Multi-player games get the whole family involved at Dave & Buster's. Photo by the author

The Best Video Game Arcades for Kids in DC

1. Dave & Buster's — Multiple Locations in MD & VA

Why we love it: The prize selection can't be beat.

My family has been to many arcades, and this chain has the best selection of games and prizes by far, for school-age kids through adults. On a recent visit, we found everything from Zuru Mini Brands and Hot Wheels for lower points to Nintendo Switches and Ring cameras for higher amounts. The full food menu includes a kids menu, and the bar offers a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It's so easy to spend an entire day here!

2. F1 Arcade — Washington, DC

Why we love it: It's perfect for Formula One fans.

Families with the need for speed should head to this unique Union Market arcade, but only in the daytime or early evening—after 7pm, it's for ages 21 and over only. F1 Arcade includes high-tech simulators designed to emulate Formula One racing as you drive around some of the world's most famous tracks. With options like oysters and flat iron steak, the menu is a step up from average arcade food, but there's a kids menu as well. Children must be 7 or older to race.

3. Immersive Gamebox — Arlington, VA

Why we love it: You'll really feel like you're inside a video game!

Immersive Gamebox is one of the most unique video game arcades DC has to offer because it allows family to step into the game and control the action via augmented reality, touch-sensitive walls, and projection mapping. Themes range from Paw Patrol and Angry Birds (ages 3 and up), to Batman and Floor Is Lava (7 and up), to Squid Game and Psychedelic Mansion (12 and up). While no food is served on-site, Immersive Gamebox's location in Ballston Quarter means it is steps away from restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Ted's Bulletin.

4. Fun Land of Fairfax — Centreville, VA

Why we love it: Kids can get a break from video games and have some active fun.

This entertainment hub is more than just an arcade: it also has go-karting, laser tag, climbing walls, and an indoor ropes course and zip line, which means your kids can be physically active in between playing over 100 video games. About half of those games award virtual tickets that go directly onto your child's play card or wristband and can be turned in for prizes. Enjoy a full food and bar menu at the on-site Tailgaters Sports Grill, which offers a kids menu.

5. VR Zone DC & VR Arena — Washington, DC & Rockville, MD

Why we love it: Virtual reality offers another layer to the action.

If virtual reality is your kiddos' thing, they'll love VR Zone in Glover Park, which allows children ages 8 and up to don headsets and play over 30 VR games. Pay per hour and switch games at any time. If you've got tweens and teens ages 10 and up, take the action up a notch at VR Arena in Rockville, where they can play virtual-reality games and escape rooms in a free-roaming, warehouse-style arena. Neither location offers food, so plan to eat before or after.

6. Round1 — Towson, MD & Woodbridge, VA

Why we love it: It's a claw-machine lover's paradise.

Both locations of Round 1 offer bowling, billiards, and karaoke in addition to their massive arcade full of arcade games imported from Japan. What truly sets Round 1's arcade apart is its huge collection of claw machines, which offer name-brand plush prizes like Sanrio, all of which can be traded in for larger prizes as you collect more. While the kitchen serves standard arcade fare like pizza and burgers, there are also various Japanese offerings such as ramen and teriyaki bowls.

7. Chuck E. Cheese — Multiple Locations in MD & VA

Why we love it: It's toddler- and preschooler-friendly!

Chuck E. Cheese will forever be the best video game arcade for toddlers, preschoolers, and younger kids. It offers a variety of age-appropriate video games, stationary rides, trampolines, and play structures. Kids can win virtual tickets to trade in for prizes. And there's nothing quite like a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party, complete with a live show and a turn in the iconic Ticket Blaster for the birthday child. As for food, have you even lived if you never had classic Chuck E. Cheese pizza?

 
Even young children may find the lights and sounds of an arcade exciting. Photo courtesy of Canva

Best Retro Arcades for Kids Near DC

8. Reclaim Arcade — Fredericksburg, VA

Why we love it: It's like a time machine to the 1980s.

This 1980s-style spot features around 70 classic arcade games and pinball machines. It also has 80s-style prices: For just $15 per person ($10 on Thursdays and before noon on Saturdays and Sundays), you can stay and play as long as you want!

Enter the arcade through a family video store, where you can check out a VHS movie to watch in the 1980s Console Living Room. In this super-cool hangout spot, you can also play video games on an old-school console like Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. When you get hungry, the arcade has a menu of burgers and more (including a kids menu), plus a full bar. Reclaim Arcade is open Wednesdays through Sundays; check the website for hours.

9. Continues Arcade — Alexandria, VA

Why we love it: It takes reservations for meals and uses tokens for play, just like back in the day.

This retro arcade, bar, and restaurant features over 50 original arcade cabinets, Skee-Ball, claw machines, and pinball machines from the 1970s through today. The dining room offers food items with classic video game-inspired names like the Atari Lynx (short rib grilled cheese) and the Game Boy (chicken Paillard club), plus a kids menu and lots of beer, wine, and cocktails. Continues is open for breakfast, too, so you can have your morning meal with a side of Ms. Pac-Man or Donkey Kong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are all arcades in DC kid-friendly?

A: No—some arcades are for adults only, or they only allow kids during certain hours or special family events. Always check ahead.

Q: Can I host a birthday party at these arcades?

A: Yes! Many arcades like Dave & Buster’s, Fun Land of Fairfax, and Chuck E. Cheese offer full birthday party packages. Others allow more informal gatherings.

Q: Do these arcades serve food?

A: Most larger arcades do, while the smaller, more niche ones may not. We indicated what to expect food-wise at each of our best arcades for kids in DC.

Q: What’s the best arcade for toddlers?

A: If you've got little ones, Chuck E. Cheese is king—it offers plenty of age-appropriate games and attractions. Immersive Gamebox also offers certain games that are perfect for kids as young as 3.

Q: What are the best tween- and teen-friendly arcades in DC?

A: Dave & Buster’s and Round1 have a wider selection of video games for tweens and teens. F1 Arcade requires kids to be 7 or older to play, VR Zone is for 8 and up, and VR Arena is for kids ages 10 and older.