CJ Barrymore’s in Clinton Township, Michigan
CJ Barrymore’s has four go-kart tracks, ranging from high speed to child-friendly. While children are allowed to go on the faster tracks, they must meet the height requirements (at least 56″ tall for Turbo and 58″ for Indy and Grand Prix). CJ Barrymore’s most recent addition is the Grand Prix Track, which is quite twisty and fast. It’s a little more dangerous in regards to the turns. Recently, my own husband slammed my go-kart into the wall not once, not twice, but six times. My neck was very sore afterwards…and this is why CJ Barrymore’s doesn’t want visiters to bump each other on the track. It’s quite easy to spin out of someone was to bump into your go-kart due to the curvaciousness of track. The Indy Track is a little slower than the Grand Prix Track and features underpasses and overpasses that make the course more interesting. The Turbo Track plenty winding and fast and the carts are larger. And finally, for the younger kids, there is the Rookie Track, aimed at kids ages 8 to 14. The Rookie Track is the only CJ Barrymore’s track that has smooth, polished concrete. All go-karts have a safety shoulder harness.
CJ Barrymore’s has it’s own miniature golf course, rated course #2 in Michigan. It consists of two 18-hole courses that intertwine with each other at various points. The green course is a little harder than the yellow, but both are fun and challenging. The area is landscaped with plenty of bushes, trees, and foliage to provide shade on hot days. The sound of moving water is everywhere, as various streams and ponds are located with the miniature golf courses. Miniature Victorian Houses and water stations will pop up throughout the course, with speakers attached to the buildings that play music. I’m not too fond of what music was playing and would have rather they shut off the speakers. Although you can expect some wear and tear on the astroturf of any miniature golf course, I wish CJ Barrymore’s would replace some of their astroturf. It can be pretty frustrating to see your ball aligned perfectly to the hole, only to be deflected away due to damaged astroturf.
CJ Barrymore’s also offers water games for you to cool off – Bumper Boats and Water Wars. Bumper Boats is pretty much self-explanatory, but I would like to mention that the boats have squirt guns attached and a semi-large fountain in the pool. The ride is only five minutes and it goes by quite fast. Expect to get soaked. At Water Wars, you are given a bucket of ten water balloons. There are five positions on two sides. Children arm large slingshots with their water balloons and try to soak their rivals on the opposite side. It seems so simple, but it’s a lot of fun.
My favorite thing at CJ Barrymore’s is their new Laser Tron, which is located on the upper floor of their arcade and eatery building. The games are only fifteen minutes, but you come out drenched in sweat and thoroughly pleased. You have a vest that can be hit in the back, chest or shoulders. The object of the game is to get the most points. The laser tag isn’t an “everybody for themselves” where a bunch of kids gang up on an adult. There are two teams: red and green. Each team has a base where they reload under their sensors and two balls hanging in the air they must protect. There are no mirrors or different levels. However, CJ Barrymore’s has given their Laser Tron a blacklight military feel, with plenty of places to snipe other players and hide. It’s like Capture the Flag under blacklights. It would be nice if they had ramps or curves, but it’s a little more challenging the way it is designed as a flat room with cylinders to hide behind.
CJ Barrymore’s has a driving range, a golf dome (open all year) and a learning center if you want to learn how to play the game. Batting cages are inexpensive and you have a choice between softball and baseball. In the summer season, volleyball nets are up. Eurobungy for the kids. CJ Barrymore’s requires that they must be 48″ tall, 40 lbs and at least seven years old. I’d love to do the Eurobungy, but unfortunately, they don’t have one for adults. Basically, you can jump high in harness and do somersaults and backflips, all under the watchful eye of two CJ Barrymore employees. The rock climbing wall is basically a 32 foot cylinder with varying degrees of difficulty on 8 climbing routes. An employee is always there for safety and to help you put on your harness. 32 feet doesn’t sound high, but it feels very high when looking down from the top.
The arcade room at CJ Barrymore’s is quite large and has a lot of different and popular games, ranging from adult shooters to games for children. Beverages, ice cream and pizza are available and there are plenty of tables to eat at. On the upper level, there are more games (simulated racing, boxing, shooting, etc.) as well as billiards and the Laser Tron.
Overall, CJ Barrymore’s is not what I’d call expensive, nor inexpensive. They offer lower pricing for groups or buying 20 tickets for $75 (it really does go a long way). CJ Barrymore’s is available for birthday parties, small groups, field trips and corporate outings that can save you money. There is a lot to do a CJ Barrymore and it can fill an entire day. Kids and adults will love what they have to offer.
CJ Barrymore’s is located at 21750 Hall Road in Clinton Township. For more information regarding the park, parties, prices, etc., visit www.cjbarrymores.com or call (586) 469-2800.
