The Best Video Game Arcades for Kids in Chicago

1. REPLAY - Andersonville 

Why we love it: Great food and cocktails make this arcade fun for grownups, too.

This casual eatery slash arcade bar is a unassuming spot for families who want to eat and relax while the little ones play free classic arcade games. The restaurant offers daily specials, brunch, and a kids' menu. Those under 18 are welcome during special kid-friendly hours, which you can check on their website. 

2. Activate Games - Oak Brook

Why we love it: Screen-free activities and physical challenges

While not your typical arcade, Activate Games is an excellent spot for kids six and up, with fun physical and puzzle-based challenges in every room. Whether your kid loves to move or prefers to think, Activate is screen-free, so they stay active and engaged the entire visit. This interactive gaming center also caters to birthday parties and is great fun for the whole family. 

3. Galloping Ghost Arcade – Brookfield

Why we love it: Paying an upfront fee means no running back to the counter to buy more tokens/credits. 

With over 1,000 video arcade games and several pinball machines, you’ll never wait for a game to play. As the largest video game arcade in the USA, this spot is jam-packed with all the classics and offers a minimal flat fee to play as long as you want. Because the space is so ample and can get crowded on the weekends, it may be better for older ones or teens. 

4. Dave and Busters - Multiple locations  

Why we love it: Kid-friendly food and happy hour adult beverages

This chain caters to families who want to settle in for the day, eat, and play. Games are geared toward kids about six and up, although toddlers may enjoy the lights and helping older siblings or adults. Players can earn tickets per play, and once they've collected enough, they can redeem them for a wide range of prizes—from small toys and candy to electronics and stuffed animals.

 
In the Game arcade photo courtesy of Visit Illinois

5. In the Game Hollywood Park - Crestwood 

Why we love it: Great variety of activities in addition to arcade

In The Game is a safe, family arcade destination filled with nearly 90 games, go-karts, bumper cars, mini-golf, a giant slide, and a laser maze—making it a fun and exciting spot for kids of all ages. There’s also a restaurant on site for rumbling tummies and the option to host birthday parties. 

6. Games on Lincoln - Winnetka 

Why we love it: A smaller arcade ideal for the preschool crowd

Games On Lincoln in Winnetka is a cozy, easy-to-manage arcade that’s perfect for younger children—its smaller size helps families stay together while offering a curated selection of kid-friendly machines, ideal for kids ages four to six. Plus, it’s surrounded by a toy store and ice cream parlor, turning a quick gaming visit into a whole afternoon adventure that's sure to delight little ones. 

7. Climbzone Chicago - Irving Park 

Why we love it: Toddlers can run around the soft play area while big kids play games. 

Not only does this indoor play place have an extensive array of arcade games, Climbzone also offers bumper cars, laser tag, ropes course, soft play, and a huge indoor climbing center. They also offer a restaurant on-site as well as birthday party packages and camps. 

8. Nickel City - North Brook

Why we love it: No need to keep track of coins or tickets

At Nickel City Xtreme, all the action runs on easy-to-use game cards—no coins needed. Kids and families can dive into exciting redemption games like Skee-Ball, Nerf blasters, and basketball to rack up e-tickets, which can be traded in for a vast selection of prizes at our fully stocked prize counter.

9. Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center - Lombard 

Why we love it: Huge entertainment complex has something for everyone

Spanning more than 60,000 square feet, Enchanted Castle is packed with attractions like indoor go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, catapult rides, mini-bowling, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, virtual reality, and escape rooms. With so many options under one roof, it’s a place where both little kids and teens can find nonstop fun. There’s also on-site food for those who need a play break. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Are all arcades in Chicago kid-friendly?
A: Most, but not all. Some are bars or adults-only after a specific time; always check ahead. 

Q: Can I host a birthday party at these Chicago arcades?
A: Yes, most arcades on this list offer birthday party options, but vary in their package offerings. 

Q: Do these arcades serve food?
A: Many of these spots on the list serve food, think kid-friendly like chicken strips, burgers, pizza, fries, hot dogs, mac and cheese, nachos, wings, sandwiches, and more. 

Q: What’s the best arcade for toddlers?
A: Games on Lincoln in Winnetka or the soft play area at Climbzone. 

Q: Which arcade is best for older kids and teens?
A: Activate challenges older kids mentally and physically, and Galloping Ghost is on the larger size, where little ones may wander off more easily than teens. For those who enjoy escape rooms and VR, Enchanted Castle is another option.