If you’ve been looking for amazing game arcades in NYC, then you’ll want to keep reading for my top suggestions (for kids and adults alike!).
If you’ve been on the hunt for the best game arcades in NYC that are actually good, then you’ve come to the right place!
I’ve rounded up a shortlist of the best arcades in NYC that’ll have you winning big-ticket items, trying your hand at bowling, and zipping down highways in driving simulators.
And really, is there any better way to spend a weekend afternoon? I know it’s one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon – especially on a rainy day or when the weather isn’t great.
So, whether you’re looking for cheap and cheerful arcades in NYC or want to shell out for the best prizes possible, there should be something on this list of arcades in NYC for every budget.
Now let’s dive in!
The Best Game Arcades in NYC…
Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center
- Address: 8 Mott St, New York, NY 10038, United States
- Website: http://www.chinatownfair.biz/
- Neighborhood: Chinatown
- Closest subway station: East Broadway or Canal St
To start my list of arcades in NYC with a triumphant bang, I have the ever-popular Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center!
As you might expect, it’s tucked away in Chinatown and is a cheap and cheerful option for arcades in NYC if you’re low on funds.
It’s family-owned which gives it a friendly and slightly kitsch atmosphere.
But it’s the balance of games, a killer location, and the top-notch prizes that make this one of the best arcades in NYC.
You can spend time playing classics like Beatmania or focus on tickets to redeem cool prizes for the kiddos.
Although it’s one of the best arcades in NYC, it still operates on a cash-only basis.
So, make sure you bring plenty of the green stuff along if you want to check out this spot on my list of the best game arcades in NYC!
And to make things even more appealing, you can head to Chinatown right after to grab a delicious meal for an unbeatable price.
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Dave & Buster’s
- Address: 234 W 42nd St 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036, United States
- Website: www.daveandbusters.com/
- Neighborhood: Times Square / Midtown
- Closest subway stations: Times Sq–42 St and 42 St-Bryant Pk
If you’re on the hunt for the best arcades in NYC, you’ll want to stop by Dave & Buster’s during your trip.
Not only is it conveniently located in bustling Times Square, but you can do everything from play air hockey and down shots while you’re here.
Yup – it’s a strange combination of activities, but it certainly makes this one of the best arcades in NYC!
You can try your hand at classic racing games, shoot your shot and try for prizes on the basketball hoops, or unleash your inner rockstar on Guitar Hero.
Whatever you do, you’re bound to agree that this is one of the best arcades in NYC for the whole family!
Although it’s among the more expensive arcades in NYC, it’s worth heading here for the margaritas, prizes, and upbeat atmosphere alone.
Just trust us on that one.
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Barcade, Chelsea
- Address: 148 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
- Website: barcade.com/chelsea/
- Neighborhood: Chelsea
- Closest subway station: 23 St
Next up on my list of the best arcades in NYC, it’s Barcade!
It’s only been around since 2004, but it became the inspiration for a whole host of gaming bars across the country.
So, it’s one of the best OG alcoholic arcades in NYC!
There are a few locations dotted around the city, but the East Village location is particularly laid-back and boasts classic games like Pac-Man and Ninja Turtles for that old-school vibe.
Although this is one of the arcades in NYC that’s worth visiting for the games, the craft beers and signature cocktails are a huge draw.
It’s a great pick for arcades in NYC if you’re looking to spend a night drinking somewhere other than an upscale and crowded bar!
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Bowlero Chelsea Piers
- Address: 60 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011, United States
- Website: bowlero.com
- Neighborhood: Chelsea Piers
- Closest subway stations: 14 St / 8 Av or 23 St
My next pick for the best arcades in NYC, it’s Bowlero Chelsea Piers!
As you might have guessed, this place is the spot to visit for incredible bowling lanes with plush seats and great service.
But it’s also among the arcades in NYC that boast everything from pinball machines and Mario Kart rooms!
Yup – I’m serious.
I suggest you spend some time at the lanes but finish your experience trying to win as many tokens as possible to redeem a few prizes before leaving. And if that wasn’t enough, you can even throw in a game of laser tag!
Thanks to the menu of pizzas and burgers, this is one of my favorite arcades in NYC for parents traveling with kiddos. You won’t get any arguments about dinner, that’s for sure!
Laser Bounce
- Address: 80-28 Cooper Ave, Queens, NY 11385, United States
- Website: queens.laserbounce.com/
- Neighborhood: Forest Park, Queens
- Closest subway stations: Middle Village-Metropolitan Av
Next on my list of the best arcades in NYC, I have Laser Bounce!
This is among the arcades in NYC that focus on laser tag, which makes it a fabulous place to visit for competitive families.
You can head to the locations in Long Island or Queens, but you’ll have a slightly easier time getting to the Queens venue if you’re staying near Manhattan.
Once you’ve had your fill of laser tag, you can spend a few hours trying out the classic arcade games.
From motorcycle simulators to old-school picks like basketball shooters and Pac-Man, it’s one of the arcades in NYC that never disappoints.
Better yet, it’s open until 10 or 11 pm every night (depending on when you visit!).
So, it’s perfect for visiting after dinner if you’re feeling confident enough to score a coveted prize.
And really, who doesn’t want to head home with an enormous Pikachu doll?
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Funtopia USA
- Address: Metro Mall, 6626 Metropolitan Ave, Queens, NY 11379, United States
- Website: funtopiausa.com
- Neighborhood: Fresh Pond, Queens
- Closest subway station: Fresh Pond Rd
My next suggestion for the best arcades in NYC is Funtopia USA – and it’s just fabulous.
It’s slightly more geared toward kids than other arcades in NYC as it’s home to the Time Freak Playground which is essentially an enormous soft play area.
But don’t count it out if you’re looking for suitable arcades in NYC for grown-ups!
This place is home to tons of classic games like Pac-Man and Frogger (plus 150 MORE!).
Throw in the amazing laser tag area and bumper cars, and you’ll quickly see why it’s one of the highest-rated arcades in NYC.
Whether you’re a true-blue Big Apple local or are visiting the area for a few days, this is one of the arcades that kids and adults will adore.
The Bumper Factory
- Address: 103 W 73rd St, New York, NY 10023, United States
- Website: thebumperfactory.com
- Neighborhood: Upper West Side
- Closest subway station: 72 St
If you’ve been searching for arcades in NYC that are worth checking out, you can’t go wrong with The Bumper Factory.
It’s tucked away in Queens and is ideal for fans of old-fashioned games like Pac-Man and Pinball. I’m not kidding – the pinball machine here is next-level.
As it’s slightly further out in Astoria, it’s one of my all-time favorite arcades in NYC for a more relaxed gaming experience.
You can take your time poring over the pinball machines for as little as $15 per 30 minutes.
And if you’re on the hunt for game arcades in NYC for an incredible party, these guys often run deals on space rentals for parties!
I love to see it (and get why this is among the best arcades in NYC!).
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PARTEA NYC
- Address: 220 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
- Website: partea-nyc.com
- Neighborhood: Union Square
- Closest subway stations: 3 Av or 1 Av
Next up on my list of the best arcades in NYC is PARTEA NYC!
This popular spot in Flushing is home to an amazing range of classic games, but it’s the plush toys and sparkly trinkets behind the counter that you’ll want to play for!
Want a Squid Game toy? Get to the grabber. Want to collect enough tokens for a Squishmallow? These guys have got you covered.
Although the claw machines can be slightly frustrating (aren’t they always?), this is one of the arcades in NYC that stocks high-quality goodies.
So, a kid throwing their entire allowance at the machine may not feel quite as tragic if you head down!
Once you’re played out, you can head to the onsite café which stocks delicious Taiwanese treats, popcorn, and a selection of sweets.
As you can refuel throughout the day, it’s the perfect pick for arcades in NYC if you plan on sticking around for hours.
Kids N Action
- Address: 1149 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230, United States
- Website: kidsnaction.com
- Neighborhood: Mapleton, Brooklyn
- Closest subway stations: 18 Av or Avenue I
Kids N Action is one of the arcades in NYC that’s a dream world for little ones, and definitely more of a kids-orientated, or family friendly destination.
Not only is it packed with soft play areas, roller coasters, train rides, and bumper cars, but there’s also a huge ball pit.
And any parent knows that dragging your kid away from one of those is like climbing Mount Everest – almost impossible.
But the inevitable smile on your kid’s face is why this place has made it onto my list of the best arcades in NYC!
If you’re looking for more, you’ll find rides like Lane Master and Hopstar which is essentially a virtual hopscotch game that will keep kids occupied for at least half an hour.
Just make sure you stick around for those tickets! This is one of the arcades in NYC that has decent redemption prizes.
So, it’s worth trying your hardest on those big-ticket attractions!
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