Get your game on at the 12 best arcades in Virginia

Discover the best arcades in Virginia, offering a variety of classic and modern games for all ages and exciting prize-winning opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to relive the golden age of arcade gaming or discover a modern twist on classic entertainment, Virginia has no shortage of exciting arcades. From vintage pinball machines to high-tech virtual reality experiences, these 12 arcades across the state offer something for every gaming enthusiast.

1. Roanoke Starcade Video Game Museum 

Location: 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

For gamers looking to immerse themselves in a vast collection of video games, the Roanoke Starcade Video Game Museum is a must-visit destination. This interactive museum, located in Center in the Square, offers access to more than 3,000 games spanning arcade classics and modern hits—all set to free play with the price of admission.

The Starcade allows visitors to play unlimited games for a flat entry fee. Whether you’re a fan of retro titles like Missile Command and Burger Time or newer games like X-Men Arcade 1Up, there’s something for every gaming enthusiast.

Admission is $15 for unlimited play, and tickets can be purchased at the desk or through the Center in the Square Box Office. The Starcade is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended evening hours on select days.

The Roanoke Starcade Video Game Museum has over 3,000 games. (Roanoke Starcade)

2. Roanoke Pinball Museum

Location: 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

For a hands-on history lesson in pinball, look no further than the Roanoke Pinball Museum. This interactive arcade-meets-museum houses more than 70 well-maintained pinball machines, with production dates ranging from 1932 to the present. Visitors can play to their heart’s content with a single admission ticket—no quarters required.

Beyond gaming, the museum aims to educate players on pinball’s physics, art, and cultural significance, preserving its legacy as a uniquely American pastime. Special events, including tournaments and late-night sessions, make it a dynamic stop for enthusiasts and families alike. Under the leadership of Executive Director Nic Schell, a pinball aficionado who once toured North America exploring the game’s history, the museum has become a must-visit attraction in Southwest Virginia. Admission is $15 for unlimited play during a visit.

The Roanoke Pinball Museum is home to over 70 pinball machines. (Aila Boyd)

3. 540 Social 

Location: 125 N. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060

If you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends or spend quality time with family, 540 Social in downtown Blacksburg has you covered. This lively recreation center offers a unique mix of entertainment, combining classic arcade games, modern favorites, and even axe throwing. Whether you’re a college student unwinding after a long day or a family enjoying some fun-filled competition, 540 Social caters to all ages.

The space features an impressive lineup of games, from Halo and Space Invaders Frenzy to a variety of pinball machines like The Mandalorian and Jurassic Park. Axe throwing adds an exciting twist to your visit, perfect for groups and families with kids 12 and up. For those who enjoy a little friendly competition, there are also pool tables and ping pong. In addition to the games, 540 Social offers great food and drink specials, including a late-night menu with favorites like personal pizzas and ice cream. 

540 Social features an impressive lineup of games. (540 Social)

4. RiverCity Arcade 

Location: 1417 South Main St., Danville, VA 24541

RiverCity Arcade in Danville offers a mix of classic and modern arcade gaming in a welcoming environment. With a selection of popular titles like Mario Kart Arcade GP, Star Wars Battle Pod, and MotoGP, the arcade provides entertainment for both casual players and dedicated gaming enthusiasts.

Guests can enjoy unlimited play for a flat entry fee of $12 per person, with a discounted rate of $10 per person for groups of four or more. In addition to the games, the arcade sells snacks and drinks, making it a great spot for families and friend groups looking for a fun outing.

A Facebook reviewer praised the arcade’s cleanliness and friendly staff, noting its family-friendly atmosphere. RiverCity Arcade is open Thursday through Sunday, with extended hours on weekends.

5. Tommy’s Arcade

Location: 5 W Nelson St., Lexington, VA 24450

Tommy’s Arcade bills itself as Lexington’s premier amusement hall, where fun is non-stop for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned arcade pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Unlike traditional arcades that require quarters or tokens, Tommy’s operates on an admission-based system—guests pay for a set amount of time and enjoy unlimited access to a vast library of games, all set to free play. Pricing starts at $8 for a half-hour session, with an all-day play option available for $15.

The arcade adjusts its hours based on the season to accommodate school schedules and holidays. Generally, the arcade is open every weekend—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—throughout the year. During the school year, it remains closed Monday through Thursday, except for private reservations and school holidays when it may open to the public. During summer, winter, and spring breaks, the arcade typically extends its hours to operate most days except (most) Mondays.

6. Super Rad Arcade Bar

Location: 58 9th St., Lynchburg, VA 24504

Super Rad Arcade Bar in downtown Lynchburg is a must-visit destination for gamers and nostalgia lovers. With two floors of retro arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and modern gaming systems, the venue offers an immersive experience where visitors can relive the golden age of gaming while enjoying a lively social atmosphere. The bar also features a carefully curated menu of craft cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages, and delicious bites to keep players fueled.

In addition to gaming, Super Rad Arcade Bar hosts a variety of events, from high-energy competitions to nostalgic movie screenings that bring the community together. Cullen and Calvin, the visionaries behind the bar, transformed their passion for retro gaming into a reality after winning a pitch competition through Launch LYH. Their goal was to create a space where people of all ages could gather, compete, and relive their favorite gaming moments in a neon-lit setting. The bar is open 3-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. 

7. Draft Cade

Location: 11800 W Broad St. #1090, Richmond, VA 23233

Located next to the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Short Pump Town Center, DraftCade offers a one-of-a-kind gaming experience with a twist. Featuring over 75 arcade classics, a rotating selection of 60 beers on tap, and a full-service bar, it’s the ultimate spot to unwind and have fun. Whether you’re challenging friends to a round of Skee-Ball, enjoying some classic pinball action, or playing on vintage consoles, DraftCade has something for everyone.

The arcade floor is packed with nostalgic games, including All Star Hoops and Giant Jenga, providing endless entertainment for all ages. For those 21 and older, the fun continues with a craft beer menu that’s always evolving, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience every visit. With hours running until late on weekends and a relaxed, social atmosphere, DraftCade is the perfect destination for a night out or a casual hangout. Just note, after 7 p.m., it’s 21 and up.

8. DawnStar Video Games

Location: 3007 West Clay St. Ste. A, Richmond, VA 23230

Since opening in 2019, DawnStar has become a top spot for gaming enthusiasts in Richmond, offering a unique arcade experience. The StarCade features a diverse mix of classic arcade and rhythm games, all set to free-play for just $10 Sunday through Friday and $15 on Saturdays. With over 75 games, including iconic fighters like Street Fighter 3: Third Strike and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, beat ’em ups such as Gauntlet Legends and Mega Man The Power Battles, and rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution A20+ and Hatsune Miku Future Tones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at their own pace.

9. Swaders Sports Park

Location: 4725 Whitehill Blvd., Prince George, VA 23875

Swaders Sports Park offers a dynamic arcade experience with over 60 games, blending classic favorites and modern interactive options. The arcade features everything from traditional skeeball to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences like King Kong of Skull Island. Guests can collect e-tickets with each game, which are loaded onto a Play Card for easy redemption toward a range of prizes.

10. Reclaim Arcade

Location: 2324 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Reclaim Arcade is a retro-modern entertainment venue that combines the best of vintage arcade and pinball gaming with a contemporary atmosphere. Featuring more than 75 classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines from the 1970s through the 1990s, the venue offers an immersive gaming experience where all machines are set to free play. Visitors can enjoy iconic titles like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter, as well as an impressive selection of pinball machines, including Attack from Mars, Jurassic Park Premium, and The Addams Family.

Beyond gaming, Reclaim Arcade offers a nostalgic trip back in time with its 1980s Console Living Room. Originally an interactive installation at the University of Mary Washington in 2015, this space has been recreated to let visitors watch network TV from the era, play Atari 2600, pop in a VHS tape, or simply relax with some classic tunes. It’s an ideal spot for families, where kids can unwind while adults dive into the arcade action. With a made-to-order kitchen and a selection of craft beer, wine, and cider, Reclaim Arcade ensures that players can stay fueled while enjoying their gaming experience.

11. Fun Land of Fairfax

Location: 5111 Westfields Blvd., Centreville, VA 20120

Fun Land boasts one of the largest arcade game rooms in the area, with over 130 video, ticket, and prize games. Half of the arcade’s extensive collection is made up of video games, where players can enjoy everything from classic Skeeball to newer favorites like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Wizard of Oz. With a FUNpass+ Day Pass or Membership, visitors gain unlimited access to this wide selection, and all winnings are automatically added to their Play Card or wristband—no paper tickets required.

In addition to the massive arcade, Fun Land offers a full range of indoor entertainment, including go-karts, laser tag, a ropes course, and rock climbing. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at Tailgaters Sports Grill, known for its delicious signature dishes, and drinks. 

12. Flipper McCoys Family Entertainment Center

Location: 2212 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Flipper McCoys Family Entertainment Center offers nonstop fun with a mix of classic arcade games, modern attractions, and Virginia’s largest interactive laser tag arena. Unlike traditional point-and-shoot laser tag, the interactive arena requires players to think on their feet, control objectives, and earn power-ups to outplay the competition. With over 150 arcade games, including retro favorites like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga, as well as pinball, air hockey, and Dance Dance Revolution, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Designed for all ages, Flipper McCoys is a family-friendly destination with a welcoming atmosphere—no alcohol is served on the premises, making it the perfect spot for kids and parents alike. Guests can load up a game card to play a variety of arcade games, many costing just $1 per round, and redeem points for prizes ranging from candy and stuffed animals to headphones and video game sets. The expanded prize counter ensures every player can take home something fun.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.