Safari Land
Rating
Family of 4
Bowling + arcade tokens budget $60-120 for a family of 4 (bowling by lane/game, arcade via token/card purchase).
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 4-16
About
Safari Land in Villa Park has been a Chicago-area family entertainment staple long enough to accumulate 2,124 Google reviews — a volume that reflects consistent use over many years. The formula is proven: combine bowling, video arcade, and redemption games under one roof, and you've got something for every age in a family group.
Located at 701 W North Ave in Villa Park (about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago), this is a western suburbs destination rather than a city visit. Families staying in or near the western suburbs, or making a day trip from downtown Chicago, will find it worth the drive for what it offers.
Bowling with bumpers brings in kids as young as 4-5; the video arcade appeals to tweens and teens; and the redemption games create the universal currency of tickets that all kids immediately want to convert to prizes. The combination keeps mixed-age groups busy without the frustration of half the family being too young or old for the main activity.
At 4.2 stars from a large review count, Safari Land reflects a facility that's good without being exceptional — consistent crowd-pleasing entertainment at fair prices rather than a premium curated experience. Weekday afternoons offer the best combination of value and manageable crowds. Weekend evenings are the busiest period with the longest wait times for bowling lanes.
Opens at noon daily — not an early morning option. Check safarilandfun.com for current pricing on bowling and arcade game cards.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons when school-age kids are still in school. Weekend evenings get very busy. Opens at noon daily — not an early morning option.
Wait Times
Weekdays: little wait. Weekend afternoons/evenings: 15-30 min wait for bowling; arcade generally accessible. Arrive early on weekends.
Nearby Food
Safari Land has on-site food service. Villa Park area has standard chain dining along North Ave for additional options.
Why Kids Love It
Safari Land packages bowling, arcade, and amusement games into one location that keeps a wide age range busy simultaneously — a genuine advantage for families with kids spanning different ages. With 2,124 reviews at 4.2 stars, it has a proven track record over time. Kids old enough for the arcade will gravitate there; younger ones enjoy the bowling with bumpers.
From Reddit Parents
“The young children I've taken there love the fish pond and the play area.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Bowling bumpers make it accessible for kids as young as 4-5.
- The arcade has a mix of redemption games (tickets) and video games — kids tend to heavily prefer the redemption games.
- Located in Villa Park — plan for the 20+ mile drive from downtown Chicago.
- Opens at noon — don't plan a morning visit.
- Check safarilandfun.com for current game card deals and bowling specials.
What to Bring
- Bowling shoes (rentals available), comfortable clothes
- Cash or card for arcade — game cards available at the facility
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Bowling + arcade tokens budget $60-120 for a family of 4 (bowling by lane/game, arcade via token/card purchase).
Food available on site.
Free parking at the Villa Park facility.
Tips to Save
- Weekday afternoon pricing is often cheaper than weekends for bowling.
- Arcade tokens bought in bulk are better value.
- The facility is in Villa Park — about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago; factor in drive time.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 12-9PM
- Monday
- 12-8PM
- Sunday
- 12-9PM
- Tuesday
- 12-8PM
- Saturday
- 12-9PM
- Thursday
- 12-8PM
- Wednesday
- 12-8PM
