When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Sandbox VR
Why Sandbox VR is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sandbox VR offers an unmatched social virtual reality experience that takes you and your friends beyond traditional gaming setups. Founded in 2016 by Steve Zhao and headquartered in San Mateo, California, Sandbox VR specializes in full-body motion-captured VR adventures that take place in dedicated physical locations. Unlike ordinary VR at home, players gear up with VR-ready backpack computers, haptic vests, and full-body motion capture devices, allowing you to physically move, interact, and even high-five your friends for an incredibly immersive group experience. With up to six players in a session, it's perfect for meetups, birthday celebrations, corporate team-building, or just a memorable social activity. Sandbox VR's content is exclusive, featuring five unique adventures designed to engage all your senses and foster cooperative gameplay. The spaces are equipped with cutting-edge technology and focus on delivering seamless, high-quality VR with a blend of unique hardware, proprietary software, and a location-based setup that ensures full immersion. Visitors consistently praise the fun, excitement, and social bonding that Sandbox VR facilitates, making it a standout attraction for groups seeking a novel way to connect and play together.
Here's what people think of Sandbox VR
As of recent, Sandbox VR holds a 4.9-star rating based on 13215 reviews.
User reviews for Sandbox VR generally highlight the thrilling and immersive nature of its VR experiences. Many positive reviews commend the high-quality technology, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the engaging social aspect of playing VR games together with friends. Reviewers especially appreciate the exclusivity of the adventures which cannot be replicated elsewhere, describing sessions as memorable and fun, with some mentioning excellent customer service and a clean, well-organized venue. However, some negative reviews have cited occasional hardware or software technical issues that disrupted gameplay, which at times led to frustration during sessions. A few guests also noted issues with customer service at certain locations, describing interactions as unprofessional or dismissive, though these appear to be isolated incidents. Overall, despite occasional setbacks, the majority of feedback remains overwhelmingly positive, and customers frequently express intentions to return. Sandbox VR is widely regarded as a premier destination for immersive VR entertainment that successfully blends technology with social interaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tyler Saari
Absolute fun event to go to with a group of friends. We did the squid game and one of the horror games. JP was great as a host. The place was pretty clean and staff were really friendly. Would 100% come back, if you do go make sure to wear something light as you will have a workout!
Beauty Essxape (BeautyEssxape)
If you're looking for a family fun night out this is the place to come! It's easy to schedule online. We never experienced VR before so we were so excited! We chose dead Deadwood Valley and we didn't expect heart-racing fun. It was a good experience! It's amazing how real it feels! The staff were so friendly and helpful with everything they walked us through it all. We most definitely want to come back and try squid games and the other games.
LILI B
Had the best experience! The staff was so friendly, helped us booked our experience & held conversation until it was our turn to play! my husband & i drove 5 & a half hours & let me tell you…it was WORTH IT!!! The staff surprised us with snacks for our trip back home & it was very much appreciated! We can’t wait to come back when we visit again! Thank you Sandbox!!!
jj
5 Stars – An Incredible Experience! My family of four just tried Sandbox VR for the first time, and we had an absolutely amazing time! From start to finish, the experience was beyond our expectations. The technology is incredibly immersive and fun — it truly felt like we were inside a whole new world. A special thank you to Jorge, who went above and beyond to make our visit extra memorable. He was helpful, friendly, and made sure everything ran smoothly for us. His attention to detail and positive energy really added to the experience. We were all so impressed and satisfied — this is definitely something we’ll be doing again. Highly recommend it for families, groups, or anyone looking for a unique and exciting adventure!
Kossivi Aholou
We traveled to Killeen Texas for the weekend to visit my friend. He decided to take us to Austin for the squid game (SandBox VR) We had fun. Great place, great game, a lot of fun. JP and Mark were the team members on duty that night and they were super nice and helpful. They gave us clear directions which made everything easy and fun. Shoot out to JP and Mark!!! I am definitely coming back.
How to reach Sandbox VR
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Why Sandbox VR may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sandbox VR with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Sandbox VR is an ideal way to share an extraordinary and unforgettable experience that combines cutting-edge technology with immersive entertainment. Unlike typical hangouts, Sandbox VR offers a unique environment where you don’t just play games—you step inside them. The venue is designed to foster teamwork, laughter, and genuine connection through fully immersive virtual reality sessions that place you and your friends face-to-face in fantastical worlds. It’s not just about individual gaming but about sharing challenges, strategizing in real time, and celebrating victories together. The excitement of moving naturally within a virtual space, interacting with your friends and the environment, takes socializing to a new level that traditional meetups simply cannot replicate. Whether you want an action-packed adventure, a thrilling mission, or a fun, interactive spectacle, Sandbox VR provides an extraordinary reason to rally your friends for a group outing filled with both fun and bonding.
Beyond the sheer entertainment value, the venue itself is welcoming and modern, making it a comfortable and inspiring place to gather. The high customer rating of 4.9 from over 13,000 reviews reflects the consistently outstanding experience guests have enjoyed worldwide. This combination of social engagement, high-tech gameplay, and a sleek environment makes Sandbox VR a perfect spot for memorable gatherings with friends or family who crave something beyond the ordinary. It’s an activity that people leave buzzing about and eager to repeat, ideal for reconnecting and building lasting memories—all in a dynamic, interactive virtual space.
What kinds of activities are available at Sandbox VR?
Sandbox VR specializes in full-body virtual reality experiences that immerse you and your group into meticulously crafted, interactive worlds. The most popular offering is their multiplayer VR adventure games, where teams work together to complete missions, solve puzzles, or survive thrilling challenges. For example, you and your friends might find yourselves in action-packed scenarios like sci-fi shootouts, horror-infused escapes, or thematic games such as the widely celebrated "Squid Game" experience, where intense competition blends with suspenseful storytelling to create unforgettable moments.
Each session typically lasts around 30 to 60 minutes, providing a deep dive into high-quality graphics and rich environments that respond to your movements and choices in real-time. Players wear haptic suits and VR headsets, enabling not just visual immersion but physical sensations like the recoil of firing weapons or the impact of objects, which adds a tactile dimension to the gameplay. This level of immersion encourages team coordination, as players communicate and strategize to succeed. Beyond adrenaline-pumping games, Sandbox VR offers a variety of experiences that appeal to different tastes, from fantasy and sci-fi to horror and mystery genres, ensuring every group can find something thrilling and enjoyable.
The meticulous attention to detail—from the realism of the virtual settings to the quality of the equipment—makes it clear why this venue stands out. Every game is designed to be accessible for beginners yet engaging enough for seasoned VR enthusiasts, making it an excellent option for groups of varying familiarity with virtual reality.
Why is Sandbox VR perfect for a group meetup?
Sandbox VR is tailor-made for groups seeking a social yet innovative activity. Unlike many entertainment venues where individuals engage in separate or turn-based activities, Sandbox VR emphasizes cooperative gameplay that demands active interaction, making it an excellent environment for building camaraderie. The shared physical space combined with collaborative virtual missions naturally fosters teamwork and conversation, promoting social bonding much more effectively than passive activities like watching movies or dining out.
The venue accommodates parties comfortably, with attentive staff guiding your group through the setup and gameplay process to ensure a smooth experience. They help you gear up with the required VR equipment, explain the rules, and tailor the experience to your group’s preferences or skill levels, enhancing enjoyment for all members. This level of customer care paired with the immersive technology creates a memorable out-of-the-ordinary meetup that lasts far beyond the actual visit—many guests keep the free video recordings of their adventures as souvenirs, sparking long-term shared memories.
Because sessions are designed for groups, the experience can effortlessly scale, whether it’s a small gathering of friends, a large family reunion, or even corporate team-building events. The combination of physical activity, problem-solving, and immersive gaming provides a rich, dynamic environment that keeps everyone engaged. Plus, the modern and clean venue contributes to a comfortable, stylish atmosphere, making it ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply escaping the monotony of everyday meetups.
What can you expect from the customer experience at Sandbox VR?
Visitors consistently praise Sandbox VR for its exceptional customer service and seamless experience from start to finish. From the moment you enter, the staff are welcoming, professional, and enthusiastic, guiding you through the setup without fuss to maximize your time exploring the virtual worlds. They assist with the comfortable fitting of VR gear, provide clear instructions, and are readily available to troubleshoot or enhance your session. This customer-centric approach has earned rave reviews, with many noting that the staff’s attitude and support elevate the overall outing into something truly special.
Guests reliably highlight the quality and cleanliness of the venue as well, appreciating the organized check-in process and the thoughtful layout of the gaming rooms. The combination of high-end VR equipment, ergonomic controls, and immersive sound systems builds a realistic experience that feels personal and exciting rather than gimmicky or overwhelming. Additionally, players receive professional recordings of their VR adventures, which capture their in-game actions and camaraderie, providing a unique memento to revisit and share with others.
The immersive games along with attentive, friendly staff contribute to a high satisfaction rating, frequently cited as 5 stars or close to it by thousands of guests worldwide. Whether you are a VR novice or a gaming aficionado, Sandbox VR’s dedication to customer delight ensures everyone leaves with smiles and stories to tell.
Is Sandbox VR affordable and convenient for group outings?
While some virtual reality experiences can be costly, Sandbox VR positions itself as a premium entertainment option worth the investment. Prices generally range from about $50 to $60 per person for a single session, reflecting the state-of-the-art technology, immersive content, and attentive service provided. Many customers find the price justified given the quality and novelty of the experience, especially when shared among friends or family, turning the cost into a shared investment in fun and memories.
The venue locations are typically situated in accessible urban centers or shopping malls, making them convenient to reach via car or public transport. Each site is modern and spacious, offering easy parking and comfortable waiting areas, which is especially important for groups meeting from different neighborhoods. The structured booking system allows for scheduled sessions, reducing wait times and ensuring your group experience runs smoothly.
For those considering special occasions, corporate team-building, or celebrations, Sandbox VR also offers customizable packages and group rates, providing added value. The opportunity to create unforgettable group moments in a futuristic setting often outweighs the expenses when compared to traditional entertainment venues that lack such uniqueness and interactivity.
What should you know before booking a session at Sandbox VR?
Before booking, it’s important to consider some practical details to ensure your meetup runs flawlessly. Sessions typically last from 30 to 60 minutes, so plan your schedule accordingly to include brief check-in and orientation times. Because of the physical nature of the full-body VR experience, players should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and note any health advisories related to motion sickness or physical limitations.
Group sizes are usually capped at six players per session to maximize interaction and game quality, so booking early is recommended, especially on weekends or holidays when demand is high. The venue emphasizes safety and hygiene, with equipment sanitized between each use. Also, guests must sign a waiver acknowledging the nature of the VR experience.
It’s wise to check location-specific hours and availability, as some venues have seasonal changes or limited hours. Finally, many guests appreciate the availability of free photos and videos of their gameplay, so bringing friends who enjoy sharing and reliving experiences is a plus.
By preparing properly, your group can fully enjoy the world of immersive VR Sandbox offers, making your gathering not just fun but flawless.
Sandbox VR represents a leap forward in social entertainment, blending technology and human connection to create a unique venue for friends and families to gather. The outstanding reviews, immersive activities, and commitment to customer experience offer compelling reasons to choose it as your next meetup destination. Whether you seek excitement, teamwork, or simply a new kind of adventure, Sandbox VR elevates group meetups into something extraordinary.