We have all seen it before. You know, the huge building on North Roan beckoning you to indulge your inner child. What you drive by everyday is Fun Expedition, a new addition to Johnson City which opened this summer to a frenzy of visitors from outside the area. Now that the summer tournaments have ended, it is the perfect time to visit and see what the big deal is.
I myself had the good fortune to see what all the hype was about this past weekend. When I walked in with my eyes wide, I tried to take everything in. Fortunately for me I was greeted by the friendly customer service staff that helped me sort out all the different packages I could purchase.
You have the option of going with several different deals such as the hour of unlimited non-redemption arcade, batting cages, climbing wall, and two attractions of your choice for $13.99 or for $24.99 you can receive all of that plus two more attractions.
There’s also the Ultimate Fun Package which consists of two hour unlimited non-redemption arcade, batting cages, climbing wall, three attractions, and $10 for the redemption arcade. The redemption arcade games give you telectronic credits which are traded for prizes similar to the oh so familiar Chuck. E. Cheese.
Now to the actual fun part, the package I chose was the one hour unlimited arcade games plus two attractions. At first I was worried that since I’m not exactly a video game aficionado that I would be stuck twiddling my thumbs for about 50 minutes.
In all actuality, I was far from the truth in my assumption. I ended up being completely immersed in this James Bond game not only wishing that I was a spy in real life, but for more time to play the games.
I really enjoyed Mario Kart and this percussion game which was actually more fun to watch other people play. A white person trying to stay on beat is always amusing.
After my hour was up, my group headed off to laser tag. I was actually pretty excited about his endeavor. I walked into a multi-level laser tag fortress that reminded me of the movie “Tron” with its glow in the dark interior. Even though I was not exactly on my A-game, I had fun attempting to shoot lasers at people. Next time I might even be daring enough to try out a stealth roll.
Later on I opted to try out the mini-golf course. While on the course not only was I struck by its religious themes but also the fact that mini golf is the great equalizer. On one hole I had four strokes and then the next a hole in one.
Also, nothing tests a person’s temper more than their putting game. I guess the religious aesthetic is there to help curb any kind of extreme anger.
Besides laser tag and mini golf, Fun Expedition has an indoor and outdoor go cart track, bumper cars, and mini-bowling which you can choose for your attractions.
All in all, I had a great time. Again, I am not much for arcade games but even I had fun with it.
Fun Expedition is perfect for group outings, even for a birthday party. I know you are thinking that as college students we are too old for that sort of thing, but that is actually why I went there and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
Who would not want to be reminded of a time where your low score in laser tag was a major concern? I rather liked being in that state of mind for a little while. Therefore, my advice is to check it out for yourself and while you are there stop by the Box Car Caf if you get hungry.
Being a kid again sure worked up my appetite.
If you’re interested, Fun Expedition is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Monday thru Thursday and from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night. For more information call 423-929-2FUN or check them out on the Web at www.funexpedition.com.

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