An afternoon at F1 Arcade in Birmingham: Fun for the Whole Family

Author: Lavania - @the_amazing_adventures_of_me

If you're on the hunt for an exciting, family-friendly outing this summer, look no further than F1 Arcade Birmingham. Nestled in the heart of the city, in Paradise Birmingham, this venue is more than just an arcade - it's an experience that both kids and adults can thoroughly enjoy.

We have four cousins aged between 7-12 and it can be quite challenging finding an engaging activity that they all want to participate in together, yet F1 Arcade ticks all the boxes. This adrenaline-fuelled venue offers packages for different group sizes and a variety of racing modes in a simulator racing experience like no other, making it ideal for both small and large gatherings. With the Kids Eat Free offer running throughout the summer holidays, there's never been a better time to visit. Here's a glimpse into our recent family trip to F1 Arcade.

Racing for All Ages

One of the standout features of F1 Arcade is its inclusivity. Whether you're 7 or 72, a die-hard F1 fan, or someone who's never watched a race, the full-motion racing simulators are designed to offer a thrilling grand prix experience for everyone. The state-of-the-art simulators, equipped with huge screens and a full range of motion, put you right in the driver's seat of an F1 car with outstanding audio-visual effects, it's as close to a real track you can get! I was actually quite surprised as to how realistic it all felt, with juddering when I went off track and tilting around corners it was fully immersive.

We opted for the team racing experience, which costs £15.95 per head. Our group of six was split into two teams of three and engaged in head-to-head races. Each simulator had twelve races programmed in. The simulators offer a choice of different skill levels, ensuring that even the youngest members of our group could participate comfortably. The seats are adjustable just like a car seat is and there is also the option to control the accelerator and brakes from the steering paddle. Team members offered a warm welcome and gave us an introduction to all of the mechanics. Cushion pads were also made available to help the little racer of the group reach the pedals. Before each race the simulators gave tutorials and guidance too - audio plays through the headrest with some valuable hints and tips.

We each had four races, I think the simulators were smart, in that they switched out who was going head to head based on our skill after the first race. The experience took us on a journey trying out different iconic F1 tracks making the experience varied and exciting. Especially for the F1 fans of our group. You also gain points throughout, based on a variety of in game actions, (not just through winning). So it did get really competitive but in a fun and exciting way. By the end, the winners in our group were rewarded with 300 "Arcadians" each – a form of currency that can be redeemed for various in-venue games and rewards.

More Than Just Racing

Beyond the thrilling racing experience, F1 Arcade offers a fabulous social environment. The venue itself exudes a chic and sophisticated vibe, complete with a stunning feature cocktail bar and even a full-sized F1 car mounted on the ceiling! On our visit, the massive TV screens were showing Olympics coverage live, and they also (I’m told) show other major sporting events so that’s handy to know of you want a place to enjoy the next Lewis Hamilton race on a big screen.

The venue's decor and amenities, including glamorous toilets, give it an upscale feel that makes it perfect for a special family day out. If you're thinking of a special treat day out this summer holiday, or perhaps planning a birthday party then this would be perfect. Children are allowed in the venue until 8pm when accompanied by an adult.

Exceptional Food and the Kids Eat Free Offer

F1 Arcade isn’t just about the racing; the food here definitely deserves a mention. The menu of crowd-pleasers is reasonably priced and offers a wide variety of options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. This summer, from now until 30th August, kids eat free with every adult meal purchased. The children’s menu includes outstanding food favourites like pizza, pasta, chicken, and burgers, while adults can enjoy delicious flatbreads, salads, and sharers. There are also offers on unlimited drink refills, ensuring that everyone stays refreshed and the option to add ice cream to round of your meal.

During our visit, Arlo gave the pepperoni pizza a big thumbs up! The table service was impeccable, making the dining experience all the more enjoyable. We were particularly impressed by how the venue manages to cater to both children and adults, ensuring that everyone has a great time.

Extra Fun with the React Wall

After racing and dining, we spent our "Arcadians" on the React Wall – an interactive in-venue game that tests your reaction times. Your arcadians are made available on the F1 arcade hub and the team showed me how to set up an account and earn some extra currency too. This was a fun way to round off our visit and added an extra layer of excitement and competition to the day.

Perfect for Family Outings

F1 Arcade is perfect for family outings, providing an experience that everyone can enjoy together. It’s a place where both kids and adults can have fun, making it a great choice for a special treat day in the city. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and entertaining way to spend time with family during the school holidays. Plus, with the Kids Eat Free offer, it’s an excellent value too.

So, if you're looking for a fun-filled day that the whole family can enjoy, head over to F1 Arcade in Birmingham. Whether you're racing, dining, or playing interactive games, there's something for everyone. Who knows, it might even inspire the next Susie Wolff in your family!

For more information and to book your visit, check out the details on the website and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure. The combination of thrilling simulator racing experiences, world-class food, and a vibrant social atmosphere makes F1 Arcade the ultimate fun experience in Birmingham.