Portsmouth Player Ready VR Centre & Alternative Provision
BEST FOR
Ages 7+
WHERE
Portsmouth
What it’s like
Group VR stations, a free-roam VR arena and an Xbox console section for kids seven and up, open weekends only.
Six group VR stations with over 50 games between them, a free-roam VR arena called HeroZone where players can actually walk around rather than stand on the spot, and a console section set up for four to eight players on Xbox. That free-roam arena sounds like the one to save for last, since it's the bit that gets kids moving rather than just holding a controller.
This is a weekend-only operation, Saturdays 11 till 7 and Sundays 11 till 6, and it's set up for seven-year-olds and up rather than younger children. Booking is required, and they're upfront that weekends and school holidays need at least two weeks' notice, so this isn't a turn-up-on-the-day plan. Weekday slots, if you can get one, tend to be more flexible, though the site itself doesn't open midweek according to the hours listed.
Parents are welcome to stay for the whole session, and there are seating areas with screens showing exactly what the players are seeing, so you're not just sat outside wondering what's going on. They describe themselves as a SEND specialist organisation, with staff trained to adapt experiences for different abilities if you flag any requirements when you book.
Birthday parties run on three tiers: £150 gets up to six guests for an hour, £250 covers up to twelve for 90 minutes, and £350 stretches that same group size to two and a half hours. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the party area, which saves you paying venue prices for a plate of sandwiches. Cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours out and it's free; leave it later than that and you may get charged.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Ages 7 and up, especially fans of console gaming and VR
- Booking
- We recommend booking online. Weekday slots often available at shorter notice, weekends and holidays at least 2 weeks ahead
- Parties
- Three packages: from £150 (up to 6 guests, 60 mins), £250 (up to 12 guests, 90 mins), £350 (up to 12 guests, 150 mins)
- Open weekends only, Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 11-6
- Book at least two weeks ahead for weekends and holidays
- Cancellations need 24 hours' notice or a charge may apply
- The free-roam VR arena, HeroZone, is separate from the group VR stations
Plan your visit
What's the minimum age?
Seven years old, so this one's aimed at older kids rather than toddlers or younger ones.
Do we need to book ahead?
Yes, and for weekends or school holidays they want at least two weeks' notice. Weekday slots can sometimes be booked at shorter notice.
Can parents watch?
You can stay for the whole thing. There are seating areas with screens showing what the players are seeing in VR.
How much do parties cost?
Three packages: £150 for up to six guests for an hour, £250 for up to twelve for 90 minutes, or £350 for up to twelve for two and a half hours.
Can we bring our own food to a party?
You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the party area.
What if my child has additional needs?
They describe themselves as a SEND specialist organisation with staff trained to adapt experiences for different abilities. Mention any requirements when you book.
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