Since its inception as a small go-kart track in 1959, the brainchild of founders Richard and Joy Buri has grown considerably. The go-kart track was located about ½ mile from Funway’s current facility just down Route 25. Miniature carnival rides for pint-sized Fox Valley residents and the area’s first trackless trains were fresh concepts in the Funway philosophy of entertainment for the whole family. Not confined to a track, the Trackless Train could be seen driving kids and adults throughout Batavia. Wherever there was a community party, school or neighborhood get together, Funway’s Trackless Train was sure to be nearby.

In 1967, expansion called and because the current property could no longer accommodate the needs of the growing complex, Buri purchased 5.4 acres of land and began building what today has become the Fox Valleys largest and most popular amusement center.

The go-karts were joined by bumper cars and a miniature arcade and in 1971; Funway was set up for an expansion every two years. Batting cages attracted little league teams from throughout the area who joined with weekend baseball enthusiasts to his a few line drives. In 1973, a building addition meant more room for a full-sized pinball arcade. Four years later Funway saw its largest expansion ever – a three-level multi-attraction building. Funway Skate Station opened and in addition to this roller rink, the arcade was moved to its present location on the second level of this larger building.

In 1981 Funway bid farewell to the popular go-karts, which were sold to Robert Hansen, who, coincidentally, purchased the entire Funway complex from the Buri family in 1990. Roller skating was at an all-time high and with it brought the need for an expanded parking area.

The community welcomed the Funway Bicycle Center in 1983 to the former location of Funway’s ice cream parlor. This also was the year of Funway’s venture into the popular sport of B.M.X. bicycle racing. A small track that was later to become one of the largest B.M.X. tracks in the country. Funway was the site of the National Bicycle League’s War of the Stars National B.M.X. race in its first year and the Illinois State Championships were held on Funway Safari B.M.X. track the next year.

The mid-1980’s saw the removal of the batting cages, a new 19 hole miniature golf course and kiddie rides in the arcade. A new go-kart track was built on the site of the former B.M.X track and Funway’s most popular outdoor attraction, the bumper boats, were created at this time.

Inside, both the rink and arcade areas have seen extensive redecorating and a number of new attractions. The popular Kidstowne made its debut in 1992, as did the construction of 5 pro-style batting cages, which drew both softball and baseball fans alike.

Change is something Funway is not afraid of, and the search for fresh ideas led to the establishment of Outback Park in 1995, which is located at the rear of the property. Expansion efforts were increased that year with construction of an outdoor roller hockey rink. The rink, home to the Funway Flyers outdoor roller hockey league for two years, bid farewell in 1997 when it was converted to accommodate a new kiddie park area. The construction of Funway’s Outback Kiddie Coral that year introduced the popular children’s go-kart track for younger drivers as well as a children’s bumper boat pool. The park was further expanded when in 1998, the Outback Express Kiddie Train was added along with the Big Top Fun Tent featuring several coin operated kiddie rides. Other highlights of the Outback Park included bumper boats, the Outback Raceway go kart track featuring both Mini Indy race karts as well as the area’s only Nazkart Race Cars for drivers 16+. Water Wars, and Bankshot Basketball, 5 pro-style batting cages and Western Trail miniature golf course were also part of the Outback.

In the spring of 2000, three of the batting cages were updated to include adjustable pitching machines. Bankshot basketball was replaced with Adrenaline Rush and Kiddie Bounce.

In the fall of 2001, Funway's outback park again encountered some changes. Construction began on three outdoor soccer cages. These have been a popular attractions for our outdoor park.

In the fall of 2002 the planning for Funway to have a 20 lane bowling center began to take shape. A long time in the making but in the fall of 2003, construction finally started on the bowling center. After a long anticipated arrival, on July 15, 2004 Funway's state of the art 20 lane bowling center opened its doors to the public for the first time.

What could possible be next for Funway? Well if we have a state of the art bowling center, the Roller Rink was sure to follow, In the winter of 2005 the rink had a much needed remodeling done. The rental counter and ticket booths were moved to make room for the much needed new party rooms. Early in 2006 the bathrooms in the roller rink were remodeled and the rink received a brand new look to match the bowling center with newly recarpeted walls.

There has been quite a lot that has happened here at Funway since then, and we still have more history to write. We’ll continue to expand and develop to keep up with the times, and, when possible, a little bit ahead of them. It’s our goal to maintain the clean and friendly family environment that has made us a Fox Valley tradition.