Throughout history, arcades have stayed as one of people’s favorites and held strong in these times. They remind us of childhood and running through all the bright lights and stuffed toys. Kids become mesmerized by the amount of prizes and the hunt to get the most tickets. There’s something always for everyone, from modern gamers to retro fans. You can always find Space Invaders and Skeeball, while trying out new games like Dance Dance Revolution and Daytona USA. Share those happy arcade memories with your kids at some of our favorite places.
Bev and Wally’s Family Fun Center
46 Beachway, Keansburg
732-581-3578
There’s something for everyone here—choose from redemption machines, slots, poker, basketball, crane games and more.
Branchburg Sports Complex
47 Readington Rd., Branchburg
908-203-1600
Check out tons of sports and adventure themed games like Fruit Ninja, Air Hockey, Lil’ Hoops and more. This arcade also has a playmaze and laser tag arena.
Bridgewater Sports Arena
1425 Frontier Rd., Bridgewater
732-627-0006
This spot is known for its selection of games and video simulators. There are games for players of all ages and ability levels, and there are plenty of prizes to trade in those tickets for.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
750 North Bay Ave, Beach Haven
609-492-4000
The newly reopened 12,000 sq. ft. arcade features everything from skee-ball to their Nerf Arcade. Try to win prizes from their classic claw machines or save up tickets from their large selection of modern arcade games, like Wizard of Oz, Lane Master Bowling, or Connect 4 Hoops!
Frank’s Fun Center – Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
407 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach
732-892-8981
No arcade is complete without skeeball and air hockey. Compete against your family members and see who takes home the biggest prize.
Funtime Junction
400 Fairfield Rd., Fairfield
973-882-9777
Play a variety of games like Guitar Hero, Ducky Splash and skeeball to win tokens. Bring their friends for a few rounds of laser tag.
Go Play
1102 Main St., Belmar
732-681-7529
Get your hands on retro arcade games like Asteroids, Ms. Pac-Man and Big Buck Hunter, pinball, skeeball and air hockey. Switch it up and play the XBOX One, Wii or Super NES with your friends, too.
Grandslam
910 Oak Tree Ave., South Plainfield
908-756-4446
Hours of entertainment have been packed into one showroom—choose from dance, strategy and racing games. There are tons of options for both parents and kids.
iPlay America
110 Schanck Rd., Freehold
732-577-8200
Choose from 200 new and vintage video, skill and crane games. Fun fact: iPlay America’s arcade boasts the most crane games in the state.
Jenkinson’s South Arcade
500 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach
732-295-4334
There’s plenty of games for the whole family to choose from. Even better? This place is open daily, year-round. Visit the Pavilion Arcade before heading home, too.
Jilly’s Arcade
1168 Boardwalk, Ocean City
609-385-1234 ext. 3
Housed below a historical carousel dome, Jilly’s Arcade boasts classic video games, pinball machines and more than 100 of the latest video games (and vintage ones, too!).
Lucky Leo’s Arcade
315 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
732-793-1323
Game themes range from Minecraft and Minions to The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. Test your luck, try your hand and show off your skills.
Mariner’s Arcade
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
609-522-5563
Come for the Batman video games and skeeball, but stay for the “biggest and easiest progressive jackpots in South Jersey.”
Morristown Game Vault
22 South St., Morristown
973-944-8500
If you love classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Pinball, you’ll want to visit the Vault. There are more than 100 video games the kids will love, too.
Playcade Amusements
2629 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
609-345-8260
Visit Atlantic City’s longest established arcade for games and competition. Whether you’re a little kid or an excited adult, chances are you’ll leave with an armload of prizes.
Round 1
1750 Deptford Center Rd, Deptford Township
856-879-9070
With arcade machines directly imported from Japan, Round 1 has a huge selection for claw machine fans with some old favorites.
Silverball Museum Arcade
1000 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park
732-774-4994
Come for a good time and stay for the classic pinball machines and arcade games. Some of the games date back to the 1950s, making the Silverball the perfect mix of vintage games and new favorites.
Swingtime
2390 US 9 S., Howell
732-845-0093
With more than 50 games, including Dance Dance Revolution Extreme, air hockey and Deal or No Deal, the kids will never be bored.
YESTERcades
80 Broad St., Red Bank
732-383-7873
29 Division St., Somerville
908-526-3270
151 E. Broad St., Westfield
908-228-2398
Both arcades offer a slew of games, ranging from the late ’70s to the 21st century. Choose from pinball, Frogger, Super Mario Bros., Super Pac-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mortal Kombat.