Mumbai for kids: Time Zone in Vashi

Flashy lights, techno sounds and crowds weaving in and out

Flashy lights, techno sounds and crowds weaving in and out. Time Zone Vashi is resorted to after we reach too late to access Wonderland. A typical franchise with interactive games that kids seem to gravitate towards, Time Zone has something to entertain children for all ages: from slot machines, baby pony rides and ball pool for toddlers to interactive screen fights, 3D rides, air hockey, merry go round rides, a bowling alley, bumper cars, archery and a party zone for a group celebration... the works.

Like all such typical places, the strobe lights and the techno sounds leaves you on a perpetual high and ironically, spaced out. I take a fill of Rs 1,000, and three kids set off to try different games. A friend and me chase them; swipe the card with a game of one child’s choice, and rush to the next kid.

Most games are Rs 55 per turn, on an average. The kids try the Temple Run game (yes after playing it on my phone everyday; they still want to play it here), a transformers’ shooting game where you get to shoot the megatrons; and many neurotic crabs are sledged over and over. Air hockey is a always a thrill, and every slot machine with 3D racing rides is tried. The queue for bumper car rides was too long. We give up.

The fun is the camel race, where six people have to compete to get their camels to race by shooting a ball in slots. According to where the ball went or didn’t, your camel races ahead. The Bowling alley is a big hit with youngsters, as is the archery zone.

However, Time Zone is disappointing. There are machines where you can swipe your card, but the game does not work; plus it is hard to identify and haul an attendant to sort the machine or get an equivalent of a reimbursement.

The rides were a hit among kids

But like all fast food that has zero nutritional value that every child drools over, Time Zone, with its bling and games, has the kids hooked. High-wired after shooting monsters and beating crabs, not a single child wants to leave. But the Rs 1,000 entry, with a free addition of Rs 250 that comes with the card, exhausts in no time, and there is no way I am refilling it.

Rating: 4/5

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