The Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex has many options for those looking for arcades. We go to arcades for lots of reasons! Rainy day fun? Go to an arcade. Need to escape the Texas summer heat? Go to an arcade. Want to hone your Mortal Combat skills? (Did I just age myself?!?) Go to an arcade. No matter the reason, check out the following Dallas arcades.
We live in the southern portions of the DFW metroplex in Midlothian, TX. Most of the arcades we will write about will be out this way. We used to live in Plano, so from time to time we will get a hotel up in Frisco, do a mini staycation, and have an arcade be part of our fun.
This list will include some of our favorite arcades and why we like them. Check out this list and feel free to let us know of ones that you enjoy as well!
Waxahachie, TX
The Arcade– Built in the basement of the old Rogers Hotel, The Arcade brought some much needed fun to the Waxahachie Square. The arcade charges a flat rate at the door. All games are set on free play, so once you pay your cover charge, you can play as much as you like. Most of the games are of the retro variety. It was fun showing our kids the games that were popular when we were younger. They have a few pinball games too. Some games are also listed for sale. Imagine how cool your kids will think you are if you bring home a Galaga game one day?
Arlington, TX
Alley Cats Entertainment– This is probably our most often go-to when we are looking for something to do. What makes Alley Cats so great is the variety of things to do there. They have mini golf, bowling, laser tag, rock climbing, batting cages, and of course…a huge arcade. The arcade is a mix of true arcade games and skill games that give tickets. To play games, you need to purchase a card that holds credits.
Black Dog Retro Arcade– Black Dog has standard stand up classic arcade games, board games, and even modern gaming consoles. It is $10/person for all day play on all of the games. If all of that gaming gets you Hungry, Black Dog Retro Arcade has great food with a focus on appetizers, wings, and pizza. They also have a full bar. They advertise that they are a great destination for birthday parties and group events.
Free Play Arcade– (also has locations in Fort Worth, Denton, and Richardson) Loaded up with 130+ retro games and pinball machines all set to free play. Just pay your $12 entry fee at the door and you are good to go! They claim to be the only arcade chain of their kind that does not use emulators or knock off components in any of their games. All games in their locations are running original software and parts and refurbished to work like new.
Fort Worth, TX
Cidercade– (other locations in Dallas, Austin, Houston and soon in Arlington) This side project of Bishop Cider Company is 100% family friendly until 8PM each day. The Fort Worth location has over 275+ games all set to free play. Admission is $10/person. They also have monthly memberships for $15, which is a great deal. You only have to go twice and it pays for itself. They also sell food and of course Bishop Cider’s hard adult cider beverages (and craft sodas for the kids).
Main Event– (locations all over DFW) I am pretty sure we all know about Main Event. These places are huge and offer all kinds of activities. While it does tend to be on the more expensive side, they do run lots of cool bundle specials around Winter Break, Spring Break and more.
Haltom City, TX
Electric Starship Arcade– A locally owned arcade with dozens of refurbished classic and retro arcade games. A similar free play concept, Electric Starship charges $10 at the door for unlimited play. All ages are welcome until 8PM, when it becomes 21+ to be inside. Food is available, but it is more concession style with gourmet hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and freshly made cotton candy. They also have craft beers for adults and sodas for the kids.
Frisco, TX
Strikz Entertainment– This is our favorite for doing staycations. They also do an AWESOME New Years Eve deal with unlimited gaming, laser tag, bowling, etc PLUS a buffet with pizzas, pastas, salads, and desserts. They do an early midnight countdown at 8PM with balloon drop so that the younger kids can get the New Years experience without having to stay up until midnight. We are absolutely planning on doing this again this New Year’s Eve!
Now Let’s Visit Some Dallas Arcades!!!
We intend to continue to update this list of Dallas arcades as we check out or learn of new arcades in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. If any of you have a great arcade you can recommend, let us know via the “Contact Us” part of our website or you can email us at larry@thetexastravelingfamily.com. We will accept any suggestions in Dallas, Tarrant, Johnson, Ellis, Collin or Rockwall Counties!
Make sure you do your finger stretches and FINISH HIM! (That’s another Mortal Kombat reference).
If you like our staycation option (or if you are traveling to Dallas/Fort Worth) check out some great hotel deals in the search box below.
