When looking for some indoor fun, you can count on big smiles when you challenge the kids to a game of pinball or Ms. Pac-man! A good arcade can offer family-friendly diversions for all ages. Mom and dad can wax nostalgic over their youth, while kids can school the old folks on newer technology.
For more indoor fun, check out our article Best Indoor Playgrounds in Des Moines for more great entertainment ideas. And, be sure to sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.
Editor’s Note: A few of these venues are for adults only, but offer hours for the under 21 crowd. Be sure to call ahead or check social media sites to confirm hours, attractions, availability, and prices.
We’ve rounded up a few of the best arcades in Des Moines:
Adventureland Inn. 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, IA 50009
This theme park hotel is home to the “Adventure Zone Game Room”. All games here operate on a card system, which can be loaded with cash at the redemption counter.
Backpocket Pin & Pixel. 6205 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
Recently opened in Johnston Town Center, this entertainment venue features Backpocket Beer, which is brewed in Coralville along with retro arcade games and duckpin bowling. Kids and teens are welcome until 9:00 pm after that the 21-plus crowd takes over.
Bass Pro Shops. 1000 Bass Pro Drive NW, Altoona, IA 50009
The outdoor recreation store boasts an undersea-themed arcade at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill, the bowling alley and dining area on the east side of the retail store.
Ankeny 12 w/ B-Roll Bowling, Grand Screens, MX4D, ScreenPLAY & Outtakes Arcade. 1580 SW Market Street, Ankeny, IA 50023.
Your family can be amused for hours at this mega entertainment complex. In addition to movies and bowling, they also house the Outtakes Arcade.
Chucky E. Cheese’s. 1431 22nd Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Chucky E. Cheese’s is a kid’s paradise. They serve up pizza, have a huge selection of video games; low-tech games like skee ball; kiddie rides and climbing areas for the little ones. After all the tokens have been used up, kids can claim a prize with their ticket winnings.
Dave & Buster’s. 190 Jordan Creek Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50266
This mega-arcade chain has recently opened in West Des Moines near Jordan Creek Mall. Gamers will be thrilled with the variety of arcade games, billiards, and virtual reality experiences available. If you need a breather, you can also grab a bite to eat at their restaurant.
GameDay, Merle Hay Mall, 3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 1220, Des Moines, IA 50310.
A family-friendly arcade and restaurant located inside Merle Hay Mall. Watch sports or play games at this entertainment center which features more modern games as well as some classic arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man and MarioKart.
Bowlero – Great Escape. 655 NE 56th Street, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327.
Bowlero formerly Great Escape offers up family entertainment with bowling, lazer tag and arcade fun. The arcade was renovated in 2019 and houses 50 arcade games, a laser tag area, a four-player virtual reality game and a new redemption center.
Monsterama Arcade. 3108 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315. (Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing)
Parents can take a walk down memory lane at Monsterama Arcade, where Donkey Kong, Centipede and 35+ cabinet games and 10+ pinball machines have found a home inside a horror movie themed pizza joint. This southside spot is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Operating Room – Ankeny (District at Prairied Trail), Waukee (The Palms Theater) & West Des Moines (West Glen Town Center).
This arcade bar is filled with all sorts of popular video games, table games, driving games, pinball machines and more. Kids are allowed in the Ankeny location daily until 7:30 pm and the West Des Moines location daily until 8:00 pm.
Old School Pinball and Arcade. 209 SE Main Street, Grimes, IA 50111.
As the name suggests this is THE place for a true old school arcade experience. They’re open Thursday through Sunday and host a heck of a kid’s birthday party.
Perfect Games. 1320 Dickinson Ave, Ames, IA 50014.
Bowling, laser tag and mini-golf might be the initial draws to Perfect Games, but its 80-game indoor arcade offers skee ball, air hockey, dance games, and other prize-winning games. Earn points toward prize redemption.
Pizza Ranch Fun Zone Arcade. Ankeny, Ames, Indianola, Pella and Story City.
Pizza and arcade games is always a classic combo. Kids will love the newest interactive and high-energy games and parents will enjoy some nostalgic favorites at this local pizza buffet chain with five locations in central Iowa.
Putts & Pins. 6920 EP True Parkway, Suite 105, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Putts & Pins, located near Jordan Creek Town Center, provides a blend of entertainment with mini-golf and duck pin bowling. Additionally, the venue boasts a collection of vintage arcade games, pool tables, darts, shuffleboard, and air hockey, fostering friendly competition among friends.
RezBlue Arena. Southridge Mall, 1111 E Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA 50315.
RezBlue Arena is a virtual reality gaming center located in Southridge Mall. It’s a fun way to experience games and movies. Fun for individuals, as well as, groups.
Smash Park. 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Primarily known for their indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, Smash Park offers more gaming fun, like, cornhole, shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong, foosball, arcade games, board games and more.
Spare Time Des Moines. 340 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Bowling may be the initial draw to this mecca of family entertainment in West Des Moines, but it also boasts a huge Game Zone arcade packed with the latest games, an epic laser tag arena, escape rooms, restaurant, bar and more.
The White Rabbit Virtual Reality. Merle Hay Mall, 3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 1220, Des Moines, IA 50310.
This gaming center offers both single-player and multi-player VR games as well as multiple VR for kids games. For immersive experiences, guests wear VR headsets and use hand-held controllers. Tickets start at $20 for 15 minutes and reservations can be made on-line.
Of course, if you just want an adults night out, Ricochet and Up-Down offer arcade fun for the 21+ set.
