Ranking the Top 7 Arcades in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is all about doing things in a big way, and that includes arcades. If you're in search of the best arcades in Sin City for kids or just to have a great time with your friends while playing skeeball and Galactica, we've checked out some of the top options.
1. The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade (New York New York Hotel and Casino)
This is our top pick for the best arcade in Las Vegas. It's not just the massive 32,000 square feet of gaming space or the 200+ games like skeeball, old-school arcade games, and NBA Game Time machines that make it so amazing. There's also an incredible roller coaster with top speeds of nearly 70 mph and a 200-foot drop.
The Big Apple Pack includes four coaster tickets, four T-shirts, 400 arcade credits, 400 redemption points, four Nathan's hot dogs, and a giant plushie for only $149. You can find this one inside the New York New York Casino, and it's easy to spot with all the signs pointing the way.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Friday-Sunday: 11:00 am - Midnight
2. Midway Arcade (Circus Circus)
Moving to number two, Midway Arcade has many cool things going for it. But just a warning, there are lots of clowns at this Las Vegas arcade. Plus, it features some amazing coasters, rides, and circus acts like a trapeze show. There are also circus-style games like balloon bust, but you won't find them anywhere else.
There's also 25 different rides targeting kids under 13, but you must be at least 33 inches tall to ride any of them. Our favorites include Canyon Cars (bumper cars) and Slingshot. Additionally, there are 200+ arcade and video games, laser tag, VR rides, and a 3D theater.
For parents, Circus Circus still offers free parking and a nice bar with adult beverages. Wrist passes are $60 for adults and $30 for kids all day, making it a reasonable day in Las Vegas. Remember, some rides and activities are not included, so check out what everyone wants to do before deciding if it's the best value. Note that there's mandatory photo-taking at the entrance, just a way to separate tourists from their hard-earned cash. Use your phone to take pictures, and save the money you'd spend on the claw machines.
The Adventure Dome at Circus Circus is open every day.
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 am - Midnight
3. Fun Dungeon (Excalibur Hotel & Casino)
Want to take your kids to an arcade while also enjoying medieval jousting and magic? Fun Dungeon is the answer.
Nestled near the popular Excalibur Tournament of Kings venue, this arcade caters to different age groups with more than 200+ coin-op games, including classics like Centipede and the carousel. There's also a 3D theater and food options like Dairy Queen or Orange Julius.
While there are no thrilling roller coasters or carnival rides, the Fun Dungeon stands out for the medieval-style jousting tournament. You can watch Merlin and his friends perform at 6:00 and 8:30 most nights, all set in a 900-seat theater.
The Tournament of Kings is a magical spectacle that will delight the children, and has been a top Las Vegas show winner for years. Tickets start at $49, and the show is closed on Tuesdays and odd Wednesdays. Kids under three enter free of charge.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Sunday: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
4. Las Vegas Pinball Museum
Not a typical choice, but we think the Las Vegas Pinball Museum deserves a spot on this list. Here's why:
This museum is home to a unique collection of restorable pinball machines. It's not a regular arcade with flashing lights and busy environments, making it a calmer alternative for pinball lovers. There are over 100 pinball machines, and you'll be fascinated to see how they've evolved over time.
Another great thing about the Pinball Hall of Fame is the nostalgia it offers. You can play games from the '50s, '60s, '70s, and even the modern era. This is a must-visit destination for pinball enthusiasts, right here in Las Vegas.
Hours of Operation:
- Thursday-Monday: 11:00 am - 3:00 am
- Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
At first, this place is a non-profit, implying it's a museum with reasonable prices. Pinball machine rentals are as little as 25-50 cents. You could spend half a day here at a cost comparable to just one drink at the Fun Dungeon.
The second distinguishing factor is its massive size of 25,000 square feet – almost entirely filled with pinball machines. There's a bit of nostalgia unmatched even by the best Vegas arcades. Some may find the interior charming, some might disapprove, but one thing is certain - the dedication to the machines is admirable.
There's no ATM on-site, suggesting smaller bills are preferable. It's also a bit of a walk from some hotel strips, so a cab could be necessary without one.
Now, let's move on to the Hyper X Esports complex at Luxor. Gaming fanatics will be amazed by the cutting-edge facility. Global tournaments, 50-foot wall screens, and a streamer room - it doesn't get any better for esports enthusiasts. Players can rent gaming devices by the hour or day. They also cater to kids, hosting events like Mario Cart tournaments. The food is excellent, with reasonable prices.
Next, there's the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix. Its arcade has a mix of newer and older games and offers ticket games. Plus, there are outdoor rides and rollercoasters for kids under eight feet tall. And we can't miss out on the go-carts, where kids can ride with adults, and tracks can be raced at around 45mph.
Finally, there's Player One - but beware, it's restricted to those 21 and above. 50 beers on tap, 150+ beers by the bottle, 40+ ciders, and games ranging from PS4 to Nintendo 64 from yesteryear’s gaming introduction era - to pinball machines. There's something for everyone.
Here are the opening hours for these arcades:
- Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
5. Hyper X (Luxor)
The famous Game of the Gods Arcade at Luxor had a great run, but it's 2024, and time for a change. The future is the Hyper X Esports complex. Wow any gamer, young or old, with this sophisticated esports facility.
Catch global tournaments on the massive 50-foot wall screen, create your own streams in the Streamer room. This is where the gaming world gathers.
Want to play? You can rent dozens of gaming devices by the hour or the whole day. Plus, they have lounges and adult-only areas. Children can visit during the daytime, participating in Fortnite tourneys and Mario Cart tourneys.
This place boasts excellent food options and decent drink selections for adults.
Here are the hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
6. Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
With its smaller size but ample arcade games, the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix also wins hearts. It has ticket games, plus a decent little restaurant. There are miniature outdoor rides for younger children and thrilling rollercoasters like the Piff the Magic Dragon rollercoaster.
But the grand finale here is the go-carts. Driven alone by little ones over 36 inches tall, or others can accompany the small ones. An exciting experience, indeed.
It's around a fifteen-minute drive from the strip hotels.
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
7. Player One
Beware, 21+ gamers! This arcade offers a unique experience with almost 50 beers on tap, a staggering 150+ beers by the bottle, and even 40+ ciders to accompany the classic arcade games.
Their extensive selection, from Street Fighter 2 to the immortal Stargate and Tekken, even Guitar Hero Arcade, will leave you speechless. But what steals the show - their collection of pinball machines.
The opening hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
For just $8, you can enjoy unlimited gaming fun! Nevada residents get a special deal at $5. Unfortunately, kids under 18 need to be accompanied by their parents as they're not allowed to be left unsupervised. Located near the strip on Maryland Parkway.
Opening Hours:
- Sundays – Thursdays: 1:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Fridays – Saturdays: 1:00 pm – 5:00 am
GAME OVER
A friendly reminder - come to these arcades with your children, not leave them behind while you gamble. These arcades are suitable for adults too, with the exception of one.
Your Regularly Asked Questions
Concerned about keeping your kids entertained during your stay at a hotel? Check out these frequently asked questions about Vegas arcades. Some might even be better than the most exciting ones in Las Vegas!
Does MGM have an arcade?Yes, MGM Grand offers two arcades. One is known as Level Up and promotes itself as a contemporary lounge and "ultimate adult playground." It features live nightly entertainment, TVs showing live sports, and of course, arcade games. There's also a children's game center with virtual reality games.
Does Aria have an arcade?Yes, Aria Hotel houses an arcade suitable for kids. It features modern video games, classic activities like the dance machine, and claw machines.
Does the Strat have an arcade?Yes, the Strat Hotel includes arcades such as Amusement World or X World 360 Virtual Reality Experience.
Does Resorts World Las Vegas have an arcade?Yes, the RedTail social lounge in Resorts World Las Vegas boasts an arcade, large interactive games, TVs, and live performances.
Does The Venetian have an arcade?The Venetian Las Vegas provides entertainment through an escape room experience, a virtual reality attraction, and the world-famous Madam Tussauds.
Keep calm and game on. pic.twitter.com/McVcWYBVbg— Player 1 Video Game Bar - Las Vegas (@player1vegas) January 17, 2020
Want more recommendations? Check out our articles on the best Las Vegas shows, budget-friendly activities in Vegas, Las Vegas spas, and 10 enjoyable activities for kids in the city.
Cover Photo: Prompart /Pixabay, CC BY 4.0
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