Arcades offer year-round indoor entertainment, family bonding, and a variety of games from classics to brand new. Arcades are the perfect combo of nostalgia and healthy family competition. As an 80’s baby, I can remember feeling like arcades were in every mall. Or we could walk to the corner store and play an arcade game. Now as a parent with a 7-year-old, we find ourselves seeking out gaming experiences that the whole family can enjoy.
Here is a list of a few family-friendly arcades around Atlanta:
Your 3rd Spot
They have over 80 games to play including darts, skeeball, basketball, pinball, arcade games, racing games, corn hole, and curling. There is also bowling on-site for a separate fee. Y3S is generally a 21+ location, but they offer family-friendly hours on Saturday and Sunday before 5 p.m. You do have to pay to enter, but that fee covers your game pass and includes 3 hours of unlimited play. Y3S is located next to The Camp at The Works in Atlanta.
I like this spot. I have been here for a girl’s night, date night, and for a family day out. They do have something for everyone. The food and drinks are great too.
Tip: Book your experience for 1 pm when they open and get unlimited play until 4 pm just before the 5 pm adult-only hours kick in. At 1 pm you will have little to no wait for gameplay and can play all your favorite games uninterrupted. When your 3 hours are up you can still play lawn games and enjoy the ambiance I you aren’t quite ready to go.
Battle and Brew
Offers a full bar, food, and multiple gaming options. They have PC gaming available and a wide variety of games and consoles available. Gaming prices are by the hours and vary from $7(PC games) to $150(VIP). Board games are available for $10 a day. Their newest location recently opened at The Battery in Atlanta, near Pheast and the Purple Lot.
We went on family board game day. I had the Dragon’s Nest chicken and waffles it was delicious. The kiddo tried the non-alcoholic rainbow road. My entrée earned us 1 hour of gameplay. The kiddo and hubs played Dragon Ball FighterZ. The kiddo had a blast.
Tip: Follow them on Instagram to find out about their specials. Some days offer a power hour where you get 1 free hour of gameplay with the purchase of an entrée.
Main Event
Main Event has more than 100 new and retro arcade games, a ropes course, a bowling alley, billiards, and laser tag. They also have a full-service bar and restaurant. Their Cumberland/Atlanta location is located in the AMC Parkway Pointe complex, right below the theater.
Tip: Sign up for their email list get free gaming time and be notified about upcoming discounts. They also offer some food and gaming discounts, if you plan to eat while you are there check the menu before you buy a gaming card.
Activate
Is an immersive, active gaming experience. You will need a group of 2-5 to participate. They have hundreds of combinations of 1-3 minute games with varying difficulty. The recommended age of participants is at least 10. The Atlanta location is located off Roswell Road.
Andretti Indoor Karting and Games
Andretti’s isn’t just for racing. The gaming area includes classic and new arcade games, VR gaming, laser tag, and bowling. There is no general admission, you pay as you go for each gaming experience. Andretti’s has locations in Marietta and Buford, Georgia.
Bowlero
Bowlero is a bowling alley, sports bar, and arcade. The arcade hosts state-of-the-art arcade games and classic games. Use a reloadable arcade card to use credits to pay as you play. They offer half-price gaming on Wednesdays. There are 8 locations around Atlanta including the Atlantic Station location next to the Regal Theatre.
Dave & Busters
Dave & Buster’s combines a sports bar and family-friendly fun. They have food, drinks, billiards, virtual reality, and an arcade! The arcade includes classic and new games. They have racing games, air hockey, basketball, and more! Gameplay is managed with a reloadable Power Card and you pay to play. They offer half-price gaming on Wednesdays. There are 4 locations near Atlanta: Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, and McDonough.
Where are your favorite arcades around Atlanta? Leave a comment below, we are always looking for a new spot!
Not quite to the arcade stage yet? Give these indoor play places a go!
