Leveling Up: How The HideOut is Transforming Youth Opportunities in Auburn
As Cayuga County celebrates Black Business Month and honors the legacy of Harriet Tubman, whose life in Auburn was rooted in empowerment, education, and community uplift, The HideOut Gaming Center is bringing something fresh to the local landscape: a place where kids and teens can come to play, connect, and learn in an environment that feels both exciting and safe.
Founded by Darryl Clark and Daryl King in 2018, The HideOut stands as a modern reflection of the same values Harriet Tubman held dear. It’s a space that champions access, nurtures potential, and creates belonging for every child who walks through its doors.
We sat down with Darryl and Daryl to learn more about their story, their passion for youth empowerment, and how they are investing in the next generation, one game at a time.
Question and Answer with Darryl and Daryl
How did The HideOut begin, and why gaming?
We opened in 2018 with just one VR system and a handful of consoles in a small space, maybe 250 square feet. We saw a need. Not every kid plays sports, and there weren’t many spaces in town that gave kids other outlets. Gaming was a way in, but once they’re here, we also teach. We do scavenger hunts, talk about safety, history, how to interact with the police, stuff like that. We use gaming to build trust and then go deeper.
We both grew up in New York City and the arcade was our safe space. You’d hang out for hours, compete, laugh, and learn from each other. That’s what we’re recreating here, in a way that speaks to today’s kids.
What sets The HideOut apart from a typical arcade?
It’s a place where everyone belongs. We see kids who don’t get along at school become friends here. They teach each other how to play, they build confidence. We host toy drives, Easter egg hunts, community service days—and every event has an educational or community-driven piece. The goal is for them to feel seen and supported.
You’ve grown a lot since 2018. Tell us about the new Genesee Street location.
We started tiny, then moved to a slightly bigger spot on Clark Street around 2021. Now we’re preparing to open a 3,400-square-foot space right downtown, which has been the dream all along. There’ve been some building delays and renovation challenges, but we’re getting through them.
We’ve had to retrofit a lot—plumbing, layout, accessibility—things we never dealt with in the earlier spaces. But the vision is bigger now. We’re opening up room for more programming, especially our after-school initiative. And the community’s been behind us the whole way.
How has the community responded to your growth over the years??
The support’s been amazing. People still ask us constantly when the new space is opening—and we assure them, it’s worth the wait. Some of the original kids who came back in 2018 are teenagers now. It’s wild to see how they’ve grown.
We’ve received grants from the Cayuga County Youth Bureau and the DRI to help with the after-school program and renovations. Local leaders have had our backs. But the biggest payoff is hearing a kid say, “I remember learning that at The Hideout.” That’s when we know it’s working.
What kind of educational opportunities do kids get at The HideOut?
Our after-school program is built around learning, but in a way that doesn’t feel like school. We’ll offer tutoring sessions with high schoolers, college students, and teachers. Kids earn gaming time by participating. There are trivia nights, board game competitions, history-themed activities. It’s all about rewarding curiosity and effort.
We even have an “Inventor of the Day” board. I’ve learned so much myself just doing the research! The idea is to make learning fun and relevant. Kids don’t even realize they’re picking up history, math, or strategy; they’re just having a good time.
What do you want a first-time visitor to feel when they walk in?
Like one kid said: “Can I live here?” That’s the reaction we’re going for. A place that feels exciting, safe, and welcoming all at once. We want people to feel like they’ve walked into something special and to know they’re part of it.
What are your favorite HideOut memories or events?
Tournament Day. The energy is unreal. We’ll run multiple competitions—VR, retro games, console games like Fortnite or Street Fighter. I get just as hyped as the kids do. Also—Christmas. We do a huge toy drive with Santa and the Grinch. The kids bring the energy, and the community rallies around them.
Also, birthday parties. Seeing a kid light up when all their friends come celebrate with them—those are moments they’ll always remember. And now, I get to be a part of that memory too.
What do you want a first-time visitor to feel when they walk in?
Like one kid said: “Can I live here?” That’s the reaction we’re going for. A place that feels exciting, safe, and welcoming all at once. We want people to feel like they’ve walked into something special and to know they’re part of it.
What are your favorite HideOut memories or events?
Tournament Day. The energy is unreal. We’ll run multiple competitions—VR, retro games, console games like Fortnite or Street Fighter. I get just as hyped as the kids do. Also—Christmas. We do a huge toy drive with Santa and the Grinch. The kids bring the energy, and the community rallies around them.
Also, birthday parties. Seeing a kid light up when all their friends come celebrate with them—those are moments they’ll always remember. And now, I get to be a part of that memory too.
Everyone is welcome at The Hideout.
As Auburn continues to celebrate its history and future, The Hideout Gaming Center is proof that small ideas can grow into powerful sources of connection, confidence, and creativity. Everyone is welcome at The Hideout. The space is wheelchair accessible, and age, background, or experience level doesn’t matter. With flexible memberships ($50/month for individuals, $100/month for families) and new events happening nearly every month, there’s always something to look forward to.