New Arcade Will Make You Sweat In Baltimore County

Activate is now open in The Avenue at White Marsh in the former Pier 1 Imports space. The business spans over 10,000 square feet and has about 15 employees.

“White Marsh is a vibrant, growing community and a hub for shopping and entertainment in the Baltimore area,” Activate Co-Founder and CEO Adam Schmidt told Patch in a statement. “The Avenue at White Marsh, in particular, offers an ideal environment for experiential destinations like Activate – it’s accessible, family-friendly and a regional draw. We saw a great opportunity to introduce our high-energy, social gaming concept to a dynamic audience here.”

Activate bills itself as “the world’s first active gaming facility.”

“Activate is more than just gaming–it’s a social and active experience designed to bring people together through challenge and play,” Schmidt said. “Our concept appeals to families, friend groups and team-building events alike. With our ever-evolving games and commitment to innovation, every visit feels new.”

When Patch visited Activate, groups of children and adults were partaking in the games. Competitors were sweaty and energetic, scurrying between the fast-paced challenges. The rooms were dark and lit with ambient rainbow strip lights.

Players can compete in 13 different game rooms, all designed to move their feet and test their communication and coordination.

Gamers can tackle Mega Laser, a room where they dodge 180 straight and diagonal lasers, three thermal cameras and five arcade blasters.

There’s also Press, where competitors complete challenges by pressing 452 light-up buttons with 1,356 total LED lights.

For a twist on dodgeball, check out Strike and throw balls at a wall with 32 HD monitors and 66 touch-sensitive screens.

Among other challenges, there are also variations of basketball and hide and seek.

“Guests can expect an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of digital gaming with real-world action,” Schmidt said. “Each group enters high-tech game rooms—like the TikTok-famous Mega Grid or Strike—where walls, floors and lights react in real time to their movements. With RFID wristbands that track progress and unlock achievements, players can choose between cooperative or competitive modes. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, there’s always something new to discover thanks to the constantly updated games and levels.”

All games last one to three minutes. There is a live ranking board for teams to compare their scores to other players.

Teams consist of two to five players. Groups with more than five can split up or mix with smaller teams playing at the same time.

Walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability.

Admission is $25 plus tax per player from Mondays through Thursdays. Tickets are $30 plus tax per player from Fridays through Sundays and on holidays.

Sessions last 75 minutes. An extra 30 minutes can be purchased for $15.

“Adam and Megan Schmidt, owners of one of Canada’s most successful escape room businesses, saw a need for an active gaming concept with replayable elements,” Activate’s website says. “What started as a vision, working nights in their backyard shed, redirecting their creative teams, and dedicating countless nights, led to perfecting the world’s first active gaming facility – Activate.”

Activate now has locations in 13 countries. There are 29 locations in the United States. Another 20 are opening soon in the U.S.

“Activate has been on an exciting growth trajectory since launching in 2017,” Schmidt said. “We’ve become the fastest-growing entertainment company of our kind, with over 40 locations across North America, the UK and Dubai. In 2025 alone, we’re expanding into several European markets, including France, Germany, Norway and Denmark. Our goal is to make Activate a go-to destination for immersive, active gaming around the world.”

Activate White Marsh, which opened this April, is located at 8165-A Honeygo Blvd. Its phone number is 410-497-6230.

The facility’s hours are:

• Sunday through Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Customers can learn more and book their timeslot at playactivate.com/baltimorewhitemarsh. Gamers can also follow Activate on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

• Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap