Game On Time! 7 Best Family Fun Arcades Near Ann Arbor

Introduce the kids to retro fun at the 7 best arcades in Ann Arbor to take your kids? Whether you’re planning a fun outing with elementary schoolers or teens, there are a number of arcades to choose from. From retro pinball machines to state-of-the-art arcade games, these spots offer something for every gamer in the family.

Arcades are a great way to spend a rainy day, enjoy weekend family time, or take a break from routine with a little friendly competition. Check out our guide to the best arcades and gaming destinations near Ann Arbor to make your next family adventure unforgettable!

When my daughter was a toddler and preschooler, we used to go to Chuck E Cheese which was a perfect introduction to the arcade. The Ann Arbor Chuck E Cheese closed around 2020.

1 – Pinball Pete’s

The first choice for an arcade near Ann Arbor has to be Pinball Pete’s. Check out their wide array of games from retro pinball machines, to the latest game, there is something for everyone. As a child in the 80s, I appreciate that they still use quarters or tokens instead of cards.

Introduce the Kids to Retro 80s Fun At Pinball Pete’s

My husband and I grew up in the 80s when visiting the arcade was a regular activity. There were arcades in every shopping mall – often right outside the food court. No trip to the mall with friends was complete without time in the arcade. Pinball Pete’s is reminiscent of the classic arcades we grew […]

Location: 1214 S. University Ave, Ann Arbor
Hours: Noon-Midnight Sunday-Thursday, Noon-2a Friday & SaturdayTip

Tips & Other Information:

• Visit Pinball Pete’s when UM students are not on campus. Parking is easier and it will be less crowded.
• Stop at Insomnia Cookies across the street for a sweet treat afterwards
• Combine it with a visit to the nearby UM Video Game Archive
• Pinball Petes will be moving to Liberty St as their current location may be torn down for more student housing

3 – Revel and Roll

Revel and Roll is a bowling alley by Bowlero. In addition to the bowling alley, they have an arcade section.

Revel & Roll – Wednesday Activity Review

Bowling at Revel & Roll is this week’s Wednesday Activity Review. Each Wednesday this summer Ann Arbor with Kids is sharing an activity review for school aged children. Revel & Roll My daughter and I visited Revel & Roll today for our Wednesday Activity Review. With the rain this afternoon, it was the perfect day to go bowling. Revel […]

Location: 1950 South Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor
Hours: Varies with leagues and school breaks.

Tips & Other Information:

• Half-price arcade games on Wednesdays (not available on holidays)

4 – University of Michigan Video Game Archive

The University of Michigan Video Game Archive is a great way to enjoy the video games of your youth. During COVID shut-downs they moved from North Campus to the Shapiro Library. Since reopening they have decreased hours and require reservations. They are typically only open during the UM semester during business hours.

Amaze the Kids (& Yourself) at the UM Video Game Archive

Shhhh!!!! Your kids will be amazed at the expansive selection of video games and legacy systems at the UM Video Game Archive

Location: 4th Floor Shapiro Library, 919 S University Avenue, Ann Arbor
Hours: Vary, typically only open during UM semester

Tips & Other Information:

• Reservation Required.
• Supervision of 1 adult to 3 minors under 13
• Pinball Pete’s is down the street making it easy to combine a visit

7 – Video Game Events

While not an arcade, there are a few regular video game events around Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor District Library hosts occasional video game events – typically at the downtown branch. From Mario Kart tournaments to Splatoon to PokeBattle to Super Smash Brothers, they’re sure to be a hit.

Neutral Zone currently hosts Game On on Friday afternoons to learn about making video games and apps.

Some upcoming video game events are:

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