The phrase “choose-your-own-adventure” easily applies to Area15’s massive, experiential entertainment district. And with a 20-acre expansion underway, it’s developing into an even larger theme park of possibilities. Area15’s new Zone 2: The Terminals introduced us to fall’s attraction of the season, Universal Horror Unleashed, but even more experiences have rolled out since then. Here’s a look at what’s piqued our interest.

Interstellar Arc Photo by: Courtesy

INTERSTELLAR ARC

The duration of your voyage on the Interstellar Arc—a massive spacecraft that travels from Earth to a distant habitable world called Arcadia—is 262 years. You spend most of it in cryogenic sleep: In practice, you only get one hour to explore the ship. Still, what a deal, right? A 262-year vacay beginning at $74, and cheaper still for locals and military. It costs more to go to Disneyland, for crying out loud. Much, much more.

Designed by Felix & Paul Studios, a Montreal-based virtual reality creative group that has collaborated with everyone from NASA to Eminem to Funny or Die, Interstellar Arc is VR as you’ve never, ever experienced. Yes, you wear a VR headset; yes, you appear in the virtual world as a generic figure in a spacesuit. But the scale of the experience is mind-blowingly massive. Set inside an enormous building at the entrance of Area15’s new Zone 2, you wander through a generated environment for every second of 60 minutes, guided by real handrails and an imaginary avatar that looks like a glowing blue fox. You get sneak peeks at alien worlds, marvel at the swooningly gorgeous interior of the spacecraft, and get a cameo that will make all true science nerds leave their bodies and ascend.

Interstellar Arc, the experience, is technically advanced and eye-popping. But I felt something unexpected while exploring the interior of Interstellar Arc, the spacecraft: Optimism. Bliss, even. For an hour and 262 years of my life, I believed that a better universe is possible. And I believed I could go there. (interstellararc.com) –Geoff Carter

GREAT BIG GAME SHOW

When we think of iconic TV game shows like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud, the throughline is the irresistible urge to snuff out the competition and win. Under the spotlights, the applause of the crowd at the base of your neck fuels that ambition unlike anything else. Great Big Game Show nails this feeling by pitting you against another team in a head-to-head challenge of speed, skill and luck.

The hour-long experience ($43 per person) fully immerses you into a true-to-form game show studio with professional lighting and props, as a live host guides you through a series of nail-biting mini-games. My first few rounds featured pop culture trivia and a letter-guessing game similar to Wheel of Fortune and Wordle. Naturally, I crushed both (though admittedly I might be an unreliable narrator—it all gets a little fuzzy when you’re barking out answers and pummeling the trivia buzzer in your battle to victory, okay?). And damn, did I feel like a winner. Most studios can accommodate up to 14 people, so bring your trash-talking friends, or go head-to-head with just one. (greatbiggameshow.com) –Amber Sampson

The Escape Game Photo by: Courtesy

THE ESCAPE GAME

Deep in the snow-capped Himalayan mountains, an expedition searching for a precious jewel vanishes without a trace. Legend has it, a mighty Yeti guards the location of the treasure. Can you and your friends pick up the trail before it goes cold for good? That’s just one of the adventures The Escape Game has in store for puzzle lovers who seek a rewarding challenge. The Escape Game features five radically different room scenarios, from gathering espionage intel in a Middle Eastern night market to breaking out of the slammer and discovering the secrets of centuries-old ruins. Some moments—and puzzles—feel straight out of an Indiana Jones film, and the sets appear just as alive with their gritty ambiance and weather-beaten backdrops. Tickets start at $43 and difficulty levels in each room vary. Bring your thinking cap, some friends and make your great escape. (theescapegame.com) –AS

Malibu Barbie Cafe Photo by: Steve Marcus

Step into the pink pop-up experience of Malibu Barbie Cafe 

Barbie’s made her way to Las Vegas, and trust us, it’s more than just a dollhouse with a killer Instagram angle. 

Thanks to Bucket Listers and Mattel Inc., the Malibu Barbie Cafe has taken over Area15, turning what could be a simple pop-up into an all-out sensory overload. After conquering cities like New York, Chicago and Miami with a pink storm, it’s now Vegas’ turn to indulge in this iconic world. 

Inspired by the sun-kissed Malibu Barbie from 1971, this immersive wonderland is a playground for anyone who’s ever dreamed of living in a plastic-perfect world. 

For a $25 entry fee (which includes a $10 food credit), you’re handed a chance to step into her beachy world. The cafe serves up both sweet and savory themed bites, with a cocktail menu that’d make Barbie herself proud. Think piña coladas and margaritas, the drinks that whisper “vacation” with every sip. 

But the real treat might be the seemingly endless photo ops. Everywhere you turn, there’s another spot begging for your best Barbie pose. And don’t skip the mini roller-skating rink. It requires only a $1 donation going to Girls Inc., a charity partner dedicated to empowering young women. Plus, if you’re looking for exclusive Barbie merch, you’re in luck. From dolls to totes, they’ve got it all. –Gabriela Rodriguez 

MALIBU BARBIE CAFE Thru March 31, daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m., $25+. Area15, malibubarbiecafe.com.