Parent Review: We tried Seattle’s dinosaur VR adventure

A firsthand guide to Seattle’s dinosaur-themed VR adventure, including what surprised us, what to expect, and whether it is worth the splurge

If your kids have ever wanted to come face-to-face with a dinosaur, “Age of Dinosaurs” at Sandbox VR is about as close as you can get without stepping foot in a time machine – although that’s sort of the premise of this experience. My family recently tried out the virtual adventure at the South Lake Union location, and I must admit, it was cooler than I thought it would be. I’m not a gamer, so when I walked into Sandbox VR I felt completely out of my element, but when I looked over at my kids, they were smiling ear-to-ear. They love video games, which meant I got some mom points for discovering this prehistoric gaming experience.

For parents looking for something memorable, active, and a little different from the usual playground playdate, this blast-from-the-past gaming experience definitely stands out.

What to Expect

When I think of virtual reality, I picture donning a headset and navigating a pixelated screen, but Sandbox VR’s setup blew that expectation out of the water.

The setup is designed for small groups, so families or friends can play together, moving around a gaming room instead of sitting side by side pressing buttons on a stationary machine like many VR experiences. Players wear a headset, a vibrating vest, a microphone, and motion trackers on their arms and legs, which makes the action feel more immersive. My kids were not just watching dinosaurs – they felt like they were inside the story, reacting to what was happening all around them.

When you arrive, you check in, sign waivers, set up your character, put on the gear, and then head into the room. Sandbox VR has four game rooms at the South Lake Union location.

Once the headset goes on, the real world disappears around you. The technology takes a minute to get used to, but once you are oriented, it really does feel like you are part of the action. You do move throughout the gaming room, ducking, dodging, and walking around quite a bit.

My youngest learned very quickly why the staff emphasizes the safety brief before the adventure starts: once you are immersed, it is easy to forget you are surrounded by walls. He forgot and took off running straight into the wall with a resounding thud! He was back on his feet in a few seconds, but he learned his lesson to stay within the game boundaries, clearly marked with a black line when you are in play.

Your group is dropped into a prehistoric adventure where giant dinosaurs tower overhead, landscapes shift around you, and the story moves you from scene to scene. The experience was developed in collaboration with the Natural History Museum in London, so while it still feels very much like a game, the dinosaurs themselves were designed with scientific accuracy in mind, which helps make the prehistoric world feel surprisingly believable.

Without giving away too much, the experience blends exploration, teamwork, and a few moments that had my kids audibly gasping in delight. One of their favorite parts was using their wand-like tool to interact with the world, snapping selfies with dinosaurs along the way.

Another detail my kids loved: before the game starts, each player gets to pick and name a character, and yes, the name can be as silly as your child wants. My 6-year-old proudly chose “Lord Candypants,” which tells you a lot about the energy we brought into the game room.

After the adventure, you watch a highlight reel from your game, which was half recap and half comedy show for our family. The more in-game photos you snap, the more points you earn, and there is even an MVP at the end, which adds a fun little layer of competition. You also get to keep all the photos you snap; they are sent to you afterward on your mobile device.

Here is what stood out most after our visit.

Pros and Cons Parents Should Know

• What I loved most is that this felt genuinely different from other family outings we have done. We have tried VR before, but this was the first time it really felt like we were part of the action instead of just watching it happen.
• My kids were still talking about it days later, which is usually the clearest sign that an outing really landed. They loved the dinosaurs, the teamwork, and the novelty of taking in the story from inside the world rather than from a seat. I also appreciated that the dinosaur theme gave the adventure a kid-friendly hook without making it feel babyish. However, I will say that when they saw the other game options, they wanted to come back and do another one. You can only pick one adventure, so we may have to visit again to play Squid Games or Curse of Davy Jones (although those games aren’t as little kid-friendly).
• For families with kids who love gaming, dinosaurs, or immersive experiences, this has a lot of appeal.

There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind.

• First, the South Lake Union location can be a little tricky if you hit traffic, especially during rush hour.
• The cost adds up quickly for a whole family at $39 per person. And while “Age of Dinosaurs” itself felt more fun and informative than frightening to me, it does include surprise dinosaur appearances and dramatic effects like lightning strikes that could feel intense for kids who scare easily.
• On top of that, not every game at the venue is family-friendly. When we arrived, there was plenty of screaming from players battling zombies in other rooms, which could feel a little jarring for especially sensitive younger kids.

The recommended minimum age is 6, and after taking my three kids, I understand why. Kids need to listen to a few instructions before heading into the game, and it takes a bit to get kids settled into their gear. I will say, though, that the staff was incredibly patient and attentive with my kids.

If you’re looking for an adult-only adventure, I think the zombie VR game would be really fun!

What to Expect When You Go

Even though the game itself lasts about 30 minutes, plan on the visit taking closer to an hour. Arriving about 15 minutes early is a smart move, especially with kids in tow.

Because kids are moving around the room instead of standing still, comfortable shoes are a good idea. I would also recommend lightweight clothing, because the rooms can get warm once everyone is geared up and moving. There are cubbies in the rooms for shoes, bags, and other belongings, which is helpful since you do not want to be juggling extra stuff while getting everyone settled.

One more small but very real parent tip: have everyone use the bathroom before gearing up. The facility does have restrooms and changing tables, but it is much easier to handle that before the headsets and motion trackers are on. And if anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness, taking Dramamine ahead of time might not be a bad idea. If you forget, there is a drugstore right next door.

Location, Hours, and Cost

• Location: Sandbox VR’s Seattle location is at 526 Westlake Ave. N. They also have a Kirkland location at 12675 120th Ave. NE, Ste. 195.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
• Tickets: $39 per guest, and families can book online ahead of time by choosing a date, time, and location.

Real talk: I would avoid rush hour if you can. South Lake Union traffic can be a headache, and parking sometimes requires a little patience. There is a parking garage located behind the building, where we ended up parking for a small fee.

Booking ahead is the simplest option, especially if you want a specific time slot or you are coordinating a larger family group, though walk-ins are welcome. They also host birthday parties, which could be a cool birthday idea for a kiddo who loves dinos.

Other Family-Friendly Things to Do Nearby

If you want to turn the visit into more of a day out, South Lake Union gives you a few easy options.

• The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is nearby and makes a great add-on for families who like hands-on exhibits and a little local history mixed into the day.
• If your family wants food and something playful afterward, Flatstick Pub South Lake Union is right nearby. We love their pizza and mini golf.
• For younger kids who still need to burn off energy, PlayDate SEA is another solid option nearby. The indoor play space currently lists $10 all-day play Monday through Friday and $18 on weekends and holidays, with adults admitted free.

So, is Age of Dinosaurs worth it for families? I would say yes, especially if your kids love dinosaurs, gaming, or trying something that feels genuinely new. It is not the cheapest experience, but it can be a memorable splurge.

Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers.