When you and the family want to get out and have some fun but the weather isn’t cooperating, the next best thing is to spend an afternoon playing inside. Head to Kearney’s Big Apple Fun Center for a fun day indoors that doesn’t involve board games or endless movies. And we bet you won’t hear anyone complain about being bored all day once they see the massive indoor playground and other adventurous activities!
Big Apple Fun Center is hard to miss with the big red apple jutting out from the roof. When we call this place “massive,” we mean it - more than 50,000 square feet of adventure is awaiting inside.
Philip Earsley/Google Reviews
There is, of course, an arcade containing a wide selection of games. They vary in target age, with something to entertain kids through adults.
Arizona Brooks/Google Reviews Laser tag is also an option if you and your group need to run off some energy. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hiding behind an obstacle, only to jump out and shoot a close friend with a laser gun.
For the littlest of visitors, there’s Ballocity. The three-level padded play course is meant to inspire exploration, and it’s big enough to let parents come in to play as well.
Lucia Avitia/Google Reviews
Over in the bowling alley, there are 36 lanes to enjoy. You can join or form your own league or simply show up during open bowling hours. But if you come after 10 pm Thursday-Saturday, you can experience the wild experience that is Cosmic Bowling.
Big Apple Kearney Nebraska/Facebook The regular lights go out, the black lights come on, the music is turned way up, and laser lights dance on the walls. The lanes themselves glow in the dark, and there’s even a haze machine.
Treat yourself to a game of miniature golf on the Cosmic course. The course is alive with glow paint and black lights to make the colorful art come to life.
Emily Kenny/Google Reviews The Big Apple in Nebraska will delight you with a unique experience as you play through the underwater, pirate, and jungle areas - and be ready for some (mildly) scary surprises!
What would a fun center be without go-karts? There’s an outdoor course with gasoline-powered karts, or you can opt to stay inside and drive on the indoor course with electric karts.
Big Apple Kearney Nebraska/Facebook The outdoor track is only open seasonally, so call to be sure that it’s up and running before you go.
Two of Big Apple’s most remarkable features are the 7D Theater and the Hyperdeck. These immersive experiences are like nothing else in Kearney - and possibly Nebraska.
Jason McClellan/Google Reviews The 7D theater provides an immersive environment where you’ll take a virtual journey while sitting in an amusement-park-type seat. The seating area moves with the motion on the screen, where a film made especially for the 7D theater takes you on a wild ride.Take a closer look at the Big Apple Fun Center’s 7D theater in this quick video - doesn’t that look amazing?
The Hyperdeck is another futuristic attraction that you’ve got to try. The four-player virtual reality setup features awesome games along with a multi-sensory environment that adds up to an incredible experience.
Big Apple Kearney Nebraska/Facebook People watching from outside the Hyperdeck can even give little in-game gifts to players. If you love gaming but haven’t had the chance to try a real VR game yet, check it out here.
When you need some snacks to refuel, head over to the Big Apple Sports Bar & Grill. In keeping with the fun center’s theme of “biggest and best,” this sports bar is one of the largest in the state. It serves typical bowling-alley fare like burgers, pizza, and a wide selection of deep-fried appetizers.
Katarina Auer/Google Reviews This is where you can also play pool, shuffleboard, or darts. If you’re into keno or pickle boards (and old enough to play), you can indulge in those games, too. And don’t forget about the massive collection of screens where you can cheer on your favorite pro and college teams. Of course, being a bar and grill, there are plenty of drinks on the menu.
In addition to all of the fun above, Big Apple offers two outdoor sand volleyball courts. You can even have your next party or event there; with plenty of packages to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your group and your budget. Visit Big Apple Fun Center on its website or find this locally-owned Kearney business on Facebook.
Philip Earsley/Google Reviews
Arizona Brooks/Google Reviews
Laser tag is also an option if you and your group need to run off some energy. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hiding behind an obstacle, only to jump out and shoot a close friend with a laser gun.
Lucia Avitia/Google Reviews
Big Apple Kearney Nebraska/Facebook
The regular lights go out, the black lights come on, the music is turned way up, and laser lights dance on the walls. The lanes themselves glow in the dark, and there’s even a haze machine.
Emily Kenny/Google Reviews
The Big Apple in Nebraska will delight you with a unique experience as you play through the underwater, pirate, and jungle areas - and be ready for some (mildly) scary surprises!
The outdoor track is only open seasonally, so call to be sure that it’s up and running before you go.
Jason McClellan/Google Reviews
The 7D theater provides an immersive environment where you’ll take a virtual journey while sitting in an amusement-park-type seat. The seating area moves with the motion on the screen, where a film made especially for the 7D theater takes you on a wild ride.Take a closer look at the Big Apple Fun Center’s 7D theater in this quick video - doesn’t that look amazing?
People watching from outside the Hyperdeck can even give little in-game gifts to players. If you love gaming but haven’t had the chance to try a real VR game yet, check it out here.
Katarina Auer/Google Reviews
This is where you can also play pool, shuffleboard, or darts. If you’re into keno or pickle boards (and old enough to play), you can indulge in those games, too. And don’t forget about the massive collection of screens where you can cheer on your favorite pro and college teams. Of course, being a bar and grill, there are plenty of drinks on the menu.
Have you been to Big Apple in Kearney, NE? Share your favorite part with a comment. Then, check out the biggest activity center in any Nebraska state park in this article.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Big Apple Fun Center, 500 W 4th St, Kearney, NE 68845, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
More indoor activities in Nebraska January 15, 2023 Chris Muras What is the best indoor playground in Nebraska? Nebraska has some pretty impressive indoor playgrounds. Perhaps the best is the Big Apple Fun Center in Kearney. However, the indoor playground at Mahoney State Park is also pretty amazing. Here is a list of some of the best indoor playgrounds in Nebraska to check out:
Big Apple Fun Center, Kearney, NE E.T. Mahoney State Park Activity Center, Ashland, NE Lost In Fun!, Lincoln, NE Ruff House, Fremont, NE BounceU, Omaha, NE Backyard Playworld, Gretna, NE Jumpin Jax, Papillion, NE
Are there any trampoline parks in Nebraska? Nebraska does have several nice trampoline parks for some indoor jumping fun. Many of these adventure centers also have other features like obstacle courses or ninja warrior courses. Here is a list of the best trampoline parks in Nebraska:
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Omaha, NE Altitude Trampoline Park, Omaha, NE Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Lincoln, NE Spring City Indoor Trampoline Park, Grand Island, NE Madhouse Experience, Lincoln, NE
What is there to do in Nebraska with kids? If you are looking for fun things to do with kids on a rainy day, Nebraska will not let you down. From trampoline parks to climbing walls, and even fun interactive museums. Here are a few fun things to do with kids in Nebraska:
Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha, NE Riverside Discovery Center, Scottsbluff, NE Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE Approach Climbing Gym, Omaha, NE MW Climbing, Lincoln, NE Sun Valley Lanes & Games, Lincoln, NE
The OIYS Visitor Center
More indoor activities in Nebraska
January 15, 2023
Chris Muras
What is the best indoor playground in Nebraska? Nebraska has some pretty impressive indoor playgrounds. Perhaps the best is the Big Apple Fun Center in Kearney. However, the indoor playground at Mahoney State Park is also pretty amazing. Here is a list of some of the best indoor playgrounds in Nebraska to check out:
Big Apple Fun Center, Kearney, NE E.T. Mahoney State Park Activity Center, Ashland, NE Lost In Fun!, Lincoln, NE Ruff House, Fremont, NE BounceU, Omaha, NE Backyard Playworld, Gretna, NE Jumpin Jax, Papillion, NE
Are there any trampoline parks in Nebraska? Nebraska does have several nice trampoline parks for some indoor jumping fun. Many of these adventure centers also have other features like obstacle courses or ninja warrior courses. Here is a list of the best trampoline parks in Nebraska:
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Omaha, NE Altitude Trampoline Park, Omaha, NE Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Lincoln, NE Spring City Indoor Trampoline Park, Grand Island, NE Madhouse Experience, Lincoln, NE
What is there to do in Nebraska with kids? If you are looking for fun things to do with kids on a rainy day, Nebraska will not let you down. From trampoline parks to climbing walls, and even fun interactive museums. Here are a few fun things to do with kids in Nebraska:
Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha, NE Riverside Discovery Center, Scottsbluff, NE Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE Approach Climbing Gym, Omaha, NE MW Climbing, Lincoln, NE Sun Valley Lanes & Games, Lincoln, NE
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Nebraska has some pretty impressive indoor playgrounds. Perhaps the best is the Big Apple Fun Center in Kearney. However, the indoor playground at Mahoney State Park is also pretty amazing. Here is a list of some of the best indoor playgrounds in Nebraska to check out:
- Big Apple Fun Center, Kearney, NE
- E.T. Mahoney State Park Activity Center, Ashland, NE
- Lost In Fun!, Lincoln, NE
- Ruff House, Fremont, NE
- BounceU, Omaha, NE
- Backyard Playworld, Gretna, NE
- Jumpin Jax, Papillion, NE
Are there any trampoline parks in Nebraska?
Nebraska does have several nice trampoline parks for some indoor jumping fun. Many of these adventure centers also have other features like obstacle courses or ninja warrior courses. Here is a list of the best trampoline parks in Nebraska:
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Omaha, NE
- Altitude Trampoline Park, Omaha, NE
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Lincoln, NE
- Spring City Indoor Trampoline Park, Grand Island, NE
- Madhouse Experience, Lincoln, NE
What is there to do in Nebraska with kids?
If you are looking for fun things to do with kids on a rainy day, Nebraska will not let you down. From trampoline parks to climbing walls, and even fun interactive museums. Here are a few fun things to do with kids in Nebraska:
- Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha, NE
- Riverside Discovery Center, Scottsbluff, NE
- Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE
- Approach Climbing Gym, Omaha, NE
- MW Climbing, Lincoln, NE
- Sun Valley Lanes & Games, Lincoln, NE