Castaway Play Cafe

Castaway Play Cafe

Reviews Summary

Castaway Play Cafe receives mostly positive feedback for its fun, family-friendly environment with a large play structure, bounce houses, and arcade games. Many praise the clean facilities, friendly staff, and reasonable prices, especially for kids' entertainment. Some highlight improvements in upkeep and service. However, a few negative reviews mention issues with cleanliness, food quality, and staff behavior, particularly around pricing and supervision. While most visitors enjoy their experience, a minority report disappointing visits due to maintenance or customer service problems. The venue seems ideal for energetic kids but may have occasional inconsistencies in quality.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Rhythm Games
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

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.*

What to Expect from Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

Addendum: What to Expect from Rhythm Games in Arcades

Get ready to groove with rhythm games! Expect vibrant machines like Dance Dance Revolution or Pump It Up, featuring touchpads, dance platforms, or instrument controllers. You’ll tap, step, or hit notes in sync with catchy songs, guided by colorful on-screen prompts. Modern setups include LED screens, powerful speakers, and eclectic playlists, from pop to techno. Games range from beginner-friendly to expert-level challenges, rewarding precision and flair. With arcade crowds cheering and online leaderboards, rhythm games offer an electrifying, music-driven experience in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Rhythm Games
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

1800 N Burkhart Rd

Howell, Michigan 48855

Hours

Monday 10AM-6PM
Tuesday 10AM-6PM
Wednesday 10AM-6PM
Thursday 10AM-6PM
Friday 10AM-8PM
Saturday 10AM-8PM
Sunday 12-6PM

Customer Reviews

Throughly impressed with this place. Very clean, lots of choices for the kids to play with and on. We ate lunch. We had, grilled chicken salad, chicken strips with ruffles chips (that were fresh), macaroni and cheese, and a spicy chicken wrap. Everything was delicious. They have Coke products. We came on a Wednesday and the place only had 5 kids. It was great.

First time checking this place out. Had 3 kids with a rained out camping trip. Purchased the "pick 3" option (see pictures with prices) . Kids had fun for hours. Ninja course was new, awesome, and we were the only ones there on a Friday afternoon. Pizza was great. The 2 hours for bounce houses and play structure were actually unlimited, so they were well entertained for over 3 hours. I thought the facility was clean, workers were friendly. They have help wanted signs up, they are doing all they can, and I

Castaway cafe is a ton of fun, huge play structure that parents can go in as well, bounce houses and an old school arcade for mom and dad... I mean the kids... ninja course looks cool but beyond my skill level. Place is always clean, staff is so friendly i feel like family and my 10 year old absolutely loves this place more than anything. Prices are reasonable considering parents can play with their kids for free, who doesn't want to bounce on a moonwalk? Definitely a must visit, a great way to kill a rainy

Such a fun place for kids. My little one loves the play structure and bounce houses. So far we've been on the weekend and weekday; both experiences were very positive, but as expected the weekend was way busier (still very much enjoyed our time though). We came on a weeknight also and it was very quiet, which was a pleasant change from the weekend crowd. Any staff we have interacted with have been very pleasant as well. We'll definitely make more visits here!

Great time for our sons birthday party. A huge jungle gym, laser tag & arcade games. Our room was clean & the staff was attentive. Our birthday package came with pizza, drinks, goodie bags for each guest, $10 game cards for each kid & a build a bear for the birthday boy. Highly recommend for a birthday party or for some time out with your kids.

Our visit wasn't very great. Our food told us 30 minutes and came out in about 10, but the kids were off playing laser tag so we were trying to plan accordingly. Our pizza was a let down, it tasted undercooked. One of our laser vests quit working half way thru but she's 9 and couldn't figure out what was wrong before the time ran out. I went in with the kids during a laser tag game and a curtain was down causing me to trip, bust my ankle and fall into the wall at full force hitting my shoulder too. Between

Great value for hours of burning energy. We brought an 8 and 3 year old here on a Friday afternoon and had a blast! All they did was run up stairs and slide down things for hours. I overheard another kid say "I am exhausted" and my kids were the same. We stretched out the 5 level play place and the inflatable slides/houses for 3 hours before they just couldn't play anymore. Obviously they said they could and cried not wanting to leave because it was so much fun. Adults were free which is awesome, they could

Castaway Play Cafe was a blast?our five kids ran, climbed, and played their hearts out in a clean and well-maintained space. They were having the time of their lives... until about an hour after we left. That's when the real adventure began?five kids, five slushies, and an unexpected race to the nearest bathroom. Let's just say, the experience was memorable in ways we hadn't planned. All jokes aside, the place itself is great, but maybe approach the slushies with caution (or pack some extra wet wipes). Woul

I absolutely love this place! There's something for all ages and even an arcade area. There are so many options and not too bad on prices to unlock it all. My oldest loved the ninja thing they put in their cause he was able to rock climb for the first time. I will most definitely be back, and hopefully soon!!

I've been here several times. Tons for the kids to do and very affordable. Their pizza is the best!

Came to celebrate my grandsons birthday. Planned to buy a couple pizzas and drinks for roughly 15 people. They wouldn't let us bring in a small cake even though we were buying food and don't provide any to purchase. Also they refused us to bring in any "birthday" gifts because we didn't "book" an actual party. Spent almost $40 for 2 adults (to not play) and 2 teenage kids to maybe play some arcade games. I will never come back here again

Celebrated my son?s 6th birthday party on dec 8th. I can't express how perfectly smooth the entire party went. Hostess (I forgot her name) was on point with everything and kept me updated and informed. The manager Kim was amazing!! She went above and beyond for my children and I. She was so kind and didnt treat us like just customers. She gave us more memories on his special day and I couldn't be more thankful and appreciated!!! ??

Food was poor quality, high prices. Nachos were stale and did not taste good. Pizza was also very unappetizing. Play structures were fun for the kids, but they kept playing the same 4 songs on repeat for hours on end. Everyone in my group was getting annoyed with that. Overall seemed like a fairly clean place.

We had an amazing time at our daughter?s birthday party today!! The kids can't stop talking about it!! The staff were so friendly and helpful, and organized everything beautifully. Laser tag was a big hit!! We'll definitely be back again!!

Took my grandchildren here(2 &8 yrs old) they played hard for hours. My 2 yr old grand daughter was able to do EVERYTHING her 8 yr old brother did. Very well worth it and I am so excited to say after all the climbing and running around in white socks they both had white socks after almost 3 hrs. Very clean play scapes and bounce houses

The wife and I love bringing the kiddos here to play. It's closed in quite nicely so you don't have to worry about one of the Littles venturing off into the busy road. The staff are always polite and the establishment is always kept tidy and clean. I've been inside the play area and it doesn't smell or have mold like some places have had in the past. This is a safe and fun place to bring kids of all ages. Even my older kids (17 and 15) like to come play with their little siblings. I'd highly recommend for a

Fun place to take your grandkids to. My grandkids had a blast. Pretty reasonable packages!!!

It's always been dirty, but I figured it couldn't be worse than public parks. It's getting much worse ?? Also, there's no return. My granddaughter had an accident, we needed to go change, we're allowed to pay full admission if we want back in. Note: female veterans-expect to have to prove your service and then describe it to the cashier. It's a problem, because my husband gets the discount with his hat. I'd drive the extra miles and go anywhere else.

They offer a lot for the kids to play. Great air bounces and slides, a huge playscape. Concessions and some arcade games, and the staff is great. HOWEVER...For the price of admission, there is ZERO reason that the owners are not even attempting to do any repairs to tje very tore up and filthy play structure. Only reason I can see is more desire to keep the money than to reinvest onto the establishment. All the pads I'm the play structure are extremely torn and ripped, exposing the filthy foam interior. The

First time going to Castaway with 2 6 year olds and a 3 year old. Drove 45 mins to come and we would be coming more. Prices to jump and all the games is great. So much do for all ages and comfy chairs for the parents. 2 things I noticed was how clean everything was and the cost for prizes was great. The workers was super nice and makes you feel welcome too. Highly recommend check this out

Not a good place for special needs children at all! My autistic son went in, started screaming straight away, and ran right back out! It literally was all of 2 minutes since paying, and the staff wouldn't give me a refund on his pass. That is absolutely unethical! I haven't returned since, even though my other 3 kids wanted to go back. I just can't give money to a place like that. It's not like I asked for a refund all 4 of my kids, just the one that wasn't able to handle being there due to sensory issues.

Great family playplace! So many things to do. The staff is very helpful and nice. Clean. The food was delicious! Chicken tenders, fries, grilled cheese and homemade pizza! EDIT: we went to the Christmas party 2023 was awesome!! Santa, Mrs. Clause, Frosty, and Elves with Christmas music, and an amazing outdoor trail with refreshments and helpful staff was impressive.

I was so thrilled with this place. Great prices, clean facility, and most importantly, a friendly caring staff. I've been to other indoor play places closer to me where the staff spends more time gossiping than working. Not here! Staff is on it and gently enforces rules, which made me super happy. The games were affordable, between .25 and 2.00. The food was a little on the pricey side, but! They had good size portions and the food was super tasty. My five year old had a blast and is begging to go back. My

Had our son?s birthday party here and it was so much fun. The staff was kind and helpful. The food was great. The party favors were really nice. All the kids had a blast!

We went here the first time yesterday with a 15 month old and I was worried he wouldn't have much to do. For the price, it was $10 for 2 adults and one child. That was the weekend price so it was more. It was absolutely hands down worth it. They have one giant bounce slide, one smaller one and a few smaller game style ones. Then in a separate area they have a really nice play structure and even comfy couches for the parents. For the price, when you consider all that must cost it's a really great price. My

The play structure area is awesome. There are pretty decent bounce houses too. The food is decent. The (teenage) staff is friendly and definitely deserve props for being attentive to their jobs. The reason for 4 stars is the pricing. 26 bucks for 2 hours of play and 15 dollar play card is a bit much. The play card doesn't get you very far. The two hours is ample time, but if you just went with the playtime it would be 15 bucks. The food prices are a bit high too. If you only got 1 kid, its probabl

Jessie is friendly and helpful. He made sure our visit to Castaway Cafe was a great experience!!!

Our 1.5 year old loves it here. We go almost every weekend. Place is clean, staff is friendly, and the other kids have always played nicely. Nice arcade for Dad too

Great place!!!.. My family had a WONDERFUL first time here today. They love the bounce house and the structure play area. It was an overall great experience and we can't wait to return. The staff tonight were kind and helpful with everything and made a point to insure we had a great experience they even took pictures for us..so thank you again Paige, may, Sam, JP and Harrison. You guys were awesome!!! It's was clean, had great food and ice cream, comfy chairs and most importantly FUN!! Sincerely ~Thomas Fa

Went here with some friends on an impulse and I am amazed at what hidden gem this place is! Staff is super friendly and very accommodating. This place is so much fun and yet so empty! We were not restricted on time limits and had free range of play structure and bounce houses. Even I got to ride the slide a few times!! All of the arcade games are very reasonably priced and they can be very helpful when it comes to spotting a few extra tickets for that prize you are so close to. The pizza is not Jets, but we

Such a fun place. My 6 and 10 year old had a blast! Best ninja warrior course we have been too. The staff are incredibly nice especially the manager Mr. Dan. Definitely recommend.

It has mixed reviews, but we just got back and loved it! I have a 4 and 2 year old. It kept them entertained for 2 hours. Very clean structures as well as bathrooms. I also appreciated the very affordable snacks. Do note you can't bring in a lunch, but I did see parents with kids water cups that seemed fine and accepted. Overall great place, wonderful value. We'll be back!

Awesome & big play area, however was told half of the facility wasn't available until noon, when they open at 10am. A bit of a shocker to me, but the staff seemed like this was normal. So maybe plan an afternoon trip. Also, had to ask to have them put a harness on my kid for the climbing wall in the Challenge Zone. Keep in mind I paid an extra $15 for 30 mins in this area. For the extra money the staff should be ready and excited to help my kids....the kids and I have no experience with these harnesses.

This place was awesome and reminded me of similar places I enjoyed as a kid. My girls 3yo and 6yo could?ve stayed all day. We went in August when it was extremely hot outside and Castaway?s offered a nice cool place to burn off some of their energy. They especially like the bounce house area.

Very fun for the kids as long as they can walk or waddle. I drive from Flint once a month or every other month with my son who just turned 2 and he's always had a blast. Only rated 4 stars because the food price to quality ratio should be improved. Always a great place to have fun.

Had my daughter?s 10 year old Birthday party. We all had a wonderful time. Did The Challenge Zone and Laser Tag. The kids had a super fun time. And yes, I could not resist. I joined in on the fun. I have not had this much fun in a long time. Bree was our host for the party. Professional, polite, and kept us on track with our activities. Could not have asked for better service. All staff are courteous and kind. I will be booking more parties here. Might not limit it to just birthday?s.

This place has really been turned around!!! They've put some work into it for sure. I noticed the new floors in the bounce area and a great new rack to keep our shoes on! The whole place was clean and the staff was so friendly! It seemed to be going downhill awhile back but whatever they changed is definitely working! I will definitely be keeping this place in my little book of nanny tricks. The kids had so much fun their mom heard about it for a whole week :)

Worst experience I've ever had there. Very unprofessional and terrible customer service. I will not be back with my kids.

My 2 and a half year old son really liked the bounce house and play area. We also played games in the arcade that I even enjoyed as well. Most of the arcade games were overpriced and is my only complaint. Overall a great place to bring our little one. We will be returning and may plan a birthday party here as well.

Absolutely the worst display of hospitality I've ever experienced. We called in the morning to get hours they were open. After being given information, we drove 30 min through the snow for my autistic sons birthday. When we got there and paid, we were kicked out after 20 minutes, so they could close and setup for a party...as if they needed to set up the 4 story play structure. Absolutely not happy paying $40/he to let my son have his birthday activity ruined. Update...the manager apologized and offered fr

I took my 1 year old son here a few times this past month. We've never been to a "play place" before so it was a completely new experience for us. We stay for about 2 hours and have lunch there. the food was good. it wasn't too busy for us so it was great for our first time. I love the fact that I could go in the play scape with him. Total I spend less than $20. my only grief would be that there is only a hand dryer in the family bathroom. I dont mind using it as it it's a good one, but my son didnt like it

We used to visit often and really enjoyed the play structures. When we first started going they cleaned the structures every hour. The last couple times we've gone I noticed they don't do this anymore. Aside from the couches getting pretty worn out, the place has always looked nice and well kept. It had been a great meet up place with another friend for the kids to play, and the adults too just hang out. We have considered doing birthdays here, but it's not worth it unless your kid knows 7 other kids. They

This was our first time here and we were there for about 3+ hrs. Good thing about this place is that my 3 yr old loved the play areas. He was so excited to be up high and go down the big fast slide. The food was ok but a bit pricey, and they tend to oversalt the fries. Yuck. Staff was nice. Cleanliness could be better, the bathroom barely had a working hand dryer and no paper towels. Some of the antibacterial hand foaming stations were empty. Arcade games were pricey and you barely got tickets from playing

Been going here for a while, but I'm seriously starting to reconsider as prices keep going up but the quality steadily declines. The food is sub par, and in play area there are even some couches that are broken. (I fell completely in one of the seats!) The arcade is 50/50, I hate how kids arcades are getting more and more games that are basically gambling and less of the ones we grew up with that actually required playing. Go figure. The bathrooms weren't awful, but they weren't spotless either. We go here

My youngest (3 years old) really enjoyed the bouncy house and play structure while my oldest (9 years old) had a great time playing laser tag. I found the atmosphere to be very family-friendly, and the staff was very accommodating. Would definitely come back either just for a day of fun or to schedule a birthday party. My boys loved it!

Was here recently on a trip with my friends and their kids. They have done some renovations according to my new friend, Samantha, who was fantastic and super friendly, and their facilities are now top notch! We were especially impressed with the floor of the new bounce area. The staff was all really great and if we are in the area again, we will totally be stopping in! Best of luck!

Used to love this place for our kids. We have visited several places with our children and this one we liked because it had a lot to offer but still felt secure. HOWEVER, today we took our kids and they are no longer closing the door to the half wall between the bounce and play structure area and the arcade/laser tag side. Although we try very hard to keep close eye on our 3 young children, with so many kids playing it is easy for them to sneak out of your view. Several times we had to search the arcade to

Awesome pitstop when driving home from Holland, MI to Downriver. My 14 month old son had a blast playing in the toddler area. My wife and I also had fun taking him down the big inflatable slides. Plenty of food options and prices are fair. $9 for my wife, my son, and me. Doesn't have the greatest video game selection but that's okay, still are plenty of things to do. You do have to sign a waiver on your first visit, but they save you in their system so future visits you just check in and acknowledge the

Today was my little brothers birthday we came here for fun and it was amazing! The staff was wonderful and extremely helpful especially Bri! She helped with all questions and went above and beyond. My little brother was entertained for hours and it made for a great birthday surprise for him. Thank you castaway play cafe!

It should get 3 stars but I give them one more for trying and because I feel bad. It has some arcade games, inflatable play structure, solid non inflatable play structure and about 13,000 kids running around at any given time. No way to know if anything is clean, you just pray to whatever that it is clean and was cleaned properly at least once in the past day. But it's a place to go and let your kid play while you stare down at your phone / tablet, look up once in awhile to make sure the sound of kids screa

We had such a great time here with our three year old! He had so much fun playing on everything and he said he had the best pizza ever! Delicious! We will definitely be back again...and again...and again! Thank you

We used to come he frequently with our 3 kids (and friends) after it initially opened (and for years later). Then the quality started to slide as well as the upkeep on the facility. Two years ago when we came the floor was ripped up, the slides had a thick layer of grime and filth on the tops, and you couldn't help but feel everything about the place was filthy. We stopped going out of health concerns. I'm sitting in their dining area right now (on their free wifi) for the first time in about a year, si

We were in the area visiting family and needed to find a place to let the kids burn energy at the end of the day. This was perfect! Day one, we bought a pass and tokens, but the kids just climbed and did the bounce house stuff until closing so we came back the next day. Day two, we used all the tokens and also tried out the laser tag. Paid $15/person for 3 rounds (12 minutes each). Money well spent! There are 2 stories in this room with tons of options for different laser tag games you can play. My b

Was expecting much better... unfortunately it was not clean. I was most disappointed with the toddler play area that was the same size as my bathtub. You get two kids and two parents in there and there is no room to turn around. This was my first time here and I did not see the bounce house which you pay extra for and they let me pay extra for a 2 year old who has no business near this bounce house. There is no supervision in there and kids were running around with bats and didn't have wristbands on (so

I used to love this place. The price was decent. Now they charge for a two year old which is rediclous. Children under 3 should be free period as majority of places. Now they charge for adults. Keep uping the price for kids. Everything is already so expensive that I more than likely won't be taking my children here again. The layout just sucks now. Some of the play structure is now blocked off yet they are still charging so much. Everything about this place was amazing when it first opened now I can't belie

6 and 7 year old! Love love love this place! Very clean and fun. Awesome for kids, hubs and I kicked back in comfy chairs and enjoyed each other's company and the free Wi-Fi. Going to definitely have my son's birthday here!!

The quality of the experience here declines as it gets busier. They recently made some changes to the layout to make it less claustrophobic. Our visit today, a Sunday, was lovely because it was surprisingly quiet. The food was good, especially the chicken tenders, and the boys had a lot of fun.

The kids loved the play area. But the staff was not well trained. I asked to buy a bulk deal on a sign behind the kid at the register and was told no such deal exists. I asked him to turn around and read the sign and after 2 min of him staring at the sign he just grunted and processed my order. Also, if your kids get hungry be sure to order you pizza well before they get hungry I asked for 2 slices and it took 45min.

We had a birthday party for our son today and castaway play cafe staff were nothing short of amazing! They took great care of us while we were there my son said his party was the best party ever! Thank you castaway play cafe for making our sons birthday so special!

Great place for anyone in the family of all ages! So much todo for kids and adults. The staff is friendly and attentive to detail. The facility is clean. The food is good as well! Highly recommend ??

Amazing place for kids. Went with my 19 month old daughter and she had a great time. I only wish this play place is in Toronto

Great place to get the energy out of the kids. However, their birthday party prices are ridiculous and they told my four year old she couldn't bring in her birthday balloons because we didn't pay for a birthday party. Not a great way to treat customers who come to your business to give their kids a great time.

Fun place for kids. Lots of games and a great adventure zone. The staff was kind and helped us with everything we needed. We had some good conversations over snacks while the kids played. ??

This does not meet any expectations at all. 1) toddler area extremely small 2) un- knowledgeable staff some sarcastic 3) no outlet safety plugs 4) bounce house blowers completely accessible to public 5) food buzzers don't work or staff lies that they buzz you 6) all play areas are open 7) staff does not monitor play areas so all ages and any behavior is allowed 8) food was recooked (due to being left out) on dirty plate. I say it was dirty because I don't know how cheese and pepperoni would get under my piz

This place is foul with the cleanliness standards. I used the restroom and notice dried feces on the wall, but they had several signs on one wall with step by step instructions on how to properly wash your hands. I ordered a grilled cheese for my son and garlic knot and after an hour I received my food, I was given a tray with my food on it. When I got to my table and set my food down I had a nasty film of grease on my hands from the bottom of the tray. Now, the high light of the day was the laser tag. That

Never will come back! We used to love it here but after only an hour of being here, we needed to run to the store for a personal matter and were told that if we leave the parking lot, we cannot come back! We're from out of town and took a long drive to come here! We planned it out and intended to later eat here, do the arcade, and the little build a pet... but instead, I had to demand a refund. They lost money and lost our future business!

worst experience and most expensive birthday party package I have ever purchased. I paid $170 to be in a glass room, 2 crappy pizzas, 2 small pitchers of pop, and be able to bring in a cake. I had to pay extra for every child that came and for refills on the pitchers. Staff never came to check on us either.

Our granddaughters had a blast here playing games and climbing. Paige at the prize counter was particularly amazing and patient. We will be back the next time they come to stay with us!

Two stars...the food was god, the kids had fun. They earned a star for each. The customer service was awful. We ordered the family special...a pizza, cheesy breadsticks, and a pitcher of pop. We got here at 230ish, probably ordered by 300. We did not get our pizza until 4, and that was after we had complained that we had not gotten our food yet. Our pizza was wrong as well, but we ate it because at that point we were starving. We went up to raise our concern about the pizza and the fact that we had n

There are so many broken games and they took money off the card but the games never played. I had to go up to the counter 4 times to have the money loaded back to my card. The bathrooms aren't stocked appropriately and the single hand dryer in the women?s bathroom is AWFUL and it takes a solid few minutes to dry your hands. There are no hand towels. The ?new? games that have been added are used and in poor shape and many of them are in a different language. The play structure and bounce houses were ok.

This use to be a fun relaxing place to take kids get their energy out. I've done 2 parties here. Now I must rent one of their rooms to have a party unlike before I just grabbed a table when I got there. Parents use to be free. No party packages dont even Accommodate parent'S who come together or even grandparents who's not gonna be bouncing or climbing. Cast a way we have sailed away and will not sail back. Nothing but money hogs not family oriented any more.

This place has improved quite a bit over the last couple years. Its clean, friendly staff, and theres a lot the kids can do there now. The "Challenge Course" is really cool. It's like an american ninja warrior course. Theres a rock wall, basketball area, arcade, laser tag, and good food. .y kids love going there, and they are usually wiped out afterwards.

Much improved! We live in Howell and hadn't been here in over a year. Friendly staff, good music, clean play area and nice new bounce house room. Happy to give them 5 stars now

Five stars for May!!! My two daughters and I were at Castaway on Saturday, 11/25/2017. It was very busy and several of the arcade machines were out of order (including the two ticket counter machines). May was incredibly patient, generous, helpful and awesome in a very difficult and frustrating situation/evening. Thank you May, from Joe, Ava and Emma.

We visited this location and it was so hot in the facility that my kids had a horrible time. I contacted castaway caf? and spoke to Amanda Miller. She apologized for the inconvenience and said the air conditioning unit had recently been repaired, even though all of the employees working said they were not aware of any issues. I was scouting a location for a Girl Scout activity so I was really hoping for a better experience. Amanda promised to send out vouchers so that we could try the facility agai

I wouldn't recommend take your kids over here. The ground doesn't cover with evafoam or any kind of cushions for kids fall. Most of kid ground has some sort of fall protection foam. This place doesn't. My daughter just falled over at this place and hit her head on the ground. take kids here at your own risks.

I use to take my kiddos 1-2 times weekly but once my daughter hit 1 and it was $8 for her also I stopped. She don't even do much but run around they should have 2 and under a few bucks cheaper and 1 and under free I think if another sibling is attending.

We had such a great experience here. We've been here before, but we love the new renovations, especially the bounce floor area. Samantha was very attentive to us, as well. We will definitely be back.

My family has been coming here for over 8 yrs. We love it! No complaints. They have the BEST pizza in the area and who wouldn't love a giant indoor playscape?!

My son, who is almost 2, and I went here for something to do during the day. It was very fun for the both of us. What I liked was I could play too! The only thing that was a little disappointing is that it seemed a little unkempt. The family bath could have used a little cleaning up. The bounce houses they had up, had what looked like dust, dirt and whatever else caked in the corners and crevices. Which then made me think how clean the rest of place was. With a little tlc I could easily give 5 stars.

I have been to castaway many many times and I have to say that every time I go the quality gets worse and worse and the price keeps going up. I'm very angry at the way I was treated by more than one staff. I realize they're busy and probably DO get swindled by people often but they should NOT assume that all people who say a machine has taken their money is lieing. This is how my experience went at castaway with my 6 y/o child. I arrive there and pay the money we go in and I wanted to use the family bathroo

Came all the way from east central Indiana to have a special day with my 6 year old little girl, who was so excited about our day of fun I thought she would bust!! Only to find out that they are closed for remodeling and apparently aren't smart enough to do anything to let ppl from out of town know. I mean seriously she was devastated cause they are to stupid and inconsiderate to even post it on their web page which I checked to see what activities they had and also checked twice for their menu... 10 hr rou

They raise the prices $15 per child. For kids cost your 60 bucks no hand sanitizers bathrooms are super messy need new help

They have almost doubled their price since the last time we were here. Now they charge 9.75 a child and 2$ for adults. When I asked her why adults were charged we don't play on the structures she said cause we take room on the couches and tables...when when we can't find a place to sit?! Won't be back that's for sure

What the heck happened to this place. New ownership? We loved coming here but that place is extremely dirty, staff overworked/under paid. The owner needs to get more then one register going with the proper amount of staff to keep people happy. Pizza took over an hour and a half. Ice cream, 20 minutes in line. Again its not the employees, they don't have enough help.

Awesome place! Spent the day here with my daughter so she could play while I study right after they opened back up and felt very safe! They do a great job keeping the place sanitized and staff is super friendly!

It's a great place for a rainy day. In my experience the price is very high when compared to other similar places near me, which is about 45 mins away. It wasn't super well taken care of, and I wouldn't have minded aside from the premium price.

Awesome place, plenty to offer all ages. Staff was also very friendly and helpful! My kids absolutely loved it here.

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.”

Are retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.

Are rhythm games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, rhythm games in arcades are a vibrant hit in 2025! Titles like Dance Dance Revolution and Beatmania deliver high-energy fun, blending music, movement, and precision. Modern machines boast vivid displays, booming sound systems, and diverse song libraries, from J-pop to EDM. They challenge reflexes and rhythm, with competitive leaderboards and tournaments fostering a lively community. Arcade dance floors are regularly packed, proving rhythm games’ immersive, physical thrill keeps them a standout in today’s gaming scene.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.