Ode to Boda Borg - I have visited twice over the last three weeks and I am dying to go back…. you HAVE to check it out. It is AWESOME.
Boda Borg is the epic team based real-world gaming experience for ages 7 and up. Where guests enter into innovative, mentally and physically challenging, frustrating, rewarding and downright addictive challenges. It is the experience Boda Borg appropriately calls Questing. Lucky for us, the only one in the United States is located less than an hour away in Malden, Massachusetts.
From climbing through gigantic webs in Spider to sheltering from grenades in Platoon to the mysteries of Light and Dark, Quests vary greatly. Each Quest is broken down and color coded: green being the least physical (even grandma could do it - sorry Grandma!), Red moderately physical and Black which is “Ninja Warrior” physical. But don’t be fooled all are challenging in their own way, allowing the most creative mind to be stretched and the most physically fit to be pressed.
Each quest is made up of 3-4 connected rooms - pass the challenge in room one and the door into room two is unlocked. Fail the challenge at any point and exit into the hallway to try again or move onto another challenge. So what is so hard? You have no idea what you are supposed to do. Every challenge has a time limit, things you can’t do and things you must do in order to move on. You will fail, you will fail often, but don’t worry it is expected and it is part of the team building fun.
It is recommended that teams of 3-5 work through a challenge. All challenges require at least 3 people, too many more and you might be considered a tag along. Although there are about 20 Quests, do not be surprised if you only conquer a few on your first visit - It doesn’t matter, you will want to go back to try it again. And oh yes, you will know when a team has finished a Quest - they will be shrieking, jumping for joy and sporting their stamped proof that they were triumphant.
Tips:
* Make a reservation and fill out waiver online. Park in the Jackson Street garage - it is only a block away and Boda Borg will validate your ticket for a discount. Throw your stuff in a locker it’s free.
* Wear sneakers (mandatory) and appropriate clothing.
* Start off with Rats - to avoid total frustration don’t be afraid to ask other “Questers” for clues at least at the beginning. The more you Quest the “easier” it becomes - not really but you will know what I mean.
* Stay all day - only $10 more and believe me you will still want more! They have a Taco Bar (check the hours), drinks and snacks to purchase and a water bubbler with cups (free).
* There is a large lounge area upstairs where you can take a well needed break.
Be patient, remember it’s ok to fail and don’t be afraid to jump up and down for joy when you succeed!
* Visit on a weekday if possible. Weekends can be very busy.
Boda Borg - Boston is located at 90 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148 (781) 321-1081
- Sunday: 10am to 10pm
- Monday: 5pm to 10pm
- Tuesday - Thursday: 10am to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am to Midnight
Pricing:
- Two hours: $18 per person
- As long as you like: $28 per person
I hope to see you there! * For the purpose of this review, I received free admission to Boda Borg for myself and my family. All opinions are my own.
