When I ask my kids — my 13-year-old-daughter and 11-year-old son — which was the happiest indoor place they visited in 2018, I wasn’t surprised when they chose Timezone, at Inorbit mall, Malad. I recollect having to literally tear them out of the place. So, when I tell them that there is a new Timezone close by — supposedly bigger and better — they perk up.

Perhaps that is why Timezone at Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla, was such a disappointment. It seemed smaller and made big claims that didn’t work. Sure, there was the rainbow ball game that was fun. Vani had a go at Virtual Rabbids twice and would have returned for a third ride, had there not been a long queue. Krazee Whirl, dodging cars that are LED-illuminated, was a repeat, but my son didn’t want to try it. Designed for kids, the bowling alley offered lighter balls and cool music.