Downers Grove's Adventure Realm offers virtual gaming, laser tag

DOWNERS GROVE – Once upon a time, businessman Jim Legner attended the Dungeons and Dragons Club at the Downers Grove Public Library when he was in middle school. It was an activity that would have a lasting impact throughout his quest into adulthood.

The Clarendon Hills resident has been involved with family entertainment-based attractions since he opened the fun-house maze Amazing Chicago on Navy Pier 14 years ago. Legner expanded his entertainment enterprise with the newly opened Adventure Realm, an entertainment center where live-action role playing meets virtual gaming.

Lords and ladies of the realm, medieval costumes, magic wands and a Great Hall of Games await all who enter the 23,400-square-foot fantasy kingdom at 2011 63rd St., Downers Grove.

MagiQuest is the heart of the operation. With the aid of a magic wand that may be bought for $15.99 or rented for $1.99, a customer creates their own character before they head out on a series of quests through a medieval-themed maze. The electronic wands retain a customer's character and progress for future visits, which can be used in other MagiQuest locations, such as Great Wolf Lodge.

By waving the wand in front of monitors, customers activate the on-screen animation and have an opportunity to gain powers through magic runes. Eventually, these powers will allow for further quests. There are 20 levels of MagiQuest quests for adventurers to experience.

"Some kids come dressed in costume and decorate their wands," Legner said. "It's really like a Renaissance fair in here."

Additionally, with the wave of the wand in front of a treasure chest, it will open to reveal gold that will be added to the customer's account. A successful quest will offer plenty of these funds to be redeemed at the Marketplace for prizes.

Lords and ladies are available to assist any customer who may need help on their quest.

Another adventure available is Knight's Quest Laser Tag, a 4,200-square-foot multi-level play area that continues the fantasy theme with a dragon mural and castle-like bunkers. A magic wand holder sits next to every laser tag vest to await the adventurer's return.

"We have a staff member called a marshal that walks around to ensure safety protocols are kept," Legner said.

The Great Hall of Games offers more than 20 arcade games that dispense tickets to be redeemed at the Marketplace.

When a break is needed from a quest, The Crooked Cross Bow Inn serves pizza and refreshments. Gluten free pizza is available.

This is the second incarnation of Adventure Realm, having operated in Yorktown Shopping Center for 18 months before closing in September 2011 due to factors including the need for a larger space to add additional attractions and a kitchen, and the desire for higher visibility, according to Emily Bandza, events manager at Adventure Realm.

Adventure Realm opened quietly about week ago, but the formal ribbon cutting was Jan. 20. And, yes, there was a sword used in place of the traditional scissors. Many returning customers have already found them, however, and Legner welcomes them and new customers wholeheartedly into his kingdom.

"We get a lot of kids who come here because they can be who they want to be here," Legner said. "It's a great adventure, and we are looking forward to it."

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If you go

What: Adventure Realm is a live action, virtual gaming center that also offers Knight's Quest Laser Tag and the Great Hall of Games arcade.

Where: 2011 W. 63rd St., Downers Grove

Hours: Monday to Thursday: 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday: 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Info: 331-777-4344, www.advrealm.com