Back in Time Arcade

Back in Time Arcade

Reviews Summary

This arcade is a nostalgic haven with overwhelmingly positive reviews, praised for its retro game selection, family-friendly atmosphere, and excellent service. Many highlight it as a perfect birthday party venue, with $10 all-you-can-play pricing and free-play modes. The owner and staff are consistently described as friendly and accommodating. While most games are free, pinball and claw machines may require payment. A few minor critiques include the entry fee policy and limited online booking options, but the overall experience is highly recommended for kids, adults, and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.

About This Listing

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

Contact Information

Address

819 5th St

Marysville, California 95901

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 6-9PM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

This was the most amazing birthday party ever!! I never get to enjoy my daughter?s birthday parties?but this place is beyond awesome!! The staff is mega nice and helpful. The price is so reasonable, especially in this economy. They have a great selection of games. Everyone had a great time at the party both kids and adults. My daughter has issues with loud noises and too much stimuli and she had a blast!!! 100% recommend this place!!

Very cool place. Great for hosting birthday party. Really nice old school arcade vibes. Games free except pinball and claw machine.

This place is absolutely awesome! Booked it for my son's 5th birthday today and couldn't be happier! Michael was so attentive and super nice while we were there. Offered to help with everything! What a cool place that brought back a ton of nostalgia for all the parents, and a ton of new fun for the little ones! Can't wait to come back!

Had my nephews 9th bday party here and was a big hit. Even some adults stayed and played games. Was a to n of fun. I would recommend for birthday parties. They close the place down for 2 hours and all the games (besides pinball) are free play for that time. There's a little room in the back to sit and eat food or open presents and what not. Not the biggest place, but per party they can have up to 30 kids in at one time.

This is an awesome place! Definitely feels like your going back in time to the original 80's arcades. They got a great variety of games, you pay at the door $10 bucks for entry and all the games are free. This place is recommended if your into older games like pacman, galaga, fix it felix, sonic, street fighter 2, and way more.

This is such a great place, staff is super friendly and it's really clean! Alll the old school games! Saturday nights from 5pm-10pm it's $10 per person and all the games are on ?free play? mode! Definitely well worth the money!

The Back in Time Arcade II is a small town gem in Gridley, CA. Such a fun place for kids and families to hang out! They have a plethora of games and their prices are super reasonable. Love the atmosphere and the lighting brings the arcade games to life. A perfect place to throw your next birthday party!

Best place for a birthday party!!! I had our daughters party here and it was a HUGE hit! The owner was awesome and his help was amazing too. Super chill. Even the adults had so much fun. We will definitely be back for Saturday nights!

Great place to bring your kids lots and lots of arcade games to play, some machines even have 100's of games, they even have the original Tron game Opening another one soon in Gridley

This place is so awesome!!! We had a private event here for a family member?s birthday party, and it was so much fun! Lots of retro/vintage games, cool neon lighting throughout the building, and the owner was very friendly and accommodating! I would highly recommend them?. Whether it's for a night out with friends, birthday party, or whatever, this place rocks! Definitely coming back!

This place is awesome fun for all ages! Nice staff too :)

I went to Back in Time Arcade with my 7/8 grade yearbook class as a year end party. We had the BEST time. The staff was incredibly helpful and kind. They were great with the students. The game s are fun and well taken care of. They were very accommodating about bringing outside food in. Everyone had a great time, even my chaperones!

Awesome place! Brought my son for some arcade fun he loved it! Owners are great people, will be back again!

Drove 2 hours too this cute Lil funky 80s iconic arcade hut aka very tiny but size doesn't matter something to do on Saturday night. I was all ready, I was greeted with a shocking sign that said anyone who comes in has to pay $10 regardless if u play or not that was INSANE!! I didn't not want to disappoint my son so I paid it when his grandpa was like dont do that scam!! Well, it happened because I'm a good mother. I told the owners and it was kinda off putting like oh well, that's what we want and I got a

We had our twins birthday party here. I can't say enough how awesome this place is. The guy is super helpful and the games just bring back childhood memories.. definitely will be going back!

We love this place! We went the other day to check it out for a possible venue for our Daughter's upcoming birthday party. She is 10 years old and had so much fun playing the arcade games from my youth that we booked the venue immediately and started inviting her friends. Can't wait to go again! This arcade is so unique and offers so much for a family night out, I highly recommend.

Had my son's 8th Birthday there today. Our first time there. Owner was very friendly. Helped us with anything. The kids and adults loved it. Everyone had a blast and wanted to stay longer than the 2 hours. There was no time for presents or cupcakes. Everyone was playing. Definitely recommend this place and can't wait to go back in time with these arcades.

Had a great time, took my 5yr old and he had a blast as well. Keep an eye on your kids ! Don't be letting them run a mucous those games have to be taken care of. Thank you to whomever brought my son that stool

Title: Back in Time Arcade: A Nostalgic Haven for Retro Gamers! Rating: ????? (5/5) If you yearn for the good ol' days of arcade gaming, look no further than Back in Time Arcade! This hidden gem is an absolute delight for all those seeking a nostalgic escape into the world of classic games. With its vast collection of authentic retro games, welcoming ambiance, and attentive staff, Back in Time Arcade truly takes you on an unforgettable journey down memory lane. From the moment you step through the doors

This place is awesome. 10 dollar entry on free play night. we all had a blast. What a good idea, were definitely coming back again

We had our grandson's birthday party here and what a blast we had. It was nice and cool in there with all the fun games. We got food from next door. What a fun hassle free day. Thanks guys

10$ all you can play for arcade games. The nostalgia got me, and my kids loved it as well. Friendly staff and a good atmosphere.

Great experience! We went there for a party and it was a blast! Lots of nostalgia! The games were classic from the 80's and 90's!

Would love to book an appointment online for a birthday party. I don't see a number or online link that takes me to a type of scheduler

Great environment for all ages. Very clean. Very professional. Very nice owners and super fun games.

Awesome place! Good game variety. Very fair price for time of play. Hopefully more days open soon

Stopped by with my 13 yr old and we had a blast. Lots of classics. Fun, relaxed environment. We will be back.

Great place to play retro video games. Very clean and they keep up on all the games.

Super fun place. Very nostalgic.. brought my kids/nephews multiple times and they love it

It's cheap and a great place for kids and anyone who likes old video games

Back in time arcade is awesome. Takes you back for sure ???? The owners are really nice hospitable people too ??

Was in the area and thought I would check it. Amazing place with an amazing staff. Fun for the entire family.

A small arcade but clean and friendly for everyone

It was really good, had a great time with some friends.

Very nice place my 5 year old loved it!

Great place my son and I have a great time every time

Nice Place 2 Have Fun With The Kids N Family

Awesome arcade with nice selection of retro arcades!

Nice retro arcade friendly accommodating staff

Had a great time with my family!

A bit of nostalgia! Love it here!

Very friendly, comfortable atmosphere

So fun! My son had his birthday party here. The service was great!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”