A Day at The Castle

Highly Recommended***** As we near the end of winter ( supposedly) and the end of ‘indoor activities”, I am very thankful that while in Lombard, I came to find a building called The Enchanted Castle. What an amazing entertainment center. It is called a Restaurant and Entertainment Center, and it is all that ( and even more). Many of us are familiar with establishments that have Pizza and games and in some cases, a character or two who walks around and makes merry with the kids. Many of these establishments are known for their fun birthday parties, and having been to many of these, I have felt the excitement that each kid feels. The Enchanted Castle, located at Main Street and Route 38 ( Roosevelt Road) in Lombard ( just west of the Oakbrook area) is over 60,000 square feet of pure fun for kids of all ages.

We spent the better part of the afternoon on an otherwise quiet Sunday in this palace of excitement, taking the grand-kids out for a fund time. Adam,Sarah and Rebecca have been to many fun places and were unsure if the 30 minute ride from the North Shore to Lombard was going to be worth it. The fact is- IT WAS! In fact, although they love some of the other establishments they have been to, Adam put it best when he said that “The Enchanted Castle was like all the others rolled into one and then some- the best entertainment center of its type!”. His sisters nodded in agreement.

We entered the doors from the huge parking lot ( plenty of free parking) and picked up our tickets and coins/tokens ( they are sold in rolls of 20 for $5, but they have many offers in house and online at www.enchanted.com. There are loads of indoor rides and games. In fact, looking at the main game room might remind you adults of a trip to Vegas or one of the casinos, as it has the same feeling. watching the kids play some of the games, where they win tickets that they use to redeem for prizes, does give them that “high” that we get gambling, but the stakes are much lower and this is just a small part of what this particular center offers.

There is a mini-bowling-Highway 66 where kids will have a ball and at a cost far less than a real bowling center. There is “lazer Frenzy” where kids can avoid the beams of light ( only $2 bucks) and then there are go-carts ( an amazing track that we rode to glory on. There is an inflatable area, but there are times that this section if booked for private parties, so we missed out on this one. Quest II is another highlight where the little ones can climb and slide for as long as they want. All three found this to be a rewarding part of the day. There are packages that include all the rides and then they offer ala carte menus as well- just do what you want and play want you can. This makes it easier for grandparents who do not do the rides, to bring the little ones for some bonding.

Talk about menus! We dined at the Dragon’s Den Restaurant, under the direction of Jackie Goodman. This is a full service menu, not just pizza ( and yet the pizza was DELISH!). I had a grilled cheese sandwich and two of us had juicy burgers ( as good as you ever ate) and they had item after item that all looked even better than the last. We probably should have made more selections and shared, but after we got in the car to head home ( four plus hours later), it was agreed we would return for more excitement and to try different things.

If you go to the website- www.enchanted.com, you will find some of the birthday party offers, company party programs, coupons ( just think, a 16″ pizza, pitcher of beverage and 100 tokens for as little as $3995 plus tax. A family of four could probably enjoy an afternoon of pure fun and enjoyment about $10 per person ( you can’t even go to a movie for that) This company also manages two other entertainments venues: Haunted Trails in Burbank and another in Joliet. www.hauntedtrailsfun.com. Maybe, someone will find them a huge spot up North ( the old Wonder store in Deerfield would be ideal for this company) so those who live up in the North Shore can have the same excitement. meanwhile, the ride is short enough to be handled and the rewards of watching your kids ( or grand-kids) have miles of smiles and great memories is very special. Check out their webiste for hours, specials and then make this a destination for your family- you will be glad you did!