Top Arcades in Chicago Suitable for Children
Chicago and Surrounding Areas Offer a Wide Variety of Arcades and Family Entertainment Centers
For those seeking a fun-filled day of games and entertainment, Chicago and its surroundings have a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you're an arcade enthusiast, a family looking for a day out, or an older kid or teen in search of a thrilling adventure, there's something for everyone.
Arcade Bars for Older Kids and Teens
For older kids and teens in Chicago, the best arcades to consider offer a mix of classic and modern arcade games, as well as other entertainment options like laser tag or mini golf. Two popular choices are Emporium Chicago and Logan Arcade.
Emporium Chicago, located in Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Fulton Market, offers a great social atmosphere along with a broad selection of arcade games. It's an original arcade bar with craft drinks and music, making it a perfect spot for a fun night out.
Logan Arcade, known for having some of the most and best-maintained arcade games in Chicago, is a 21+ tavern. Despite this, it is highly praised for its game quality and atmosphere. It features many pinball machines and classic games like Tapper.
Family-Friendly Arcades and Entertainment Centers
For families and younger teens under 21, Emporium Chicago and other family-friendly venues with arcade-style entertainment are recommended. These venues offer a range of activities such as laser tag, go-karts, mini golf, bowling alleys, escape rooms, and paintball.
One such venue is Nickel City Xtreme in North Brook, which uses game cards instead of coins for its games, including Skee-Ball, Nerf blasters, and basketball. Climbzone Chicago in Irving Park offers a wide range of activities including arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, ropes course, soft play, and an indoor climbing center. Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center in Lombard has over 60,000 square feet of attractions including indoor go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, catapult rides, mini-bowling, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, virtual reality, and escape rooms.
For a more intimate and smaller experience, Games On Lincoln in Winnetka is ideal for younger children, ages four to six. It is surrounded by a toy store and ice cream parlor, turning a gaming visit into a whole afternoon adventure for little ones.
Specialized Venues for Older Kids and Teens
Activate Games in Oak Brook offers screen-free physical and puzzle-based challenges for kids six and up. It caters to birthday parties and is great fun for the whole family. Dave and Busters offers games geared toward kids about six and up, although toddlers may enjoy the lights and helping older siblings or adults.
In The Game Hollywood Park in Crestwood offers a variety of activities including arcade, go-karts, bumper cars, mini-golf, a giant slide, and a laser maze. It does not offer virtual reality or catapult rides. Climbzone Chicago does not offer arcade games, but it has a restaurant on-site and offers birthday party packages and camps.
Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield has over 1,000 video arcade games and several pinball machines. It offers a minimal flat fee to play as long as you want. Activate Games in Oak Brook does not offer arcade games, but it caters to physical and puzzle-based challenges for kids six and up.
In summary, for older kids and teens under 21, Emporium Chicago and family-friendly venues with arcade-style entertainment are recommended. For adults and 21+ teens, Logan Arcade is arguably the best-maintained arcade option in Chicago. For a broader range of interactive and group activities, Chicago has multiple options including laser tag and mini golf.
- For those interested in combining gaming with lifestyle experiences, Emporium Chicago offers a unique blend of arcade games, craft drinks, music, and social atmosphere.
- For families looking to enjoy food-and-drink options while engaging in various entertainment activities, Climbzone Chicago in Irving Park offers a wide range of attractions including arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, an indoor climbing center, and a restaurant on-site.
- For a different kind of gaming experience, Activate Games in Oak Brook caters to physical and puzzle-based challenges for kids six and up, offering a change from traditional arcade games.
- For those seeking a mix of games, fashion-and-beauty, and shopping, a day out in Chicago might include visiting Galloping Ghost Arcade, with over 1,000 video arcade games, and then exploring home-and-garden stores in the surrounding areas.
- For those traveling with pets, it's essential to research pet-friendly facilities before visiting family entertainment centers or arcade bars to ensure a enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
