As wonderful as the weather is in Colorado, even we must find things to do when it is too hot, cold, rainy, or snowy to be outside. And let’s be honest, even on days where the weather is wonderful, arcades are just plain fun.
Technology has changed so much since we were kids that many arcades in Denver look different than they did back in the day, but there are also a few hidden gems in the area that feel like a throwback. New or old, time at an arcade is a sure way to have a blast together as a family.
1Up Arcade Bar
Greenwood Village, Westminster and Lakewood
The 1UP Arcade Bar mixes modern with throwback. They combine the entertainment model that has become popular in recent years where you can order food, drinks and play a variety of games with pinball, skee ball and vintage arcade games sure to be nostalgic for the adults. Enjoy introducing your kids to the games that shaped your childhood as well as newer games and a full menu if you’re hungry. There are food specials every Monday – Thursday from 6-10 p.m.
The Greenwood Village and Westminster locations are “family approved” and have family-friendly hours from 11 a m – 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., all locations are 21 and over. Colfax is strictly 21 and over always.
Note: The Lakewood location is coming soon. Keep an eye on the 1Up website for opening dates and family hours.
Pindustry
Greenwood Village
Pindustry is another contemporary idea mixed with vintage hits. Named for the fact that it also includes pinball and bowling, Pindustry has something for everyone. From darts, shuffleboard, pinball and vintage arcade games to bowling and even duckpin bowling (check out their website to find out what duckpin bowling is), they’ve left nothing out. Some games such as shuffleboard and billiards are rented by the hour whereas arcade games can be paid by credits. There is a full menu if you want to make it a complete outing and order food. They have the option to book birthday parties as well.
Note: Friday and Saturday nights after 8 p.m. are 21 and over with live music. See their website for a calendar of live music performers.
Nickel-a-Play
Aurora
Looking for an arcade that feels just like a blast from the past? Need something more chill than the large entertainment venues? Then you will love Nickel-A-Play. While they have some more modern games, a large part of their space is packed with arcade games from your childhood. You will lose track of time going down memory lane. The best part about Nickel-a-Play is the price. With a $3.95 admission fee, you can add money to a game card for the more modern games if you want, and buy 20 nickels for every $1 for their nickel games, but their plethora of vintage games are free! They also have a large assortment of prize choices for your kids once they’re ready to redeem their credits. This is an arcade just like they used to be that leaves everyone happy! Opens at 11 a.m. daily but the closing time varies. Check their website for details.
Dave & Buster’s
Denver, Westminster and Colorado Springs
Dave & Buster’s is a national chain with three locations in our metro area. It is an entertainment venue with food, drinks and big arcade games that can be fun for kids but also for adults. There are many large screens for sporting events all year round, so you won’t miss a minute even while playing with your family. Food and play packages are available for major sporting events, Fantasy Football draft parties and more. Check their website during your favorite sport season and see what deals they are offering at the time. Looking for fun but need to be money smart? They offer half price games on Sundays and Wednesdays and season passes during the summers if you think that would make more sense for your crew.
Main Event
Highlands Ranch, Thornton, Colorado Springs
Main Event takes “arcade” to the next level. Like many of the arcades in this guide, they have much more than your average arcade. You can choose to come enjoy everything they have to offer with a pass that allows you to do everything, or you can simply come for the arcade. Load up an arcade card and go to town amongst all of the games they have to offer. Food and drinks also available for purchase.
Boondocks Food & Fun
Parker, Northglenn
Boondocks is much like Main Event but serves different parts of the metro area. They have far more than an arcade, such as bowling and go karts, but even if an arcade is all you’re looking for, you could still play for hours! This year is their 25th anniversary and they are celebrating with $25 Tuesdays. Every Tuesday through September, you can buy a pass to all attractions for four hours for only $25.
If you know of a family-friendly arcade in your area, new or throwback, we’d love to hear about it!
