Unleash Your Inner-Child at These Las Vegas Arcades

Although real money gambling gets most of the attention, families visiting with kids, or even adults wishing to channel their inner kid commonly seek out arcades in Las Vegas.

While the majority of casinos don’t offer an arcade, there are a few that still do.

I’ve personally visited nearly every arcade in town and recommend prioritizing Circus Circus and Excalibur – They’re impressive.

On the Strip

Big Apple Arcade at New York New York: Complete with classic arcade games like air hockey, pop-a-shot, skee ball, and more, the Big Apple Arcade at New York New York is a big draw.

Better yet, the Arcade shares space with New York New York’s Big Apple Rollercoaster which is a thrilling rooftop ride providing great views of the Strip.

Arcade credits are sold at a rate of $1 per 10 credits, and most games hover around a price of 10 credits. Package deals that combine arcade credits, food, and a ride on the Big Apple Coaster are also available.

A wide angle photo of the arcade with a plethora of games scattered about.

Fun Dungeon at Excalibur: Recognized as one of the few kid-friendly resorts in Las Vegas, Excalibur also offers an expansive arcade.

With over 200 games, options include classic arcade games, pinball, miniature bowling, and midway games like ring toss. Notably, the Fun Dungeon also boasts the world’s largest Pac-Man game.

Various arcade games lined up against a wall.

Midway at Circus Circus: When it comes to arcades in Vegas, few properties come to mind faster than Circus Circus.

Widely regarded as the most child-friendly resort on the Strip, Circus Circus’ Midway offers over 200 current and classic arcade games.

In addition to electronic games, the Midway also has a collection of traditional fair games. After hitting the arcade, check out their free circus acts which are offered daily.

Arcade games with a neon sign above that says "Shake Rattle & Roll"

Zero Latency VR at MGM Grand: While the main draw of the space is a VR attraction with options to hunt zombies, stop an outbreak, or solve puzzles, Zero Latency also offers a small arcade with about 20 games near Level Up at MGM Grand.

A small arcade photographed from above. — Level Up at MGM Grand

Twilight Zone by Monster Mini Golf at Horseshoe: Although the Twilight Zone-themed mini-golf course is the main attraction, the venue also offers a small number of arcade games.

It’s not a destination arcade, but one to stop at if you’re in the area.

I recently played the mini golf course and found it to be a worthwhile visit, if only for the visuals.

Two creatures from space wearing yellow puffy suits.

Several arcade games are lined up along a wall, and a few bowling alleys are in the background. — Part of the small arcade at the mini-golf course.

ARCADE at Horseshoe: Horseshoe’s former sportsbook space has transformed into an arcade that has 80 total games that range from recent hits to the classics.

The arcade, aptly named “ARCADE”, will be family-friendly, but also offer a bar.

Several motorcycle riding games extend along a wall into the distance.

Honorable Mention – HyperX Esports Arena at Luxor: While not a traditional arcade per se, Luxor’s Esports Arena will allow your kids, or your inner kid, to play video games for an hourly rate. One hour costs $15, and a day pass costs $50, although options also exist in between.

Gaming terminals at Luxor's ESports arena — Gaming stations at the Luxor Esports Arena

Play Playground at Luxor (21+): An attraction for adults only, Play Playground offers 20+ games that are sure to elicit some laughs, conversation, and competitive banter.

Tickets start at $37, which allows you to play 12 games (just over $3 per game).

A row of blue poker chips are hanging from a bar. They swing back and forth when the game starts. — Poker Parkour at Play Playground – Could you stay on the beam?

Honorable Mention – Pinball Hall of Fame: If pinball is your game, it’s hard to beat the Pinball Hall of Fame.

Located just south of Mandalay Bay on the Strip, this shrine to the game of pinball features 25,000 square feet of games that span decades. Entry is free, just bring plenty of quarters!

2 rows of pinball machines — There’s a lot of ’em.

On Fremont Street

The Cal: While small in stature, California offers a small arcade as an amenity. If you’re downtown, it’s one of your only options.

Near The Strip

KISS by Monster Mini Golf at Rio: As is the case with the minigolf course at Horseshoe, KISS by Monster Mini Golf offers a small selection of arcade games just outside the course.

A huge band member face with tounge extended glowing under the black light. The tounge doubles as a ramp to hit your ball up into the mouth.

Game Nest: Located just off the north end of the Strip across I-15, Game Nest is a cheap ride from the main tourist thoroughfare via Uber or Lyft. There, you will find an impressive collection of arcade games that are paid for by the hour. While the first hour is $10, additional hours can be added for just $5. In addition to arcade games, Game Nest offers access to video game consoles like Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

Asylum at Area15: Asylum is part of the vast Area15 entertainment complex just off the Strip. Inside, you’ll find pinball, modern arcade games, skee ball, and several pool tables.

Exterior of the Emporium Arcade at Area15 — Courtesy of Area15

Although Sin City is known to be an adult playground, there are a surprising number of opportunities to play arcade games, collect tickets, and redeem them for disappointing prizes.

Have a great time out there, and win big!

Jake Hoffman

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.

More about me, here.