Des Moines Arcades & Pinball Machines
You do not have to be a kid to enjoy old-school pinball machines, arcade games, and larger-than-life games! Des Moines has a few great options to play. Make it a date night, a girls’ night out, a family fun day, or purchase one of the many birthday party packages.
Bookmark these other fun guides to play in Des Moines:
- Bowling in Des Moines
- Roller Skating in Des Moines
- Bowling in Des Moines
- Ice Skating in Des Moines
- Where to Get Crafty in Des Moines
B&B Theatres
1580 SW Market St, Ankeny; 515-423-0979
B&B Theatres located in Ankeny, Iowa is not only a movie theatre, but they also offer arcade games and bowling! Your family will have a great time playing air hockey and tons of other arcade fun. It is free entry. Purchase a play card and play until your heart is content. When you are finished the play card system lets players turn in their tickets for prizes. A lot of fun for all ages!
Backpocket Pin & Pixel
6205 Merle Hay Road, Johnston; 515-666-1281
Enjoy an Iowa-based brewing company right here in Johnston, Iowa. Backpocket Pin & Pixel offers several retro arcade games, duckpin bowling, yummy snacks, and drinks. A fun place for a family fun day!
Dave & Buster’s
190 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266; 515-851-4141
Dave & Buster’s is home to hundreds of arcades for all ages! Located in the Jordan Creek Towncenter this is a great place to grab lunch of dinner after a day of shopping too!
Gameday
3800 Merle Hay Rd., Suite 1220, Des Moines; 515-635-0705
Gameday is located in Merle Hay Mall, the same entrance as Flix Brewhouse. It offers tons of fun arcade games for the entire family. In addition, it has a full restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. Do not miss out on bowling, too! Take a look at its website for hours.
Great Escape – The Ultimate Experience
655 NE 56th St, Pleasant Hill; 515-263-1700
The Great Escape is located in the Des Moines Area and is an entertainment complex for all ages. It offers laser tag, classic arcade games, virtual reality games, delicious food, a drink menu, and more. The website has all the fun options, specials, and hours.
Monsterama Arcade
3104 S.W. Ninth St. Suite 1, Des Moines; (515) 520-2015
Vintage 80’s and 90’s era arcade games, also pinball, and classic gaming systems. Features a full-service menu Wednesday through Saturday and grab-and-go seven days a week at Monsterama Arcade. Take a look at our fun experience at Monsterama Arcade!
The Old School Pinball & Arcade
209 E. Main Street, Grimes; 515-986-3317
Some of the best arcades offer old-school pinball! The Old School Arcade offers over 60 pinball machines and other classic arcade games and serves food, old-fashioned ice cream shakes, and malts. All ages are welcome in this great place. The best place to keep track of hours and prices is on their Facebook page.
The Operating Room
5515 Mills Civic Parkway #130, West Des Moines; 515-226-3333
1631 SW Main Street #105, Ankeny
The Operating Room is a great arcade that offers arcade games, pinball machines, fun cocktails, bar food, pizza, and more. If you are looking for the best modern arcade games, this is the place to be! The Operating Room is open to all ages until 7:30 p.m. This is a fun place to play for all ages. Collect tickets and claim prizes.
Smash Park
6625 Coach Light Drive, West Des Moines; 515-313-0700
Smash Park is one of our favorite places to play as a family. We love the fun atmosphere. Located near the Jordan Creek Town Center, They offer tons of board games, pickleball, dart boards, arcade games, outdoor yard games, and much more! Smash Park is also a great place for corporate team-building events and group outings that offer great team-building activities. They offer a special area you can rent for special events. Do not forget about their amazing food and drinks too!
Spare Time Des Moines
340 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines; 515-414-2824
The new family entertainment venue has opened in the Des Moines Area and is loaded with fun! Spare Time Entertainment is located in West Des Moines near Jordan Creek Town Center. Enjoy bowling, arcade games, restaurants, escape rooms, and much more. Take a look at our fun experience!
Up-Down Des Moines
500 E. Locust Street, Des Moines; 515-243-4322
Up-Down Des Moines is a great adult arcade. They offer over 40 arcade games, pinball machines, skee ball alleys, Nintendo video games, life-size Jenga, extensive craft beer selection, pizza, and more. You must be 21 years or older to play at Up-Down Des Moines. This is a fun date night or girls’ night out for a good time.
