The adventure begins: Syctron Freeplay Arena opens Wednesday in Fresno

After extensive planning, permitting, paperwork, renovation and construction, the long-awaited opening of Syctron Freeplay Arena will take place on Wednesday, inviting thrill seekers young and old to the 27,000 square-foot family entertainment center in northwest Fresno.

Syctron Freeplay Arena is the brainchild of Valley native Aaron Tucker, John and Ash King and Jake Skousen and hopes to bring fun for all ages with a different type of entertainment center focused on all age groups. Featuring extensive tunnels, slides, climbing attractions, ziplines and more, Syctron is run by people with experience in the freeplay space.

“We’ve kind of been all over the country running multi-unit operations,” Ash King told The Business Journal earlier this year. “Eventually we all found our way out and decided we wanted to get together to do our own vision — our own project.”

The focus of catering to all ages was one of the primary concerns for Tucker, King and their partners, aiming to ensure that all ages are able to enjoy the experience.

Around 85% of the attractions will be sized to be fully accessible to adults.

Syctron also features continuous attractions, creating a seamless visitor transition from one to another.

“The structure itself is tied into different attractions,” he said. “You can see ninja obstacle-type equipment and obstacles; then you’ve got points that attach to a stunt fall or various slides throughout the park.”

In addition to the main attraction, which takes up a majority of the 27,000 square feet inside the former Longs Drugstore at Marks and Herndon avenues, Syctron Freeplay Arena will feature a cafe, arcade and rooms for birthday parties and other special events.

Syctron will open its doors Wednesday and will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Day passes are priced at $35.99 for ages 7 and up, and $27.99 for ages 3 to 6. Also available are 90-minute passes and annual passes. Syctron will also offer digital gift cards.