When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago 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 unparalleled, fully immersive virtual reality experience designed specifically for groups of friends seeking exhilarating adventures together. Founded in 2016, this innovative company has pioneered full-body, in-person social VR gaming in physical venues worldwide, combining cutting-edge technology with social interaction. Unlike typical VR at home, Sandbox VR customers visit state-of-the-art locations where up to six players are equipped with VR-ready backpack computers, full-body motion capture suits, haptic vests, and specialized gear, enabling them to physically move, high-five, and interact realistically within detailed virtual worlds. This level of immersion creates a compelling blend of physical and virtual realities that transforms traditional gaming into an extraordinary shared experience, reminiscent of the concept of the Star Trek holodeck. With diverse games that cater to different themes such as sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, Sandbox VR ensures engaging adventures for all tastes. Locations include major cities across the US, Europe, and Asia, staffed by friendly, knowledgeable teams that facilitate smooth, safe, and memorable sessions. The company’s commitment to high-quality proprietary hardware and unique content ensures that every visit offers a fresh, exciting experience, making Sandbox VR an ideal spot for friends' meetups, corporate outings, or special occasions.
Here's what people think of Sandbox VR
As of recent, Sandbox VR holds a 5-star rating based on 4974 reviews.
User reviews for Sandbox VR overwhelmingly praise its innovative and immersive VR experience, reflected in its perfect 5.0 rating from nearly 5,000 reviews. Many enthusiasts highlight the exceptional quality of the full-body motion capture technology, the realistic haptic feedback, and the social aspect that allows for close interaction with friends during gameplay. Positive reviews frequently mention the high level of staff professionalism and friendliness, noting how this enhances the overall enjoyment and comfort of the experience. Visitors also appreciate the diversity of available games, with some favorites including intense zombie battles and rich narrative adventures, which keep the sessions exciting and replayable. On the other hand, some of the limited negative feedback points to the premium pricing as a barrier for certain customers, as well as occasional issues with fit or comfort of the equipment for some users. However, such comments are relatively rare compared to the volume of positive testimonials. Overall, the consensus among customers is that Sandbox VR offers a uniquely thrilling social VR experience worth both the cost and effort of visiting a physical venue, setting it apart as a leader in the emerging location-based VR entertainment market.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Maggie Jaques
I perfect place for a birthday surprise. We did the secrets of the shard as a group of 6. It was so much fun! All of use were sweating by the end of it. At the end there was even a special birthday surprise! Highly recommend and will be back!!! At the end of the experience they even give you a little video to take home. Super fun weekend activity for all ages
Justin Michael
First-Time Visit - Incredible Experience! We came as a group of five and tried Deadwood Valley: Phobia. It was absolutely awesome. The VR experience is incredibly immersive, with tactile vests, a variety of weapons, and full team interaction. It really feels like you're in another world. Alejandro was professional and hilarious, which added to the fun. Logan was also great, very helpful and friendly. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a next-level group activity.
Jade Chapman
Alejandro was amazing!!!! He was the best at explaining EVERYTHING about what we needed to do. He was amazing, truly. I will be coming back. 10/10!!!! You will not be disappointed.
Jason Cadell
Sandbox VR @ 2359 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 was a great time for a private event I attended. The gameplay is unreal, and if you're lucky enough to have Caleb, George, or Logan W as your game hosts, then you'll have a blast, I promise you! I look forward to my next visit.
Juan Perez
I was very surprised by my visit here. I cannot believe the experience that I had. No, I know this sounds negative, but I actually just wanted you to read the actual review instead of just giving over all the other ones. Alejandro went above and beyond to make sure that me and My Friend had a great experience. This was my first virtual reality experience and I only planned to pay for one session but after the first session, Alejandro saw something in me that I couldn’t see it myself. He knew that I wanted more and he shared with us another room where we actually got to do a little bit more of a different type of activity. We said yes, And he made it happen 😊 not to mention that we were running late and when I called, he said no problem that he would make it Happen. I will most definitely be coming back here again 😊 And if you’re his boss and you wanna verify this to see that it wasn’t a friend of his that wrote this because it sounds like Alejandro knows who I am. It’s because he does. It’s because he knew that I wanted more and he knew that as a stranger he could help me and have me enjoying my first virtual reality experience by actually speaking up and suggestion which one I should do and giving me and my friend from Honduras, an awesome experience so even though I don’t personally know Alejandro now I feel like I do because he gave us a very awesome experience at sandbox VR. And if you want more proof as his boss because this review sounds way too good to be true you can check for Juan and Felix as attendees on August 20 of 2025 😊 you’ll see that we played twice. Thank you, Alejandro. I’ll definitely be back soon with my girlfriend and hopefully you’re there so that you can make some good suggestions on a good connection and bonding experience at her and I can share with the VR games.
How to reach Sandbox VR
None
Website: None
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? Sandbox VR offers a uniquely immersive experience that transcends traditional group outings by combining cutting-edge full-body virtual reality technology with deeply engaging game scenarios. It’s a place where you and your friends don fully tracked VR suits and step into vividly crafted virtual worlds that enable you to move freely, interact naturally, and communicate as if you were really together inside the game. This level of immersion and social interactivity is unparalleled, making it perfect for strengthening friendships and generating unforgettable shared memories. Whether you want to challenge each other in intense cooperative missions or just explore fascinating virtual landscapes side-by-side, Sandbox VR delivers an adventure full of excitement, teamwork, and fun that no conventional meetup can match. It provides a fresh and thrilling way to escape daily routines, creating a compelling reason to gather with friends or family. The venue’s elegant and modern design enhances the experience, making the environment welcoming and visually impressive before you even put on the headset. With a stellar 5.0 rating based on nearly 5,000 reviews worldwide, Sandbox VR consistently attracts groups looking for high-quality, memorable entertainment, demonstrating why it is an outstanding choice for any type of social gathering.
What activities does Sandbox VR offer for groups? Sandbox VR specializes in full-body virtual reality experiences that place you and your group in meticulously crafted worlds where you can physically move, solve tasks, and defend yourselves in real time. One of their popular offerings, for example, is the "Squid Game" immersive adventure, inspired by the famous TV series, where players work together to navigate challenges that are thrilling, intense, and sometimes even a little scary. Beyond themed games like this, Sandbox VR offers diverse experiences ranging from sci-fi missions and fantasy quests to action-packed shooters and puzzle-solving adventures. Each activity is designed to encourage close coordination and communication within your team, ensuring everyone participates actively. The VR suits provide realistic sensations such as weight and resistance, enhancing the physicality of the experience and making each movement count. The games last around 30 to 40 minutes, allowing enough time to dive into the story while keeping energy levels high and attention focused. These activities are adaptable for various group sizes, making Sandbox VR an ideal venue for friends, families, or coworkers to bond through shared challenge and excitement.
Why is Sandbox VR perfect for group meetups with friends and family? Sandbox VR is uniquely tailored for group experiences, delivering a combination of cooperative gameplay and social connection in a high-tech setting. Unlike solo VR setups at home, this venue ensures every participant feels equally engaged and present in the virtual environment, which fosters teamwork and shared accomplishment. The equipment—including full-body suits and state-of-the-art VR headsets—is designed for comfort and interactivity, allowing you to move naturally, gesture, and even dodge in game scenarios, which heightens social engagement and laughter. The venue’s staff are friendly and professional, guiding groups through the setup process smoothly and helping everyone feel at ease even if they are new to VR. This makes it accessible for family members and friends of different ages and tech familiarity levels. Additionally, the spacious, well-designed location allows groups to gather before and after sessions to discuss strategies, share impressions, and socialize. While some have expressed a desire for added amenities like snacks or drinks, the overall environment remains inviting and conducive to creating lasting memories. These qualities make Sandbox VR more than just an entertainment venue; it’s a social hub where people come together to enjoy something truly unique and exciting.
How does Sandbox VR ensure an immersive and safe experience for all players? Sandbox VR takes guest safety and comfort seriously, embedding multiple layers of precaution into the VR experience. Before gameplay begins, players receive thorough orientation on how to use the equipment properly and navigate the virtual environment safely. The full-body suits and VR headsets are carefully fitted and sanitized between uses, ensuring hygiene and comfort. In-game, players are closely monitored by staff who can intervene immediately if anyone feels disoriented or needs assistance. The VR arenas themselves are spacious and designed to prevent collisions or falls as participants move freely. Additionally, the mixture of physical movement with virtual scenarios helps keep players physically engaged, reducing the risk of motion sickness or strain common in less advanced VR setups. Waivers and health screenings are part of the registration process to tailor care for individual needs. Altogether, these measures allow groups to immerse fully in the adventure with peace of mind, contributing to the overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting both the excitement and professionalism of Sandbox VR’s offerings.
What do guests say about their group experiences at Sandbox VR? Sandbox VR boasts an impressive 5.0-star rating from nearly 5,000 reviews, reflecting widespread satisfaction with the group experience. Many guests praise the social and interactive aspects of the games, describing them as a fantastic way to connect with friends or family through fun challenges and immersive storytelling. Positive feedback often highlights the attentive and helpful staff who facilitate smooth check-ins and gameplay, making newcomers feel comfortable. Some reviews remark on the cutting-edge technology, noting how the full-body suits and realistic graphics elevate the experience beyond typical VR. Though a minority report longer wait times or technical hiccups, the majority emphasize the memorable, laughter-filled sessions that keep groups coming back. Families appreciate Sandbox VR as a multi-generational outing, while friend groups enjoy the adrenaline rush of cooperative competition in games like Squid Game. Overall, guests attest that the venue offers something special for group entertainment, combining novelty, quality, and social interaction in one place.
What makes Sandbox VR a standout choice compared to at-home VR systems? While at-home VR systems provide convenience and affordability, Sandbox VR surpasses them in delivering an unmatched level of immersion and shared physical interaction. Unlike headset-only setups, Sandbox VR’s full-body tracking suits capture every movement, finger gesture, and spatial orientation, allowing players to feel physically present within the game. This physicality increases the realism and excitement, making gameplay more intense and engaging. The venue setup also ensures groups are in the same real-world space, fostering direct eye contact and communication that online multiplayer games lack. Furthermore, the curated, professionally developed games offer rich narratives and creative challenges not typically available for home devices. Visitors also benefit from the hands-on support of staff who troubleshoot and help maximize the experience. Although the cost per session is higher than home VR, many players find the quality and social value worth the investment for a special outing. Sandbox VR thus provides a premium, one-of-a-kind setting for those seeking dynamic, interactive group entertainment beyond the home environment.
How can you plan your visit to Sandbox VR for the best group experience? To maximize your fun at Sandbox VR, advance planning is recommended since the venue often fills up quickly, especially on weekends and evenings. Reserving your session online guarantees your preferred date and time. Consider assembling a group of friends or family members who enjoy tech-driven entertainment and are open to physical activity, as the experience is immersive and active. Arriving 20 minutes early allows for check-in procedures, equipment fitting, and orientation without rush, enhancing comfort and readiness. Dress comfortably since you will be moving around and wearing VR suits. It’s wise to review any health recommendations or restrictions beforehand, particularly if you or members of your group have mobility issues or motion sensitivity. After your session, allow yourself some time to relax and chat about the experience—many guests say this social downtime adds to the overall enjoyment. Bringing your camera for pre- or post-game photos outside the VR arena is a fun idea too. With preparation, your group’s visit to Sandbox VR becomes a seamless, memorable adventure that everyone will cherish.
What future trends might Sandbox VR introduce to enhance group meetups? As virtual reality technology evolves rapidly, Sandbox VR is well-positioned to introduce innovations that could further elevate group social experiences. Upcoming enhancements might include even more detailed haptic feedback suits that simulate temperature, texture, or weight, adding new sensory dimensions to the immersion. Advancements in AI-driven NPCs (non-player characters) could create richer narrative interactions and dynamically respond to group strategies, offering customized storylines tailored to each team’s actions. Integration with augmented reality (AR) elements might allow mixed virtual and physical play, bridging realities in exciting new ways. Multi-location synchronized sessions could enable larger groups or corporate events across cities to partake simultaneously. Additionally, expanding amenities such as lounge areas, food and beverage services, or event hosting capabilities would make the venue a more versatile social hub. By continuing to focus on social immersion and technological excellence, Sandbox VR is likely to remain a leader in group VR entertainment, continually attracting new audiences seeking unforgettable shared adventures.
Sandbox VR stands out as an exceptional venue for hosting vibrant, interactive meetups with friends or family through its sophisticated full-body virtual reality technology, exceptional group-focused games, and friendly, modern environment. If you’re ready to take your social gatherings to a thrilling new level, stepping into Sandbox VR’s virtual worlds offers an unmatched way to bond, laugh, and create lasting memories together.