Lakeland, Florida’s Family Fun Center has been a staple for generations seeking joyful experiences, from exciting games of laser tag to friendly competitions on the mini-golf course and the classic thrill of skee ball. This year marks a significant milestone as this beloved establishment celebrates its 40th anniversary, a testament to its enduring appeal as a premier destination for Family Fun Center Lakeland Fl.
منذ عام 1981, the Family Fun Center has become an integral part of the Lakeland community, achieving remarkable milestones that highlight its popularity. They have served over one million slices of pizza, fueling countless hours of fun. Arcade game enthusiasts have played more than 50 million games, and an astounding one billion tickets have been won, exchanged for prizes and memories.
Scott Neslund, the former owner, recalls the center’s serendipitous timing, stating, “1981 happened to be the year Pac-Man came out and was a huge hit, so that kind of got us started.” Even after four decades, Scott’s passion for the center and its games remains, though the ownership has transitioned to his son, Brian Neslund. The Neslund family’s continuous involvement has been the heart and soul of the Family Fun Center since its inception.
Brian Neslund cherishes the connections forged over the years. “It’s great when somebody comes back who has been away for a while and they say, ‘you know what I used to come here as a child and I’m so glad it’s still here,’” Brian shares. His personal history is intertwined with the center; he fondly remembers receiving his little league trophy there and now enjoys creating new memories playing games with his own children. This multigenerational appeal is at the core of the Family Fun Center’s success.
“We’ve got parents now who came here as children and had their birthdays here, and now they are having their children’s birthday parties here, so that is very exciting to us,” Brian explains, emphasizing the cyclical joy the center provides to families across Lakeland. He also acknowledges the unwavering support of loyal customers, which was crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the recent pandemic. “To continue a legacy and then realize this might be the end of it was a little bit gut-wrenching,” Brian admits. “We are just very grateful to the community for coming out and supporting us.”
Beyond entertainment, the Family Fun Center has significantly contributed to the Lakeland economy, providing over 1,500 employment opportunities throughout its 40 years. Brian notes with pride, “Many of which were first-time jobs, so we really enjoyed showing people how to work their first job and teaching them some life skills over these 40 years.” For some, like John Watkins, the Family Fun Center isn’t just a job; it’s a career and a place where life milestones are reached. “Started right out of high school, came in, worked at the counters, worked all the way up to management,” Watkins recounts. “Met my wife here quite a few years ago.”
Looking ahead, the future of this family fun center lakeland fl looks bright, potentially extending into a third generation of Neslund family ownership. “They’re ready right now, they love it,” Brian says about his children’s enthusiasm for the business.
Throughout its 40th anniversary year, the Family Fun Center is planning a series of special promotions and events to celebrate with the community. For more details, please visit the Family Fun Center’s website. Join the celebration and experience the enduring fun that has made this Lakeland institution a cherished destination for families for four decades.
