When it comes to an overload of entertainment aimed at kids—or those with an inner kid just itching to get out and play—Levittown’s Laser Bounce is just the ticket for an afternoon loaded with all manner of electronically-induced, family-friendly fun.
If you have ever ventured down Hempstead Turnpike nearby its Wantagh parkway exit, you’re most likely already acquainted with the sight of Laser Bounce; the enormous yellow visage of the indoor amusement complex, spanning several storefronts, is certainly hard to miss. If you have children, chances are you’ve already been within its 20,000 square-foot interior numerous times and counting.
Laser Bounce has occupied its 2710 Hempstead Turnpike location for the past five years; respectively owned and managed by the father-son duo of Joe and Ryan D’Amico of Massapequa, Laser Bounce represents a career made out of running “fun centers,” with the D’Amicos having owned several on Long Island throughout the years.
“We put a lot of time and money into making Laser Bounce a great place for kids to have a good time. We wanted it to have that Coney Island kind of feel with the tokens and the tickets,” said Joe.
We’re always current with our arcade games, and we regularly rotate games in and out to ensure a fresh experience every time you come in…there’s always a different experience.”
In addition to the latest arcade games and skill-based redemption machines that spew out tickets to winners that can be traded in for great prizes, there’s also a plethora of non-stop fun activities that would have any kid go out of their mind with sheer excitement—inflatable bouncy rides, a vast laser tag arena (accommodating up to 50 players at a time), a multi-tiered obstacle room, birthday party rooms and much more, all engulfed in a cacophony of sound, music and neon light.
One thing Laser Bounce doesn’t have, however, is that infamous staple of many children’s play places: the ball pit. This notable exclusion is for a very good reason, according to Joe.
“Ball pits were at places like Discovery Zone years ago…they’re out now, mostly because they’re breeding grounds for all sorts of bacteria,” he said. “Instead, we have ‘Ballocity,’ which is a multi-level system with air cannons that shoot out Nerf balls. The balls are treated with microban, which is an anti-bacterial substance, so they’re totally safe and clean.”
Joe’s son, Ryan, serves as Laser Bounce’s general manager; originally working in the information technology field, he grew weary of the nine-to-five grind and, when given the opportunity to work in the family business, Ryan said he jumped at the chance to work in what he called a great community of Long Island.
“I get to work with my father, and my hours are flexible since I pretty much run the place, s o it’s all worked out great,” he said. “It’s right on Hempstead Turnpike, and there’s loads of traffic. Plus, Levittown is the very heart of Nassau County…it’s a big family area, and we really appreciate their wonderful support.”
Ryan also pointed out that Laser Bounce makes every effort to give back to the community by hosting regular nights where military veterans, as well as fire, police and EMT workers can play for free with their families.
Laser Bounce represents one of the area’s largest employers of the community’s large population of teenagers, with at least 50 of them on the payroll. Joe noted that they are some of the best workers he has ever encountered in his long history of owning and running amusement centers.
“Levittown and East Meadow…great, hard-working kids and they really want to work. Most of our employees are either MacArthur or Division high school students so they’re all from the area,” he said. “We have a good crew…we take care of them, and they work hard for us. We’ve had other stores in different areas, and you can’t get kids to work there. But the kids here are great.”
Ryan concurred with his father’s assessment of the hard-working nature of the area’s local teens.
“We used to have a place in Farmingdale, near the Dix Hills area—wealthier neighborhoods—and unfortunately mom and dad always gave the kids money,” he said. “Those kids didn’t want to work, but the kids around here, they’re just like us…they need their own money, and they’re willing to work to get it. If we have an open shift available, they’re here, ready and willing. That’s part of what makes this area so great to have a business in.”
Check out Laser Bounce’s website at www.lilaserbounce.com.
