Marietta, GA, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Mountasia in Marietta and Malibu in Norcross are set to close after more than 20 years of service, with their final day of operation on September 28. Both centers have been cherished destinations for families, offering attractions such as go-kart racing and arcade games at Mountasia, while Malibu featured water park activities. The closures follow the acquisition of their parent company, highlighting their importance in the local community as families rush to make last memories at these beloved entertainment venues.
Marietta, GA
Mountasia in Marietta and Malibu in Norcross will close their doors permanently after over 20 years of service, with their last day of operations scheduled for Sunday, September 28. Both family fun centers have been popular destinations for birthday parties and other special occasions, drawing families seeking entertainment and recreation.
Mountasia features a variety of attractions, including go-kart racing, miniature golf, and arcade games, while Malibu offered go-kart racing, water park activities, and bumper boats. In anticipation of their closures, families flocked to both locations to enjoy one final weekend of amusement, highlighting the centers’ significance in the local community.
Erika Tate shared her nostalgic connection to Mountasia, recalling her childhood visits and now bringing her own children to experience the same fun. Her children particularly enjoyed the miniature golf course, which includes an exciting cave feature, further emphasizing the family-oriented nature of the center.
Employees at Malibu also reflected on their fond experiences from working at the center, with Connaka Raines and Brandie Thrasher recalling their time there as their first jobs. Raines began her role at Malibu in 1999 at the age of 16 and mentioned memorable events, including overnight lock-ins for schools and churches that featured music from the late 90s and early 2000s.
The closures follow the recent purchase of Palace Entertainment, the parent company of both Mountasia and Malibu, by Herschend, a national family entertainment company. As the community processes this change, residents have expressed sadness over the loss, sharing their cherished memories associated with both amusement centers.
Individuals like Jada Clinton have shared their experiences of visiting Mountasia with family members before its closure, emphasizing the emotional impact the shutdown will have on the local community. In light of the situation, Atlanta News First has reached out to Herschend for comments regarding the reasons for the closures but is still awaiting a response.
Before their final day of operation, both Mountasia and Malibu will operate from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., allowing families one last opportunity to enjoy the beloved attractions they have frequented for years.
Key Features of Mountasia and Malibu
| Feature | Mountasia | Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| Go-Kart Racing | Yes | Yes |
| Miniature Golf | Yes | No |
| Arcade Games | Yes | No |
| Water Park Activities | No | Yes |
| Bumper Boats | No | Yes |
FAQ
What are the names of the fun centers that are closing?
Mountasia in Marietta and Malibu in Norcross are closing permanently.
When is the last day of operations for both centers?
The last day of operations for both centers is Sunday, September 28.
How long have Mountasia and Malibu been in service?
Both family fun centers have been in operation for over 20 years.
What attractions does Mountasia feature?
Mountasia features go-kart racing, miniature golf, and arcade games.
What attractions did Malibu offer?
Malibu offered go-kart racing, water park activities, and bumper boats.
What are the operational hours before the last day?
Both locations will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. prior to their last day of operations.
Who purchased the parent company of Mountasia and Malibu?
The parent company of Mountasia and Malibu, Palace Entertainment, was purchased earlier this year by Herschend, a national family entertainment company.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Families Enjoy Two Popular Metro Atlanta Family Fun Centers Before They Close
- Wikipedia: Family entertainment center
- AJC: It’s Your Last Weekend to Visit These 2 Metro Atlanta Family Theme Parks
- Google Search: Family Fun Centers Closing Atlanta
- WSBTV: Mountasia Marietta Close After Decades of Miniature Golf, Go-Kart Racing
- Google Scholar: Family Entertainment Change Atlanta
- CBS46: Popular Gwinnett County Family Fun Center Shut Down Late September
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Family Entertainment Centers
- Gwinnett Daily Post: New Owners Closing Malibu Norcross Permanently This Weekend
- Google News: Gwinnett Family Fun Centers Closing
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
