. Kids loves it. Very nice manager that was willing to work out great deals. Staffs are very nice and friendly.

My family and I stopped in to go Go-​Karting. We only did a few rounds, but we had a blast. The young attendant was polite and explained all necessary proedures. I’d go back.

Went there a few times with our 7 yr old
Played laser tag and we rode the go carts and played some games
The place is clean and wasn’t crowded either time we went
I thought it was expensive We spent 50 dollars riding the carts, playing laser tag and a few games
My 7 yr old seemed to enjoy it especially the ball blaster
Again I thought it was a little overpriced. Especially if you have more than one child or the kids want to experience everything this place has to offer

Took the kids here with a special I bought online.
I hadn’t even heard of the place, until a neighbor posted on Facebook about it. So, I nabbed the daily deal (or whatever it was called) and we took the kids last Friday. We got there right as it opened, and it wasn’t very crowded (aside from a day camp group). I’m guessing the lack of crowd was because 1) it was during the week and 2) many schools were still in session
My 2 kids got to ride the go-​karts, they played a round of laser tag, and they got unlimited play in the 3 story ball blaster arena for the voucher that we had.
We were there a couple hours total and the kids had a great time. The place was clean and there were nice comfy chairs to lounge in while the kids played in the ball blaster arena (it’s right next to it, and you can see right inside and still supervise).
There is food for purchase, and plenty of tables & chairs to dine at. The prices did seem a little pricey, but there was a 99cent deal on hot dogs they day we were there. We chose not to eat there, and instead ate lunch after we left.
A fun place to take the kids to blow off some steam — especially if the weather isn’t very nice outside!

Great place for a bday party or just something fun to do on a rainy day. Highly recommend.

I’m really not one to go to places with children running around — ever. But I do happen to absolutely love my nephews, and it was a fun day when my nephew, sister and I went to go play laser tag. Holy cow we had a BLAST! This place is weird, its like in an warehouse, wide open, there are some games (skee-​ball thankfully) and some new modern weird stuff. There are go-​carts always had a giant line.
This whole review is really all about laser tag. Just go for the laser tag — its awesome and I had a total blast.

So much fun! Nephew’s 10^th birthday party was here earlier this month. It was a Saturday and a busy one at that. We had a medium-​sized group, mainly 9 – 10 year-​olds, but also young ones. A mix of adults/parents.and there is something for everyone here, for all ages.
My brother reserved a bday package that included pizza/​cake for the kids in a reserved party room, followed by go-​karts, then laser tag, and topped off with arcade time and cards. In the meantime between these events, the kids were able to play in the ball blaster arena — 3 levels of indoor gym fun! The adults also had fun in here :) Adults also got special time in the go-​karts (at higher speeds than the kids). We made a last-​minute decision to have that adult round and staff were so accommodating for that.
My kids are only 3 and 5, but they were both able to try out the go-​karts riding with me and the hubby. And they definitely loved the Ball Blaster Arena. Hubby took our 3-​year old into the laser tag arena, and our son was an instant fan… he also beat out a lot of people on the other team!
Our 5 year old daughter enjoyed the ball blaster arena while the others were playing laser tag. There’s a comfortable lounge area (sofas/​tables/​TVs) just next to the ball arena where parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids. So I was able to sit back comfortably while keeping an eye on her.
Party hosts/​hostesses were terrific… everyone was friendly and moved the party events along without rushing us.
After the official party reserved time ended, we stuck around a bit in the arcade. We also visited the food court because by then, the kids were hungry again. Good options and quick service… nice to know if we’re ever back here (can throw in a quick meal or snack while/​before/​after the kids play).
Topped the day off by redeeming prize tickets at the prize counter. Again, staff was great. We had a big group and they were patient with us, as the kids took their time deciding on their prizes, and at times, changing their minds and asking to exchange them!
All in all a total success and a great 10^th birthday for my nephew :)
Only wish this was closer to us. It was a bit of a drive, but well worth it.