Bowling may be the headliner, but for a lot of families the arcade is where the night really comes alive. A good arcade has something for every age, from the toddler chasing tickets to the teenager chasing a high score to the parent who cannot resist a round of their childhood favorite. At select Lucky Strike locations, the arcade sits right alongside the lanes, which makes it easy to build an entire outing around a single visit.
Because the arcade is offered at select locations and the game lineup differs from one center to the next, it is worth checking the Location Finder to see what is available near you before you go. Once you know your local spot has an arcade, the fun is only a token away.
An arcade the whole family can share
The best thing about an arcade is that it meets everyone where they are. Little kids gravitate toward the bright lights and easy wins of redemption games, older kids want a real challenge, and adults tend to rediscover a competitive streak they forgot they had. That range is what makes Lucky Strike one of the best arcade places for a family, since nobody is stuck watching from the sidelines while everyone else plays.
It also takes the pressure off. There is no schedule to keep and no skill required to have a good time, so a family can wander from machine to machine at its own pace. When people go looking for places with arcade games that actually work for a mixed group, this easygoing, something-for-everyone setup is exactly what they are after.
Ticket games and classics for the younger crowd
For the youngest players, the redemption games are the whole point, because every play ends with a satisfying stream of tickets to trade in later. ICE Ball FX puts a modern spin on classic skee-ball, rewarding a good roll with lights, sounds, and a pile of tickets. The Big Bass Wheel is a favorite for the pure suspense of the spin, and simple toss games like Down the Clown give little ones an easy, giggly win. These are some of the best arcade machine games for keeping younger kids happy, and the ticket counter at the end turns the whole visit into a mini reward.
The best multiplayer arcade games for a little competition
Where the arcade really shines for a family is head-to-head play, and some of the best multiplayer arcade games turn a casual visit into a friendly rivalry. NBA Hoops sets off an instant shootout to see who can sink the most baskets before the buzzer, and Connect 4 Hoops adds a strategic twist that pits two players directly against each other. For the racers in the group, Mario Kart GP DX is an easy crowd-pleaser that everyone already knows how to play, while Space Invaders Frenzy puts a giant, team-up spin on a nostalgic classic that parents and kids can take on together.
Games like these are why the arcade rarely stays quiet for long. They give the family something to compete over, which is often where the best moments of the night come from. If you are looking for a few recommended arcade games to start with, this multiplayer lineup is a reliable place to begin.
Make a full outing of it
The arcade is even better as part of a bigger day out. Pair it with a few frames on the lanes and you have a complete family outing under one roof. When you want your lanes ready to go, reserve them ahead of time, and keep everyone fueled between games with the food menu so the fun never has to pause for a dinner run.
The arcade also makes a natural centerpiece for a celebration. A kids birthday party built around the games and the lanes takes the planning off your plate, and a larger group gathering gives a bigger crew room to spread out and play.
See what is playing near you
The arcade lineup is one of the best reasons to make Lucky Strike a family tradition, but keep in mind that the games, and the arcade itself, vary by location. Check what your nearest center offers before you plan your visit, and come ready to trade a few tickets, settle a few rivalries, and find a new family favorite among some of the best arcade game machines around.