On any given afternoon in downtown Clermont, it’s easy to spot the mix; kids darting between arcade games, parents lining up a putt, couples laughing or playfully arguing over a shared challenge.

It’s the kind of energy Darren Johnson had in mind when he set out to create something the area didn’t have: a whole family entertainment venue.

“I’ve been in the hospitality business and as a grandparent, I quickly realized there were limited places for kids’ entertainment, a little bit of adult entertainment, plus food and beverages, here in town,” he says. 

That realization became the blueprint for Game On, a family-friendly entertainment hub and event center that keeps everyone happy. 

“It was a matter of pulling all the pieces together for the right mix of participation from adults and from their kids,” he says.

Less than one year in, the concept is catching on.

Game On buzzes with activity. Rows of arcade games light up the room, from skee-ball and pinball to crane games and virtual reality attractions that keep kids (and plenty of adults) stockpiling points, which are loaded onto cards and can be presented for prizes. 

But Game On fun doesn’t end at the prize counter. 

The biggest draw for adults is the golf and sports simulator, where players can tee off on dozens of PGA courses or play baseball, basketball, soccer, football and more. 

“You can play 70 different PGA golf courses and you can play probably 20 different sports games,” Darren says. “The technology is unbelievable.”

All that, plus ‘Gator Creek’ putt-putt provides a miniature golf experience for all ages and skill levels. 

“Every grandparent, every grandkid can play together,” he says.

Outside, there are pool tables, air hockey, electronic dart boards, foosball and EGO bike rentals. To top it all off, a main draw for people coming off the trail is a dog wash station and right next to that is The Whistlestop, a friendly and full-of-character bar that serves beer, wine, seltzers, ciders and signature cocktails with Happy Hour set from 3-6pm Tuesday-Friday.

“People will get a beer, wash their dog and hang out a little bit,” Darren says.

Fourteen TVs keep sports fans locked in, while the on-site food operation delivers a menu built for sharing: pretzel bites, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, pizzas, corn dog bites, burgers, wings, chicken tenders, salads, churros, cookies, mini-melt ice cream and more. 

“It’s a place the family can come and not go broke while spending a few hours together having fun,” he says.

For longtime residents like Quaysean Canady, the concept fills a gap that’s been there for years.

“You can play 70 different PGA golf courses and you can play probably 20 different sports games”

— DARREN JOHNSON

“I grew up in Clermont, even went to Clermont Elementary School, and this is the first arcade of its kind in Clermont,” Quaysean says. “I think it’s really fun, really cool and my kids love it.”

More importantly, it keeps families local. 

“I can have a drink and food while they play, and everyone’s happy, without me having to take them somewhere in Orlando,” he says. 

That sentiment is exactly what Darren hoped to hear.

While weekends are already busy, the team is building toward becoming a go-to for birthday parties, corporate gatherings and even field trips that could eventually tie in with nearby attractions. 

“That’s the real economic engine for it,” he says.

In a city that’s steadily growing and evolving, Game On adds something different: a place where competition, connection and a little bit of fun all coexist under one roof.

“There’s always been a need for some family entertainment besides drinking and eating,” he says. “But Game On incorporates that, too. It’s a little bit of fun for everybody in the family.”   

Venue can be reserved for birthday parties (children & adults), corporate or private events, field trips and other celebrations.

Photos: Nicole Hamel and Provided