The annual hangout with my active July baby was delayed this year. Between my post-vacay exhaustion, unpredictable work transitions, conflicting work schedules, and general life matters, the event was eventually postponed well after the conclusion of summer and fall.
With temperatures hovering around the freezing mark, there were few outdoor activities of interest to us. And no, I wasn't about to pursue snowboarding - followed by three consecutive days of pain - on a whim again.
With temperatures hovering around the freezing mark, there were few outdoor activities of interest to us. And no, I wasn't about to pursue snowboarding - followed by three consecutive days of pain - on a whim again.
I stole the idea of Activate from friends of the sleepy polar bear, then later realized that each booking required a minimum of three people. (Alternatively, groups of two could book as three, but the games would prove more challenging and the three-person admission rate would still apply.) Naturally, we sought the schedule availability of the sleepy polar bear and friends.
Our booking had initially been made for the Burlington location, then modified to the Brampton outpost given the array of events taking place on the weekend. As the neighbourhood lacked restaurants of interest though, I proposed a mid-day meal at Yum's Kitchen before venturing northeast.
Our booking had initially been made for the Burlington location, then modified to the Brampton outpost given the array of events taking place on the weekend. As the neighbourhood lacked restaurants of interest though, I proposed a mid-day meal at Yum's Kitchen before venturing northeast.
My first order of business was to rectify the incorrect number of points awarded to me. The lady behind the counter deferred my concerns to one of the co-owners, urging me to reach out via phone. I received a response of acknowledgement in record time, and my points were added to my account six days later.
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Since my last dine-in visit, the eatery has invested in an order number calling system by the food preparation area. Ideal for periods of high visitor volume, order numbers are announced audibly throughout the dining floor and visibly by a digital display.
Our duo of Grilled Pork Steamed Baos were delivered first. Loaded generously into an unthinkably plush casing were marinaded, grilled meat, carrot slaw, and a few vibrant sprigs of cilantro. Tearing into the bao wrappers, I couldn't suppress my enthusiasm at its lush, satisfying texture.
Readiness of the Grilled Chicken Fresh Rolls was announced a few moments later, adopting a presentation akin to I Love Pho, but bearing a profile distinctly inferior. While I was appreciative of the sauce being less invasive than my go-to pho place of the year, its constituents were largely bland and the wrapper tough instead of tender.
Our duo of Grilled Pork Steamed Baos were delivered first. Loaded generously into an unthinkably plush casing were marinaded, grilled meat, carrot slaw, and a few vibrant sprigs of cilantro. Tearing into the bao wrappers, I couldn't suppress my enthusiasm at its lush, satisfying texture.
Readiness of the Grilled Chicken Fresh Rolls was announced a few moments later, adopting a presentation akin to I Love Pho, but bearing a profile distinctly inferior. While I was appreciative of the sauce being less invasive than my go-to pho place of the year, its constituents were largely bland and the wrapper tough instead of tender.
Neither of us were satisfied with the portions, but my fellow July baby had another suggestion beyond Yum's small snack plates.
In the T&T plaza, where ShareTea and BlackBall had once occupied, a new contender for bubble tea had appeared. From Hero Tea's online platform, a White Peach Oolong Milk Tea w/ tapioca and cream-topped Mountainous White Peach Tea were ordered. Both drinks were ready for pickup at the time of arrival, but I paused to peer at the new interior.
And thankfully I did, for my White Peach Oolong Milk Tea was horrendously astringent at 0% sugar, resulting in an unpleasant aftertaste on the tongue. The beverage was gladly reconstructed with boost in sugar level. Even at 30% sugar though, the tea was still on the mild end, but tapioca compensated for sweetness.
In the T&T plaza, where ShareTea and BlackBall had once occupied, a new contender for bubble tea had appeared. From Hero Tea's online platform, a White Peach Oolong Milk Tea w/ tapioca and cream-topped Mountainous White Peach Tea were ordered. Both drinks were ready for pickup at the time of arrival, but I paused to peer at the new interior.
And thankfully I did, for my White Peach Oolong Milk Tea was horrendously astringent at 0% sugar, resulting in an unpleasant aftertaste on the tongue. The beverage was gladly reconstructed with boost in sugar level. Even at 30% sugar though, the tea was still on the mild end, but tapioca compensated for sweetness.
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Joined by the sleepy polar bear, we then headed towards Brampton City Hall. Much like in Mississauga, parking in the City Hall garage was free on weekends. The lot enabled easy access to the seasonal light fixtures just before the municipal building, as well as Gage Park, which had yet to be transformed into a rink.
Braving the gusty breezes, we began our trek towards the Alderlea building, which was only visible after rounding the residential corner of Wellington and Elizabeth. Within the building was an artist market, complete with free postcards and a button-making station in the foyer.
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Vendor tables had been arranged in the adjacent rooms, each featuring a local Brampton artist. The various works spanned illustrations, paintings, accessories, and even quilted creations.
The sleepy polar bear finally succeeded in obtaining a stocking ($20 for a quilted design featuring a snowman), while my fellow July baby acquired several tissue holders at three dollars each. I had also picked up a sticker sheet (to be gifted, of course). Time was running short, however, for our Activate booking awaited. The button-making station was skipped amidst the rush.
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We did not depart the parking garage until 2:43 PM, though our booking had been made for 2:45 PM. My greatest fear was being stripped of play time, as Pursuit had done, due to a tardy arrival. Tensions were high in the vehicle as I sped about the asphalt lot in search of parking.
Once inside though, we realized that the situation was significantly more flexible than we had thought. Rather than adhering to our booking slot, gameplay would commence once each player "tapped in" with their player profile. The sleepy polar bear's friend was running late, so we could have waited to start. However, I was adamant that we should enter first, as there were follow-up activities afterwards.
Once inside though, we realized that the situation was significantly more flexible than we had thought. Rather than adhering to our booking slot, gameplay would commence once each player "tapped in" with their player profile. The sleepy polar bear's friend was running late, so we could have waited to start. However, I was adamant that we should enter first, as there were follow-up activities afterwards.
Beyond the glass double doors was a check-in desk, where we were made aware of general protocols and provided an introduction to Activate. Payment was obtained and wristband were provided for locker use and game room entry. Being the franchise's newest location, facilities were bright and new. From the lockers to the wrist bands to the white walls of the establishment, all was squeaky clean and free of streaks. Just as with Go Place, the locker key adopted the form of a wristband whose scan-able surface matched that of the locker door. Mirrorless change rooms were situated within proximity to the lockers, while washrooms - which bore a strikingly similar appearance to Walmart's layout - were found closer to the game area and water refill station.
Compared to Pursuit, there were far fewer images of Activate circulating online. From my research results, I deduced some form of activity paired with LED lights and the potential premise of an escape room (wherein players could not exit until all hurdles had been surpassed).
In actuality, Activate was a collection of rooms. There were, at a minimum, eight different types of rooms in the building, each equipped with three to six game modules for selection. Though I am uncertain as to the specific number of rooms available, there were at least three of each type.
Compared to Pursuit, there were far fewer images of Activate circulating online. From my research results, I deduced some form of activity paired with LED lights and the potential premise of an escape room (wherein players could not exit until all hurdles had been surpassed).
In actuality, Activate was a collection of rooms. There were, at a minimum, eight different types of rooms in the building, each equipped with three to six game modules for selection. Though I am uncertain as to the specific number of rooms available, there were at least three of each type.
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Compared to Pursuit, there were far fewer images of Activate circulating online. From my research results, I deduced some form of activity paired with LED lights and the potential premise of an escape room (wherein players could not exit until all hurdles had been surpassed). In actuality, Activate was a collection of rooms. There were, at a minimum, eight different types of rooms in the building, each equipped with three to six game modules for selection. Though I am uncertain as to the specific number of rooms available, there were at least three of each type.
MegaGrid
Assuming the closest spot to the door, MegaGrid was a spacious, rectangular room fitted with a grid of LED panels beneath one's feet. In this room, we matched shapes by stepping on them, then quickly to the "safe" zone before the timer ran out. Another module had us scrambling about stepping on coloured tiles, pausing just before the timer counted down to 1 second, then continuing with a different colour. If enough points were secured, players could continue onto the next level by pressing a green flashing button. Auditory instructions were played throughout each game, in every single room.
Hide
Hide was a square-shaped room with a central pillar and buttons distributed across all four walls. There were a total of six games to played, either with numbers, letters, or colours. Racing against the clock, we were to press the buttons corresponding to numbers in ascending order, avoiding periods where the room flashed red. There were other games that involved forming words with the letters available (first three-letter words, then four-letter, then five-letter, and so on), completing word searches with letters on the walls, and running towards illuminated buttons of different colours. Personally, I found the word-forming game the most intriguing, for letters would become unavailable after each round.
Consistent across all game modules was the element of difficulty in seeing beyond the central pillar. Hide games were best played with four people, maximizing teamwork to achieve success.
Hoops
As its name indicated, five hoops and an abundance of basketballs could be found in this room. Above each hoop was a different colour: royal blue, yellow, green, magenta, and red. We attempted Simon Says and Trivia. The first would involve scoring in hoops corresponding to the colour sequence played on the screen; the latter tested one's general knowledge, prompting players to score in the hoop corresponding to the correct multiple choice answer. Hoops was undeniably one of the less physically demanding rooms in the facility, but thoroughly tested brainpower and hand-eye coordination.
d with an "Under Maintenance" sign.
MegaGrid
Assuming the closest spot to the door, MegaGrid was a spacious, rectangular room fitted with a grid of LED panels beneath one's feet. In this room, we matched shapes by stepping on them, then quickly to the "safe" zone before the timer ran out. Another module had us scrambling about stepping on coloured tiles, pausing just before the timer counted down to 1 second, then continuing with a different colour. If enough points were secured, players could continue onto the next level by pressing a green flashing button. Auditory instructions were played throughout each game, in every single room.
Hide
Hide was a square-shaped room with a central pillar and buttons distributed across all four walls. There were a total of six games to played, either with numbers, letters, or colours. Racing against the clock, we were to press the buttons corresponding to numbers in ascending order, avoiding periods where the room flashed red. There were other games that involved forming words with the letters available (first three-letter words, then four-letter, then five-letter, and so on), completing word searches with letters on the walls, and running towards illuminated buttons of different colours. Personally, I found the word-forming game the most intriguing, for letters would become unavailable after each round.
Consistent across all game modules was the element of difficulty in seeing beyond the central pillar. Hide games were best played with four people, maximizing teamwork to achieve success.
Hoops
As its name indicated, five hoops and an abundance of basketballs could be found in this room. Above each hoop was a different colour: royal blue, yellow, green, magenta, and red. We attempted Simon Says and Trivia. The first would involve scoring in hoops corresponding to the colour sequence played on the screen; the latter tested one's general knowledge, prompting players to score in the hoop corresponding to the correct multiple choice answer. Hoops was undeniably one of the less physically demanding rooms in the facility, but thoroughly tested brainpower and hand-eye coordination.
d with an "Under Maintenance" sign.
Target (?)
There was similar room filled with palm-sized, water-filled plastic balls. We played one module in this room, tossing the balls at targets as they illuminated. It felt quite similar to the clown game I frequented at Playdium, and I quickly lost interest. Furthermore, water-filled balls contributed weight and resistance, hindering speed in the process.
Climb
Equipped with a rock climbing wall - with admittedly very forgiving holds - the room provided modules for players to traverse across the wall one by one without touching the floor (speed and coordination) and a static variation of whack-a-mole, in which players would cling to the holds while touching the ones that flashed blue. This room was a true test of core control and coordination.
Cooperative
The sleepy polar bear's unrivalled favourite, the Cooperative room utilized lasers for both Kim Possible action and target shooting. A couple of the games utilized laser configurations, either having players jump and duck underneath them while traversing to the other side of the room, or remain within a restricted area while avoiding a singular travelling ray. The shooting games were accessed from a different door, but I was quick to dismiss repetitive attempts due to augmenting wrist pain.
Pipe
A peculiar space filled with staggered walls of pipes, we were to determine the "odd one out" in terms of light configurations and thread the ball through. The format was quite confusing, so we only played one round.
?
Of our final module picks, I led the way to a room with a multitude of coloured LEDS. The game involved locating the exact configuration of lights between three walls. Despite being fun at Level 1, the next level immediately became challenging. Furthermore, the brilliance and close proximity of the LEDs had my eyes tiring quicker than all other rooms.
Control
I passed by a room named Control, but it was dimmed and labelled with an "Under Maintenance" sign.
There was similar room filled with palm-sized, water-filled plastic balls. We played one module in this room, tossing the balls at targets as they illuminated. It felt quite similar to the clown game I frequented at Playdium, and I quickly lost interest. Furthermore, water-filled balls contributed weight and resistance, hindering speed in the process.
Climb
Equipped with a rock climbing wall - with admittedly very forgiving holds - the room provided modules for players to traverse across the wall one by one without touching the floor (speed and coordination) and a static variation of whack-a-mole, in which players would cling to the holds while touching the ones that flashed blue. This room was a true test of core control and coordination.
Cooperative
The sleepy polar bear's unrivalled favourite, the Cooperative room utilized lasers for both Kim Possible action and target shooting. A couple of the games utilized laser configurations, either having players jump and duck underneath them while traversing to the other side of the room, or remain within a restricted area while avoiding a singular travelling ray. The shooting games were accessed from a different door, but I was quick to dismiss repetitive attempts due to augmenting wrist pain.
Pipe
A peculiar space filled with staggered walls of pipes, we were to determine the "odd one out" in terms of light configurations and thread the ball through. The format was quite confusing, so we only played one round.
?
Of our final module picks, I led the way to a room with a multitude of coloured LEDS. The game involved locating the exact configuration of lights between three walls. Despite being fun at Level 1, the next level immediately became challenging. Furthermore, the brilliance and close proximity of the LEDs had my eyes tiring quicker than all other rooms.
Control
I passed by a room named Control, but it was dimmed and labelled with an "Under Maintenance" sign.
Activate's facilities were operated entirely by computers, though several members of staff hovered about to assist. The systems were complex, yet well-defined and reactive. We did not experience lag time, nor suffer the frustrations of faulty equipment, as I often do at The Rec Room. During gameplay, doors would remain locked to prevent other players from intruding after tapping in. Should the room be occupied, "Please Wait" would appear on the screen. Otherwise, "GO!" would appear, followed by a flicker of green light above the door, unlocking sound, and auditory instructions. Access and egress doors were differentiated by a bold "EXIT" sign visible from the inside of the room.
Our remaining play time could be viewed each time we tapped into a game. As we neared the final three minutes, I bolted for the photobooth. Employing a green screen, group shots could be captured on various backgrounds, then sent directly to all participants using the email they used to complete their waiver.
Our remaining play time could be viewed each time we tapped into a game. As we neared the final three minutes, I bolted for the photobooth. Employing a green screen, group shots could be captured on various backgrounds, then sent directly to all participants using the email they used to complete their waiver.
The group conclusively agreed that Activate possessed greater value than Pursuit, was extremely fun without being excessively physically demanding, and even warranted subsequent revisits to challenge one's skills and level up. As mentioned on the website, games would be difficult to play with less than three people. Four-people parties are ideal for rooms adopting a square format, but also a good number in general for gameplay.
Attaining Level 2 earned us black water bottles. It was also thrilling to see our names reside at the top of the Facility Ranking leaderboard - mine first, of course.
Attaining Level 2 earned us black water bottles. It was also thrilling to see our names reside at the top of the Facility Ranking leaderboard - mine first, of course.
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Scrambling to make the Santa Claus Parade, we rushed to find the nearest parking spot we could manage amidst the road closures along Chinguacousy Park.
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View the full album HERE !
It would be my second time attending a Santa Claus Parade, and the first taking place after sunlight had receded, making it difficult to observe of the attractions passing us by. Niagara's had had a larger turnout, and was admittedly nicer during daylight hours.
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The floats and garland-wrapped vehicles were incredibly spaced out, extending the overall duration of the event. We continued to gander at the performances and flashing displays over a span of roughly 90 minutes, shivering throughout majority of it. Towards the end came snowfall, which accumulated to yield conditions of dangerously low visibility on our trip back.
I pulled a dangerous maneuver at the 401-403 split on the 410, and just barely made the ramp. Finally, we pulled into the Courtneypark plaza.
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My suggestion for sushi burritos had been regarded with fondness, though the eatery's elimination of miso soup came as a shock to us. The sleepy polar bear suggested instant packets of wet miso, to which I shuddered and grimaced. I sought out the alternative of miso paste mixed with hot water.
Rising Sun and Flaming Dragon from Mi'Hito were devoured between us. By this point, it was 7:30 PM; we were ravenous.
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The chilly evening was concluded with 1.5 helpings of Haagen-Dazs Rocky Road ice cream. Rarely does my own household invest in tubs, for individual portions guarantee fairness. Marshmallow fluff was an entity I hadn't realized I admired so dearly in a combination of creamy chocolate and crunchy almonds.
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