Key Points:
- A shrine to Pinball, the attraction is free to enter, but you’ll need quarters to play (they have change machines).
- The HoF is a non-profit, and proceeds benefit charities like The Salvation Army.
- While this could be a great option, “House Rules” signage posted is a buzzkill.
The Pinball Hall of Fame could be a great way to spend time in Vegas without spending an arm and a leg, but there are some clear red flags that you’ll want to consider before making the trip.
For most adult visitors, a trip to the Pinball Hall of Fame is a walk down memory lane.
Games from the 1950s to today are on display and playable. A handful even date back to the 1930s. Guests are almost guaranteed to stumble across their favorite childhood pinball games.
Here’s a full list of pinball games available.
Admirably, the Hall of Fame is a non-profit that donates proceeds to non-denominational charitable causes. Even candy and snack purchases benefit charitable organizations like the Salvation Army.
Provided your behavior is on the “up and up” (more on that below) , this could be a great way to burn some time.
Pinball Hall Of Fame Cost
Admission to the museum is free, but most games cost .25 or .50 per play, so bring plenty of spare quarters!
There are also ATMs & change machines available for those looking to convert their cash.
Pinball Hall Of Fame New Location
The Pinball Hall of Fame’s new location is on the South end of the Strip, between Mandalay Bay and the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.
A short walk from Mandalay Bay, the Pinball Hall of Fame is also easily accessible via the Deuce bus route, or a cheap Uber (around $10-$15 from center Strip resorts).
The building is easily identifiable as the word “PINBALL” is posted on the facade in giant red lettering.
In addition to a more tourist-friendly location, the Pinball Hall of Fame’s new home offers about 3x the square footage of its former location. More space = more games. A good thing.
What I Liked
- Cheap Refreshments are available in vending machines located around the building, with most beverages costing $1.
- The new location is enormous, the selection is abundant, and you’re rarely battling crowds.
- In addition to pinball, classic arcade games are also scattered about (skiball and air hockey, too).
- The Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Sign is a 5-minute walk south. You can easily combine the two activities on your itinerary.
- Parking is free.
What’s Not To Like
The vibes have deteriorated over the years, and I find myself recommending the attraction less and less.
While pinball is fun. This isn’t a fun atmosphere.
Visitors are greeted by an aggressive Satlin-esque behavioral code that’s a bit of a buzzkill.
Variations of the sign pictured are posted throughout the venue and carry a negative tone that tamps down excitement.
A quick scan of Google reviews suggests this really isn’t a place for kids, which is counterintuitive.
I’m just a lowly blogger, and I understand the need to protect the machines, but there has to be a more positive way to set expectations than this.
With any attraction review, I try to give you an accurate idea of what you can expect so that you can make a more informed decision. The Pinball Hall of Fame feels much more like East Germany than West.
Provided you’re well behaved, nothing really compares to the innocence of plugging a quarter into a machine and attempting to keep a metal ball alive, racking up points in the process.
Whether you’re looking to substitute the dinging of slots with the familiar sounds of your childhood or want something to do with the kids, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a great option.
Below are some photos from my most recent visit.
See Also: Kid-Friendly Activities in Las Vegas – A complete rundown.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.