The ongoing you-know-what has put a dent in just about every facet of our lives. It has not only taken aim at our personal health, but also our finances, personal security and social well-being. Even though the local business community has taken some devastating hits, it’s always inspiring to see merchants who are willing and able to dig in their heels, even if that means temporarily closing their doors.
One great case in point is Blast Off!, one of the region’s most popular locally-owned family entertainment centers. Like many local businesses owners, Blast Off!’s Robert and Dena Goody had to weigh the challenges of remaining open — assuming that would even be an option — and navigating the inevitable hardships of closing down.
“We were in a good place financially before it hit, which helped,” Dena said. “We even had plans for a new house, but of course we had to put that on hold.”
As of January, Blast Off’s doors were still closed for regular business hours, but the Goodys say they are poised to open as the public health crisis passes.
Now entering its 25th year in business, the family fun center has become a well-known staple in affordable family entertainment. Strategically designed for all kinds of festive group and family activities, it offers a full suite of indoor play structures and amenities, arcade games, a climbing wall, mini golf and an impressive setup for laser tag.
The latter feature is a state-of-the-art system that has proven to be an especially popular attraction at the center. Upgraded in 2013, Blast Off!’s laser tag can accommodate up to 18 players at a time. It offers multiple games and has the ability to change colors — giving the option of more than two teams simultaneously.
“The laser itself is a brilliant green color and no longer just ‘boring’ red,” Dena Goody told us after the system’s launch. “We are excited about the reaction our patrons have taken to the game. They love it!”
The original idea for Blast Off! in Idaho Falls was conceived after Robert and Dena had returned from living in Boise. They quickly realized a need for more activities for kids, beginning with an indoor playground, laser tag, arcade and a snack bar. A year later, they added glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. A year after that, they installed a rock-climbing feature.
According to Dena, they soon realized that it made sense to expand with more activities that would attract a broader range of age groups. Along the way, they also realized the business was a great idea for their own family, as it provided “a great experience for the kids to grow up learning to work with other employees, learning new skills and still work with the family” all in one setting, she said. (As another money and time saver, it also alleviated the need for daycare.)
Blast Off! can accommodate small and large groups—up to 800 people. Occasions run the gamut from birthdays to, sports teams, company parties, family reunions and even baby showers. The 20,000 sq. ft. facility is located at 1980 N. Yellowstone.
For more information, call 208-535-0500 or visit www.blastoff2fun.com.