Though we think of Las Vegas, Nevada as a place to enjoy blackjack, slot machines, and the bright lights of the Strip, things have changed. Now, there is fun for the entire family. That includes some of the most must-see arcades that will blow your mind.
Las Vegas used to be a place of sin and vice filled with the biggest casinos in the world. Now, it is a place where the entire family can go and have a great time. In and around the Las Vegas Strip, there are world-class arcades that will appeal to old and young alike. Check out the best of the best in our list below.
1) The Claw Arcade
It is fitting that on Flamingo Rd. you will find one of the more unique arcades in all of Las Vegas. That would be The Claw, an arcade based on one of the classic staples of arcades large and small: the claw game.
Though the name itself suggests the focus, this isn’t like anything you could imagine. Though it can get quite busy, with some days feeling like you are crammed together with other patrons, you won’t find a greater collection of claw games.
There is even a strong contingent of Hello Kitty to choose from, some of which can be just purchased. If you love claw games and the chance to win a great prize, this is definitely going to be up your alley.
2) Player One
While just about every one of the arcades on the list has something for the whole family, Player One is the place to be if you are 21+. There are 150 beers by the bottle, 40+ ciders, and 50 beers on tap, plus some of the best bar food that you will find in Vegas.
The real attraction, however, is the games. There are all the favorites and old school games you could love like Tekken, Stargate, Guitar Hero, Street Fighter 2, and more. There are also nearly a dozen pinball machines to choose from for the truly nostalgic.
On top of that, there are console games going all the way back to the Atari 2600. With an $8 cover, you can play all day for next to nothing. Enjoy great food, great adult beverages, and more games than could possibly be imagined in one of the hottest spots in Vegas.
3) Game Nest
Just a few minutes away from the Strip in Chinatown, Game Nest delivers one of the more underrated gaming experiences you will find in all of Vegas. This one specializes in one thing: Japanese arcade games. You will find no shortage of classics to choose from, a must for anime fans and gamers.
There are plenty of American favorites to choose from too, providing a great mix for all. For those who live in the area or travel to Vegas on a regular basis, the Aime Amusement IC Card is a must. Keep track of your games and return to your spot whenever you come back.
4) Magic Claw Arcade
Very similar to The Claw mentioned above, Magic Claw delivers for those who love to play the infamous claw game of arcade lore. This establishment is completely new, having just opened in December 2023 but it provides all the enjoyment of this arcade classic.
Though it is a bit smaller compared to The Claw, there is a ton of action packed into one space. All of the machines are neatly aligned around the perimeter of the room, bright and inviting.
With a huge selection to choose from, not to mention some great plushies to win, it is easy to see why this arcade made the list. For claw lovers out there, this is a must-see if there ever was one.
5) Round1 Bowling & Amusement
Located in the heart of Meadows Mall, Round1 is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Strip. There is a good array of arcade cabinets to partake in, giving it the feel of an old-school arcade with some modern classics mixed in.
There is everything you could come to love in an arcade: fighting, carnival, rhythm, shooting, and racing games, plus pinball machines galore! It is the perfect mix of modern and nostalgia to entice gamers of all ages.
Like the rest of the great arcades on the list, there is a bar right there on site to enjoy drinks or grab a bite to eat. On top of that, there is a full bowling alley and even the option to sing karaoke with friends and family.
6) The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade
If you don’t want to play at the best real money casinos, maybe a rollercoaster would be more your speed? Found in the New York New York Hotel and Casino, The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade has to be near the top of the list. For starters, there is more than 32,000 square feet of gaming space, which already puts it in rarified air as far as Vegas arcades go.
There are more than 200 games to choose from, including old-time arcade games, skeeball, and even NBA Game Time for the hoops fans out there. If you’re feeling hungry, there’s a cocktail bar that is open late into the night and a Nathan’s Hot Dog stand to provide all the nourishment you need to keep going.
Even better, The Big Apple Pack provides unreal value. With the pack, you can get four t-shirts, four coaster tickets for the massive rollercoaster (which hits 70mph and has a 200-foot drop), 400 redemption points for arcade gear, 400 arcade credits, and a quartet of Nathan’s hot dogs. All of this for $149 is a fantastic deal and will get you started on the right foot.
7) Fun Dungeon
The Excalibur Hotel & Casino is known for a lot of things, but in recent years, the Fun Dungeon has been climbing the ranks. Vegas has become a more family-friendly destination in recent years, and there is no clearer evidence of that than the Fun Dungeon.
Located right next to the Excalibur Tournament of Kings, it is a fantastic option for families with kids of any age. There are more than 200 coin-op games to choose from, including the massive carousel. A touch of magic and medieval jousting takes things to the next level.
The Tournament of Kings is unique all on its own. There is a dinner show with a three-course dinner while the legendary Merlin and his friends put on a jousting tournament straight out of the medieval era. The knights ride live horses to deliver the most authentic experience in one of the most unique shows you will find.
8) Midway Arcade
Making its home in the famous Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, there are few attractions out there quite like it. Though it might not be for everyone – there are a ton of clowns, after all – it is home to fantastic rides, great coasters, and even a live trapeze show.
There are 25 different rides to choose from, most of which are aimed at the younger crowd. Canyon Cars, Slingshot, and the El Loco coaster are all favorites. In addition to the great rides, there are more than 200 arcade and video games, VR rides, laser tag, and even a 3D theater.
Though the aim is largely at the youngsters, there is something for parents as well. There is a full-service bar with reasonably priced adult beverages to enjoy. There are few attractions in Vegas that are quite as enjoyable from start to finish as The Adventure Dome
9) Hyper X
The Luxor remains a staple of the famous Las Vegas strip. In order to stay with the times and appeal to families, they have brought Hyper X to the forefront. The Game of the Gods Arcade was its predecessor and one of the top arcades in Vegas for a long time. Now, Hyper X Esports stands tall as the place to be.
There are global eSports tournaments happening all the time on the massive 50-foot wall screen. You can stream content with your friends or to your fans using the very unique Stream room as well. Then there’s the dozens of gaming computers where you can actually get into the action.
For those who are a bit older, there are spots for adults as well. The food and drinks are actually reasonably priced, so you can enjoy yourself all day long without having to break the bank. Anyone who has played a PlayStation, Xbox, or gaming PC will want to try out Hyper X at least one time.
10) Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame
Though it isn’t necessarily the same as some of the other arcades on the list, this is a must-see. The Las Vegas Pinball Museum is a museum, which means that you can play many of the machines on site are just .25 or .50 to play, making it one of the most affordable options out there.
Covering more than 25,000 square feet, there are more pinball machines than you could have possibly imagined. They are lined up, one by one, and you can play virtually all of them. Even better, there are some going back to the 1970s or 1980s, offering a tremendous dose of nostalgia that is tough to match.
Though there are no food options available, the vending machines offer plenty of drinks and snacks to get you through. It has a bit of a quirky, funky feel to it, but it is definitely something you won’t find anywhere else. Just make sure that you have cash on you and plenty of small bills since there isn’t an ATM nearby.
Conclusion
Vegas has a reputation as being the mecca for casino gaming and entertainment, but times have changed. Now, with a more family-friendly approach, there is more to do for the entire family than ever before.
If you are planning on bringing your family to Sin City, then make sure to check out at least one of the arcades on the list. Gaming, bowling, food, and fun are closer than you know.
