Tucked inside a converted grocery store building at 858 Middle Road in Bettendorf, Iowa, Malibu Jack’s Quad Cities opened in 2024 and quickly became one of the most talked-about family destinations in the region. Packed with go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, bowling, rides, an arcade, and a kids’ play zone, this giant indoor park gives families plenty to do no matter what the weather is doing outside.
With a 4.7-star rating and thousands of happy visitors, it has earned its reputation as the go-to spot for a full day of fun in the Quad Cities area.
Massive Indoor Fun in Bettendorf
The second you walk through the front doors of Malibu Jack’s Quad Cities, something shifts. Warm air wraps around you, the buzz of arcade machines fills your ears, and the faint smell of popcorn floats by like a welcome handshake.
You already know this day is going to be fun.
Located at 858 Middle Road in Bettendorf, Iowa, this massive indoor park opened in 2024 inside a former grocery store building. That might sound unusual, but the transformation is jaw-dropping — the space now holds dozens of attractions spread across a huge floor plan that keeps families busy for hours.
It sits right in the heart of the Quad Cities area, making it easy to reach from nearby towns.
What really makes this place stand out is how much it packs under one roof. Rain, snow, or blazing heat outside — none of it matters once you are inside.
Families have called it the best birthday party spot, a perfect field trip destination, and a place worth every dollar of the admission price.
Racing the Indoor Go-Karts
Few things match the rush of gripping a steering wheel and pressing the pedal as you zip around a tight indoor turn with your family cheering you on. The go-kart track at Malibu Jack’s delivers exactly that kind of heart-pumping, grin-spreading excitement.
Drivers must meet height requirements, so check the park’s website before your visit to make sure everyone in your group qualifies.
For younger kids who are not quite ready for the full-speed track, the Pedal Kart Raceway offers a brilliant alternative. Children power their own small karts by pedaling, giving them a real sense of control and independence.
Parents watching from the sidelines tend to find it just as entertaining as the kids do.
A smart tip: head to the go-karts early in your visit before lines build up on busy afternoons. Wear closed-toe shoes, keep your arms inside the kart, and listen to the staff instructions — they keep things running smoothly and safely.
The shared laughter after a close race is the kind of memory families talk about on the drive home.
Battling It Out in Laser Tag
Laser tag has a magical way of turning ordinary families into competitive squads. One minute everyone is laughing at dinner, and the next they are sneaking behind glowing barriers with serious looks on their faces, planning their next move.
The laser tag arena at Malibu Jack’s is spacious, atmospheric, and genuinely thrilling for players of all ages.
Dim lighting, neon-painted walls, and fog-machine ambiance set the scene perfectly. Vests and phasers are easy to use — staff walk you through everything before the game starts, so even first-timers feel confident.
Many families end up playing multiple rounds back-to-back because one game simply is not enough once the competitive energy kicks in.
A solid beginner strategy is to stay low, move often, and avoid standing still in open areas. Younger kids tend to do surprisingly well because they are quick and unpredictable.
The bursts of laughter when someone gets tagged unexpectedly are a huge part of what makes this attraction so memorable. Plan for at least two rounds and bring your best game face.
Putting on the Tropical Mini Golf Course
Bright painted palm trees, cheerful tropical colors, and the soft click of a putter connecting with a golf ball — the mini golf course at Malibu Jack’s is a little slice of vacation right in the middle of Iowa. All 18 holes offer creative obstacles and gentle challenges that work perfectly for both beginners and kids who take their putting very seriously.
Playing as a group here is genuinely fun. Keep scoring relaxed and focus on the moments — the trick shots, the near-misses, and the unexpected hole-in-ones that spark huge celebrations.
Younger kids especially love the course because the obstacles are colorful and interactive rather than frustrating.
Did you know that mini golf has been a family staple since the 1920s? At Malibu Jack’s, the indoor version means no sunburn, no wind messing up your shot, and no rain cutting the game short.
On a cold Iowa winter afternoon, sinking a putt surrounded by tropical scenery feels oddly delightful. Grab a putter, pick your ball color, and prepare for a surprisingly competitive round with your crew.
Twist N Shout Coaster and Drop Tower
Short rides can pack a serious punch. The Twist N Shout spinning coaster at Malibu Jack’s proves that you do not need a massive outdoor theme park to get that classic roller coaster feeling.
The car spins as it moves through the track, creating a dizzy, giggly experience that has riders shouting for another turn the moment it stops.
The drop tower adds a different kind of thrill — that slow climb followed by a sudden stomach-dropping fall is a timeless formula for screams and laughter. Height requirements apply to both attractions, so check before you visit if you have younger children in your group.
Staff are attentive and keep the lines moving at a reasonable pace.
What makes these rides especially enjoyable at Malibu Jack’s is the setting. Being indoors means no harsh sunlight, no waiting in Iowa wind, and no weather delays.
Both rides serve as perfect energy-boosters between calmer activities like mini golf or bowling. Ride them, recover with a snack, and then circle back for another round — that seems to be the winning strategy based on what regular visitors suggest.
Bowling Lanes: Strikes and Family Bonding
There is something wonderfully timeless about bowling. The weight of the ball in your hands, the anticipation as it rolls down the lane, and the eruption of cheers when the pins scatter — it never gets old.
Malibu Jack’s features multiple bowling lanes that welcome players of all skill levels, from total beginners to those who actually know what a spare means.
Bumpers are available for younger kids, which removes the frustration of gutter balls and keeps the energy positive throughout the game. Shoe rentals are part of the experience, and staff at the front can get you set up quickly.
One reviewer noted that staffing at the lanes could sometimes feel slow, so heading there during off-peak hours on a Thursday or Friday is a smart move.
Bowling has a natural way of bringing out personality — the dramatic wind-up, the victory dance after a strike, the gentle ribbing when someone misses an easy spare. Families tend to loosen up quickly at the lanes.
Pair a game with a pizza order from the on-site food area and you have a near-perfect afternoon combination that costs less than most dinner outings.
Games, Tickets, and Prizes
Walking into the arcade at Malibu Jack’s feels like stepping into a world where time moves differently. Flashing lights, cheerful beeping sounds, and the satisfying rattle of tickets spilling out of a machine create an atmosphere that pulls kids and adults in equally.
Classic redemption games sit alongside modern racing titles and skill-based challenges that reward practice over luck.
Using a play card instead of individual tokens is the smart move here. Load it up at the start of your visit and tap to play — no fumbling for change, no lost coins, and easy balance tracking so no one runs dry mid-session.
Keeping an eye on your ticket total throughout the day helps you plan which prizes to aim for at the redemption counter.
Parents often discover their own competitive side in the arcade. Racing games in particular have a way of turning adults into kids again, especially when their child beats them by a wide margin.
The prize counter at the end is genuinely fun — even small ticket totals can earn something worth smiling about. Budget about 45 minutes to an hour here and you will feel well-satisfied without burning through your entire play card.
Planning Your Visit to Malibu Jack’s
Getting the most out of a trip to Malibu Jack’s starts with a little planning. The park is open Thursday through Sunday — Thursday and Sunday from noon to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM.
It is closed Monday through Wednesday, so mark your calendar accordingly. Free parking is available, which is a genuinely nice bonus that saves money before you even walk in.
The Unlimited Attractions Pass is the best value for families planning a full day. Pricing varies slightly by day and age, but expect around $19.99 to $40 per person depending on the package.
Adults accompanying younger kids on certain rides may need a separate play card for those specific attractions, so factor that in when budgeting. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must — you will be on your feet for hours.
Arriving right at opening on a Thursday or Friday gives you shorter lines and a more relaxed pace. Most families report spending anywhere from four to eight hours here without running out of things to do.
Call ahead at 563-552-0046 or visit malibujacksquadcities.com for the latest hours and pricing before your trip.