Ode to Boda Borg - My family LOVES Boda Borg! 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. It's a place where guests enter and move through innovative, mentally and physically challenging, frustrating, rewarding and downright addictive challenges, which Boda Borg appropriately calls Questing. Luckily for us, the only one in the United States is located less than an hour away in Malden MA.
From climbing through and exploring Jungle, to sheltering from grenades in Platoon to the mysteries of Light and Dark, Quests vary greatly. Each Quest is 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 2 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 as well as 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; more than 5, 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.
Some tips for your visit:
- Make reservation and fill out the waiver forms online.
- Park in the reasonably priced garage a block away and get your ticket validated.
- Throw your stuff in a locker -- it’s free.
- Go with at least 3 people (mandatory) but ideally not more than 5 in a Quest
- Wear sneakers (mandatory) and appropriate clothing. Knee pads might be smart.
- Start off with Farm or 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 $11 more and believe me you will still want more! They have a cafe, drinks and snacks to purchase (outside food cannot be brought in) and a water bubbler with cups (free).
- There is a large lounge area upstairs where you can take a much-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!
Boda Borg - Boston
90 Pleasant Street
Malden MA 02148
(781) 321-1081
Hours:
Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Monday: 5 PM to 10 PM
Tuesday - Thursday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Friday - Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM (midnight)
Pricing:
Two hours: $22 per person
As long as you like: $33 per person
Wendy and her family were provided with free admission in exchange for this review and no other compensation. All opinions are her own.
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