Sonny’s Place

A Locally Owned Landmark in Somers

Sonny's Place sits along Main Street in Somers, Connecticut, a location that feels comfortably removed from the hustle of the city yet remains easy to reach from across western New England. The park was founded in 2008 by a local family and named in honor of the owner's father — a small, personal touch that sets the tone for everything that follows. What began as a simple driving range has since blossomed into a full-fledged amusement complex, with new attractions added nearly every year. The most recent addition is the Sonny's Pavilion, a spacious venue that can host gatherings of over 500 guests. Despite its growth, the park has held onto its community-centered character. It's the kind of place where the staff remembers regulars, where birthday parties feel genuinely celebrated, and where the goal is simply to give families a reason to spend time together outdoors.

Zap Zone: A Laser Tag Arena Built for Strategy

The Zap Zone Laser Tag Arena is one of the park's standout attractions, equipped by Lasertron and designed as a multi-level battlefield. Players navigate ramps and obstacles, duck behind cover, and defend their team's base across two floors of tactical play. The arena supports several game modes, including a Solo Free-For-All, a Team Free-For-All, and the more strategic Team Base Recharge Game, which introduces limited pulses, energy units, and special power-ups that can turn the tide of a match. Each session includes a briefing and vesting period followed by four six-minute games, giving players a solid 24 minutes of active play. The arena requires players to be at least 47 inches tall to play without a parent, though kids between 42 and 47 inches can join with an adult. It's a setup that works equally well for casual family rounds and more serious group competitions.

Beyond Laser Tag: A Full Day of Outdoor and Indoor Fun

The park offers a wide range of attractions that go well beyond the laser tag arena. Guests can race around the Speedway in state-of-the-art go-karts, tackle two different 18-hole miniature golf courses, or take a ride on the Soaring Eagle Zipline. For younger visitors, Sonny's Playland provides a soft indoor playground, while the Summit climbing wall and Monkey Motion jumping attraction offer active challenges for older kids and adults. The Electric Avenue Arcade spans 7,000 square feet and features a mix of classic and modern games, from The Price is Right to Big Bass Wheel and Super Bikes 2. There's also an XD Dark Ride for immersive motion-simulator fun, a vintage-style carousel, and the Lagoon bumper boats for warmer months. With batting cages, a driving range, and seasonal events like live music on summer weekends, the park truly functions as a full-day destination.

Gatherings, Celebrations, and Team Events

Sonny's Place is a natural fit for birthdays, but its event capabilities extend much further. The park offers six different birthday party packages, each including a private room, a dedicated host, pizza and beverages, and a choice of activities ranging from laser tag to arcade play to mini-golf. The birthday child receives a free pass and a special club t-shirt and pin. For larger groups, the Sonny's Pavilion seats over 500 people and comes with full catering, free WiFi, and a bar. Corporate outings, school field trips, camp groups, family reunions, bachelor parties, and rehearsal dinners are all regularly hosted here. The park also runs special adult-only late-night events called Sonny's Late Night, where guests 18 and older get unlimited access to the go-karts, laser tag, zipline, and arcade without the daytime crowds.

A Place That Grows With the Community

The staff at Sonny's Place are a key part of the experience. The park employs a dedicated team of ride operators, party hosts, and kitchen staff who are trained to keep attractions safe and running smoothly. Many reviews highlight the friendliness of the staff at the registration desk and the professionalism of the kitchen team when handling special requests. The park also runs community appreciation programs, including special discounts for teachers, nurses, first responders, and military personnel on Thursday evenings. College students get half-off mini-golf on Mondays, and there are regular family night bundles and date night specials. Between the live music series, character days, and seasonal events like the North Pole Experience, Sonny's Place has woven itself into the fabric of the Somers area as a place where people naturally gather.

Relaxation and Dining On-Site

After a round of laser tag or a few laps on the go-kart track, guests can unwind at one of several on-site dining options. The Smokehouse at Sonny's Place serves New England-style smoked brisket, pulled pork, and hearty sandwiches with traditional sides. The Pavilion Bar and Cantina Bar offer drinks for adults, while the Tiki Snack Shack and ice cream counter provide lighter fare and sweet treats. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the property, giving families a place to sit and recharge between activities. The park's layout encourages a relaxed pace — there's no rush to fit everything into one visit, and many guests return throughout the season to try different attractions or simply enjoy the outdoor atmosphere with a meal and live music.