Magic For All Ages

By Vanessa Friedman January 6, 2012

MagiQuest, a popular live-action fantasy game, made its New York debut this past August at Fun City NY at the Palasides Center. Through January 28, those who have yet to try it out can enter to win 4 free passes to Fun City by entering a contest on their Facebook page.

MagiQuest, a popular live-action fantasy game, made its New York debut this past August at Fun City NY at the Palasides Center.

Wands, keys, dragons, battles, and a Book of Wisdom: It may sound like a Harry Potter fantasy world, but it's real. MagiQuest, a popular live-action fantasy game, made its New York debut this past August at Fun City NY at the Palasides Center.

Yaakov Nalder, one of the managing partners at Fun City, describes MagiQuest as a cross between a treasure hunt and a video game, an interactive experience that combines imagination with technology and allows participants-dubbed "Magi"-of all ages to play together. Magi choose their own character name as they embark on their quest, select a magic wand that is programmed with specific data, and begin their adventure using tips from the Book of Wisdom. The adventures lead Magi through Fun City, including dangers such as a dragon and a gang of goblins, and delights such as unicorns and treasure chests.

A great aspect of the game is that it can be paused and reactivated, so Magi can pick up right where they left off on the next visit without losing any progress. "Seeing the excitement of the customers is very exciting itself," Nalder says. "Watching as families run around together looking for clues and completing their quests, you see everyone participating: a father and a daughter, a mother and a son, even grandparents. It's incredibly rewarding. It really is a game that brings families together."

Along with the interactive game, the 28,000-square-foot indoor amusement center hosts a multitude of attractions such as bumper cars, laser tag, a precious gem and fossil dig, and glow-in-the-dark mini golf.