Good evening, My family and I visited Zao today and had a wonderful time. We utilized the batting cages, the mini golf, arcade, and go karts. My kids (8 y/o and 5 y/o) were so excited to exchange their tokens for prizes. While my 5 year old son was searching the prizes he would like to purchase, he somehow lost the card with all his tickets. He was so excited to use them so you can understand how devastated he was. We had just scanned the card and knew 380 tickets were on his card. On the verge of tears after seeing his sister with her prizes, your employee asked how he could help. We explained what happened and he took his time to add 380 tickets to a new card and let my son choose his prizes. You have no idea how much this changed our day. Instead of going home with a crying kid, he was so happy to walk away with a sword and candy bracelet. I hope I'm not getting the employee in trouble but he was a Nashville Predators fan. We don't travel to Valpo often so it was so nice to be taken care of. Please thank him for us and you have yourself a wonderful employee. We'll be back! -Shawn read more

Went to play a little mini golf. They had large arcade to get tickets for prizes, dining area for pizza, no air inside when I was there so humid and warm, go carts and batting cages. Course needs a little work, it's seen better days, several holes were just straight in shots, need a little challenge. Did enjoy it but a little work would make it better. read more

Went on Father's Day to celebrate had a great time golfing I like how they finally updated some of the course other parts. I wish they would update a little bit more. Have fun on the go kart course. The rain did put a damper on doing other stuff there not too fond of the loud arcade area. I wish they would like dim down the noises on the machines. read more

I give Zao Island a 4 stars because overall its a good experience. The arcade has a wide selection of games and they arent horribly priced. Go-Carts are always fun, lines go by quick, staff is kind, only complaint for go carts is they dont give as much time as they used too. Laser tag is nice, if its hot though it will be very stuffy inside making it not as enjoyable in summer but any other season it is nice. Lastly for the attractions, mini golf. Mini golf is fun but its not like how it used to be. The areas that are supposed to have water are now drained which kinda takes some of the experience away. The courses arent as clean as they used to be and a lot of the old decorations are gone as well. I havent had their food other than the pizza and the pizza is very good. I would go there just for the pizza. I do think that 50 cents is a little ridiculous for a refill for as much money as this place makes. The attractions are a little overpriced. If you go here your most likely gonna spend a couple hundred dollars. It would be cool if they had like an all day pass or something like that. I do have to complain about how hot it is in there as well. Obviously they cannot control the heat but they only had one fan throughout the whole building which is definitely not enough. Everyone was fanning themselves down and sweating. So maybe so AC or more fans would be nice. Overall this place is always a pretty good experience but definitely has its flaws. read more

We don't go to Zao Island to play games anymore. Our kids have grown up too much and so we mostly go there to get pizza to take home. And boy do we love their pizza It is delicious. We usually get the large cheese and a large pepperoni and sausage with the bread bites. Those bread bites are so good. My husband usually eats most of them before he gets the pizza home to us. Once we call, the pizza is usually ready within 25 minutes and everyone is so kind at the front counter. We hardly ever have to wait. And of course, waiting at Zao Island is a piece of cake because you have things to keep you occupied if you do ever have to wait. There are plenty of TVs around and games that you could play. You can even just walk outside and watch people at the batting cages or playing miniature golf. Whatever you do, don't do what other pizza places do and fall behind on making good pizza. The prices are rather high and so it's important that you continue to make your pizzas high quality. Otherwise, you will lose the steady customer base that you have. It seems to be a problem among pizza places around Valparaiso. They get you in the door and then they cut back on quality and then you have to find a new place to buy your pizza! read more

Good place for kids and adults. No complaints from me. Arcade has a nice variety of games. Mini golf is always fun. Batting cages are fine. Prices were decent for the arcade cards. I didnt eat there so cant comment on the food quality and prices read more

I don't know what happened to this place but it went extremely downhill. The golf course use to be amazing, it was terrible. Really run down, water parts were empty, filled with garbage or sludge, a lot of the decor was removed from the holes like the houses and big dragon. Seems like like the grounds are sinking because your ball would just roll into a corner every time. It was very disappointing especially for the hour drive we took to go there. read more

So many problems here- where to begin. Firstly, the arcade is incredibly ran down. On top of that, the games are crazy overpriced. But the most concerning thing is how their employees treat autistic people. The management on duty was so abusive and insensitive. So disheartening! I could never recommend a place that was so unaware and insensitive. read more

This place had more than I expected. The layout of the venue is really nice... lots of eating areas, it's spacious and lots to do for all ages. We did the batting cage, go carts and arcade. If we had more time we would've done the mini golf. Bring your own helmet for the batting cage. It didn't feel sanitary to use the ones they provided. The staff was friendly the venue was clean. There was also live singing on the patio. read more

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We had fun! The food was good. We had boneless wings, mozzarella sticks, and pizza. The pizza and wings were especially good, the mozzarella sticks were sticks were not done enough. The cheese was not as melted as it normally should be. They were so badly understaffed today that two blonde haired girls about eight years old were stealing out of the donation box for homeless animals and no one did anything. They had so few employees when I told the cashier about the theft he just sighed and looked overwhelmed. We waited in line for 20 minutes to place a food order and there was only one person in front of us so I have no idea what he was dealing with in the back, but I could tell that he was very stressed, and out of (insert curse word here), I don't blame him. They have nice batting cages, go karts, and game rooms for kids. The mini golf course was nice for the area. It's not near a tourist destination so it was better than what you'd expect for an area like this one. It was in need of repairs, plaster and paint. They have baby gators and fish in their stream which is great to watch. They biggest issue with this place which is why we had to cut our visit short... hygiene. This place is a COVID palace! It's almost as if millions of people haven't died and there aren't people in hospitals with the COVID virus. NO one... not one person on staff is wiping anything off. It's almost as if they don't believe that there was a virus or that it ever existed. No one wears masks except for one person on staff. No one wipes off the tables, chairs, or any of the items that are frequently used. I just saw people sitting at a table to eat where someone else sat previously without a mask. I saw people placing their golf balls, golf clubs back into the pile where others are encouraged to take a new one. They didn't have anyone on staff wiping them down after use. It's hot out and people sweat, so I cannot imagine they were clean. The same applied for the game room where the kids touched controllers, and VR headsets, and yes there was one pump of hand sanitizer off to the side that no one used. Being here and seeing how carefree the people were reminded me of two things... 1) Life people the pandemic and 2) Herman Caine's unfortunate passing after refusing to adhere to basic precautions to protect himself. I had fun while I was here but I am going to pass on going back until they clean the place or the pandemic is over. read more

Zao Island - Kind of cool course. - Arcades Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

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Fun place but we hate going because the whole place smells like a grease fire. Your clothes smell like a burnt kitchen when you leave .

Came back here today to mini golf. To my surprise, the mini golf was more than disappointing. Golf balls got stuck in one of the courses not even halfway into golfing. After losing the golf balls, it was inconvenient to have to navigate my way back through other people golfing to notify the staff that the course wasn't working right, and to get new balls. The girl working the mini golfing didn't seem concerned at all, and muttered something like, "That's another task..." The water alongside the course was drained, which was kind of disappointing considering that the water really adds to the experience. Not overly impressed with this place, considering that I really liked it at one point. read more

Last year, me my brother got here, it was a blast, the food was good, the soda it was fire. the rides WE LOVE THEM! we had played games, like racing games, and more like golf, the roller coaster is a spot on! And the go karts are EPIC! it was fun then we had a crash to each other in a small way, but it's still epic! wished I can come back one day. The service it only took 1 to 5 minutes to serve us pizza and sprite. The ambiance peaceful it's like I'm in paradise. read more

I mean come on what's not to love about an arcade? Prices are decent and you can spend almost a whole day here easily

Always down for some put put at Zao Island. The food is sometimes pretty hit or miss, but you know it's not supposed to be 5 star restaurant quality. Love stopping into the arcade area too. read more

It was really fun, me and my papa went. We went mini golfing. It was fun, but I wish they had kept the courses a bit cleaner. Most of the mini waterfalls didn't work, but one did so that was cool. Also, the bathrooms were nice. read more

What a find!!! After hearing from a friend at work that this place had go carts, I immediately knew we were heading here after work Saturday night. I have driven past this family fun place so many times since we moved to the area and had zero idea they were even there. After checking out their website and seeing all they had to offer, I concluded it was a lot like Dave & Busters or Gameworks in Schaumburg but close to our new home and bonus go carts & mini golf. This location is on 30 but entrance is behind the Burger King. Parking is free, batting cages are $1 for 15 balls, pizza looks great but we had already had dinner that night, go carts were $6 per person per 3.5 to 4 minute drive. Not sure on the pricing for mini golf but there were many people playing so I'm guessing that was reasonably priced as well. There was a live band playing here the evening we went and it looks like there was also a wedding reception across the water in a large building. Kinda surprised to see that happening there but I'll be damned if we celebrate our next big anniversary somewhere that doesn't have Batting cages and go carts now that I found this place. There is a nice arcade that was pretty clean considering the late hour on a Saturday night. Arcade was priced to be expected. Everything is loaded on your card for your visit. You can hang onto the card and use it next time you attend. There was beer & wine for the adults and plenty of options for the kiddos. $5 for wine and I was kind of putt off by it being served to me in a single serve bottle with no glass. Strange. The whole facility was well kept and we will be back! read more

My boyfriend and I love going here! It's a super fun place to play arcade games, grab a drink, or food together. It's gotten a lot bigger over the last years and has probably doubled the amount of games they have. My dislikes are: They will NEVER have the AC going inside so wear thin clothes. Food usually takes 20 - 40 minutes to cook even for small orders Last time I played laser tag, the building it's in smelled pretty bad. Overall it's a fun place if you look past those and go to Burger King next door for a quick meal instead read more

Fun and arcade is fun bring your kids and this is coming from a kid food is bad pizza bad do not Oder it

We made a trip there to play put put as a family after spending a day at the dunes. Every club they offered me was sticky like they dipped it in soda before handing it to me. The first hole had a water hazard, whatever fine no big deal. But one of our balls goes in it and the water is so disgusting no one would want to reach in and fish it out. Over all the entire corse was trashed and covered in leaves. Do not recommend. read more

Very nice and full of games - great for a kids birthday or just a rainy day. Also during summer $6 for a go cart race of about 3 minutes or so. read more

Zao Island - Daddy and daughter evening at Zao - Arcades Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

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My granddaughter and I went to go play the mini golf at PROMPTLY 8:07 PM. We were TURNED AWAY because they close at 9 even though we would be done well before then as my hip doesn't allow me to play all 18 holes like it used to. So I DEMANDED to speak to the manager, upon waiting for the manager two young heathens got into line and walked away with PUTTERS. THEY WERE SERVICED BUT WE COULDNT BE? So we marched back up to that counter and asked to play mini golf and they told me they just sold to the last group. WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THAT LAST GROUP. So I told the youngster at the counter this and he seemed confused, so I reiterated it in a younger language. The manager then came by and told me UGH as long as you're gone by 9. WELL YOU KNOW WHAT ZAO ISLAND. WE WERE. AND MY PRECIOUS GRANDDAUGHTER EVEN SAVED SOME WILD LIFE IN THE PROCESS. UNACCEPTABLE. YOU LOST A CUSTOMER!!!!!! read more

My husband and I enjoy playing mini golf and riding the Go -Karts and always enjoy ourselves, however we went this Saturday and while the front and arcade are in good condition the mini golf course was run down and completely out dated . Definitely needs some improvements. The food was edible but not worth getting again . Such a shame . read more

Expensive for some fun. There are plenty of places just as good if not better worth your money.

My husband and I had a great Sunday afternoon here. The place was busy with families, teens, but few couples like us. Masks are required when you're in the arcade but not outside while golfing or on the go carts. It seemed like the restaurant was doing good business, but I overheard that they don't do pitchers of pop, only cups. It seems a little odd if you want to have a pizza party, but it might just be a COVID thing. Anyways, the golf course was fun and you can take the red or blue course depending on how you feel. Some of the hazards weren't active (no water) but it's all good. Like other reviewers said, there were dead fish in the creek that were a little stinky. It really should be something they clear out in the summer. Aside from that, there was plenty of parking and room to roam. We had a good time. read more

Wow this is one of the last places I know that still have miniature golf. I looooove that!!! They also have a huge arcade, plus a restaurant, go karts(yah) and batting cages. It's a cool place to take the kids or even go on a date!! read more

Zao Island - Arcades Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Well it s been a little bit since i have been there. The course use to be decent but since they "redid" the greens they are absolutely horrible! Divots alllll over,and just poor quality. It's nice they spent some money updating the course, but I for sure will not be back there. I will travel to Mishawaka to Putt-Putt golf and games or Ninja Golf in Granger before I waste my money back on those courses. read more

I bring my kids here all the time! They have probably the best BBQ pizza in Northwest Indiana and the blue one is very good too. I had one small issue here and the owner himself got back to me and handled it in a very amicable way. My wife and kids love this place it set up very nice and friendly for the whole family. Even though we like it most in the summer time it is still great to go to in the winter to get out of the house and play some games with the kids. Great place with a great atmosphere and great food highly recommended. read more

This place has such good bones and location however the grounds of the mini golf course are so run down. Much of the lighting was burnt out so we skipped a couple holes as a result. There was large (dead) rotting fish in the water throughout the entire course which smelled unbearable. Perhaps they keep them there to get you to move along quicker? If so, it worked. Bar by the mini golf was closed and the line at the other one was too long to bother. There was no cap on capacity and so it was packed and masks were not enforced in the common areas. Unfortunately, we couldn't wait to get out of there. With some love and landscaping this place could shine. read more

Family fun for all, put put, go carts, arcade & laser tag. Good place for a birthday party or large group. Their pizza is good too. They have live music on the weekends. read more

I spent $10 on a play card. This $10 allowed me to play on an oversized piano; spin a gargantuan wheel for points; go a round with Howie Mandel in Deal or No Deal (he won); roll custom-crafted wooden balls up a ramp and into various holes that awarded points due to their judged difficulty levels; ride a snowmobile through virtual mountains; and witness any thought I had of playing baseball again die a slown, painful death in a live batting cage. I then spent another few dollars on pizza that was really, like surprisingly really, good; realized any thought of being a professional race car driver was also dead on a super-fun Go Kart track; washed my pain away with a couple beers at a tiki hut while contemplating if the alligators in the pen next to me ever got a couple bites of pizza on accident, and whether or not an alligator would even enjoy pizza (still undecided); played a round of putt-putt golf complete with tiny little houses and giant dragons; and then watched live music. I left with a giant (3 foot round) tennis ball I bought from the points I won spinning that gigantic wheel (full circle). the late Jimmy Valvano once said: "if you can laugh, you can love, and you can cry in one day, then that's a full day." Well, if you can eat, you can drink, and you can leave with a giant tennis ball, then that's a pretty damn good place. read more

My kid wants to have his birthday party every year here. Sometimes I will sneak here by myself and play some video games. Great place to bring the family or have date night with other families. Go karts, mini golf, laser tag, state of the art arcade, batting cages, crocodiles, bar, live entertainment, and pretty darn good pizza. The BBQ pizza is our favorite. read more

I have been here a number of time for the games, go carts, and mini golf. Each time we go, we have a pretty good time. The last time we went, we noticed how the bumper cars were gone. my kids especially love the baby gators they could feed! While waiting for a round of laser tag to start, we wanted to do the roller coaster simulator, only to find that the machine wasn't working. The laser tag was fun. After the laser tag, we went back in and the simulator was running. When we went on it, the fans weren't working. If I hadn't gone on the simulator else where, I would have had no idea they even existed. I would go again for the fun, but I hope the things are actually working this time read more

Zao continues to improve its offering for families and doesn't disappoint. Will be visiting again and recommend to families for a night out, lots to do read more

We stood in front of the staff to get a pizza with 5 people behind the counter and no one even looked up to assist us. Staff were not very helpful. Pizza took over 30 minutes even though the place is empty?! read more

My family and I had a great time at Zao Island! The pizza was delicious, the mini golf was a lot of fun, and their arcade has an assortment of awesome games. The new laser tag was also awesome; something the whole family did together and had a great time. Definitely a fun place to go with friends or family. (good service too!) read more

How do you pronounce the name of this establishment? I thought it was Zayo but I've heard two people say Zah-o. This place is cool beans to go to and they just keep making improvements to make it better! There are your typical kiddy-casino style games inside along with some skeeball and whatnot. There's a prize counter with some great swag that's not ridiculously overpriced. They have game cards so you no longer have to count tickets or ticket receipts! There's a restaurant on one end as well with a party area! I have never used the party area so I can not comment upon that. There are batting cages outside and lots of little tables to sit and visit or wait on your kids while they do the activities. I have also seen some inflatable slides at times that would be near the batting cages. There's laser tag and go carts. There's mini golf and an area to feed the cayman alligators. (That's seasonal though and I don't know when they take them out of the enclosure.) The last time I used the mini golf was last year. The course was being remodeled, so many of the pretty features were torn up. I would hope it would be prettier now. Be sure to get a selfie with the giant dragon! This is a dynamite place for the family. It may run you a pretty penny but it's great fun! read more

We had a good time...my oldest loved it...my two younger boys are perhaps a little too young to enjoy what Zao had to offer... What Zao does well: - all attractions working well (only one machine w/ticket dispenser issue) - laser tag rocked - batting cages were great - arcade was cool - PD presence - Great looking restaurant offering pizza and beer - Prices are fair What Zao could do better: - employees are all kids and well, they are kids - they do what they can - add one more person to work the "prize" section as kids take forever to select - all attractions are aimed for kids 6 or older, my 4 year old twin boys had minimal to do - more specials, I'll spend 100 bucks or more but give me a deal Good place to take the kids and have a fun time...if they are younger then 6 think twice. read more

Some of us know it as Wright's Barnyard, others as Zao Island; regardless, we love it. I'm a Chicago guy now but when I was growing up in Valpo this was an awesome asset to have: - When I was around 8 years old, we had birthday parties here and they were awesome. - When I was 18 years old, I would go on dates here and they were awesome. Are you going to argue with that business model? No sir. read more

No matter your age, you'll have a good time at Zao Island! There are so many different things to do here that kids of all ages are bound to leave smiling. My favorite activities here include the batting cages and the mini golf. Whenever I'm feeling the urge, I also enjoy the arcade area, and feeding the alligators at the alligator pond is always fun. Besides the sheer appeal of Zao Island, the location is easy to get to, and the prices are VERY reasonable for games and activities. On a summer evening, there's few places like this that have a little something for everyone. read more