Looking for a new activity to do with your family, friends, school or team? Look no further than Power Up Arena, a futuristic new amusement center at Westfield’s Garden State Plaza. Helmed by former Yeshivat Noam teacher Yaakov Nadler, Power Up Arena blends heart-pounding competition, high-tech gaming and hands-on STEM learning into one unforgettable experience. Whether you’re racing drones, battling in a glow-in-the-dark gel-blaster arena or diving into virtual reality, this 17,000-square-foot playground offers something for everyone.
Nadler has always been passionate about inspiring energy, creativity and excitement—first in his classroom as a rebbe at Yeshivat Noam, and later through his growing amusement ventures. With Power Up Arena, Nadler has taken his love for hands-on, high-energy experiences to the next level, creating a space where both kids and adults can discover new ways to play, compete and connect.
“I really enjoy bringing new experiences to life,” Nadler shared with The Jewish Link. “When I was teaching, it was about bringing energy into the classroom. Now, it’s about creating a place where people walk in, look around and immediately feel like they’ve stepped into the future. I wanted Power Up Arena to be a place where you can’t help but say, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this before.’”
From the moment guests step inside Power Up Arena, they’re met with a futuristic, high-energy atmosphere unlike anything else at the mall. The space boasts soaring 30-foot ceilings, glowing LED installations and a layout designed to spark excitement and exploration.
“It’s hard to explain until you see it for yourself,” Nadler shared. “You walk in and it just feels different—the lights, the design, the energy. It’s a place where kids, teens and adults can experience something new. We wanted you to feel like you’ve been transported to a whole other world of fun and imagination.”
Power Up Arena offers an impressive lineup of attractions that push the boundaries of traditional entertainment. Visitors can have gel-blaster battles inside a massive, glass-enclosed arena filled with illuminated fortresses, or challenge friends to a next-generation Laser Tag 2.0 match, where augmented reality and fast-paced movement combine for an unforgettable battle. For fans of robotics, the Battle Bots arena lets players command custom-built machines to duke it out in electrifying competitions.
“The goal was to be more than just another arcade or play center,” Nadler continued. “It’s a place where every corner offers something unexpected—where you’re not just playing a game, but stepping into an experience that challenges and excites you.”
Beyond the headline attractions, Power Up Arena is packed with experiences such as RC boat racing that lets players take the helm of high-speed remote-controlled boats, and drone games that allow enthusiasts to race through an LED-lit obstacle course suspended from the ceilings. And it’s not just about play—there’s a strong educational side as well. Power Up Arena offers field trips for students from grades 1 through 12, blending high-energy gaming with hands-on STEM learning.
“We really wanted to bridge the gap between fun and learning,” Nadler continued. “Kids today are already immersed in technology. If we can show them how the things they love—like drones and robots—connect to real-world STEM skills, we can inspire the next generation of innovators. And the best part is, they’re having so much fun they don’t even realize how much they’re learning.”
Power Up Arena also offers private events, with customizable packages for birthdays, team-building days and family celebrations. Partygoers can enjoy exclusive access to the attractions, private event spaces, catering options and a support team ready to make the event seamless and spectacular.
“Seeing people walk out of here with big smiles on their faces, knowing they’ve had an incredible experience, is what makes it all worth it,” Nadler went on to say. “Power Up Arena is a place to connect, to challenge yourself, and to have fun in ways you never thought possible. I’m really excited for people to visit.”
So whether you’re looking to race a drone, outsmart your friends in battle bots, celebrate a birthday in style, or just try something new, Power Up Arena is ready to power up your next adventure. To learn more or book your visit, head to www.poweruparena.com.
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.
