Diamond Jim's Arcade

Diamond Jim's Arcade

Reviews Summary

The arcade receives mixed reviews, with many praising its variety of games and family-friendly atmosphere, especially for kids. Positive feedback highlights fun experiences, helpful staff, and the all-you-can-play deal. However, frequent complaints cite overpriced games, broken machines, poor management, and unhelpful attendants. Some customers feel scammed by high costs and abrupt closures. While some enjoy the nostalgic appeal, others criticize the value for money, calling it a rip-off. The overall consensus is split: great for casual fun but disappointing for those expecting fair pricing and reliable service.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
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 Virtual Reality in Arcades

Step into virtual reality for a breathtaking adventure! Arcade VR stations boast advanced headsets (like Oculus or HTC Vive), motion controllers, and sometimes full-body tracking or treadmills. You’ll dive into games like Beat Saber or VR shooters, swinging, dodging, or aiming in 360-degree worlds with vivid visuals and immersive sound. Gameplay spans solo quests to multiplayer battles, with intuitive controls for all levels. Arcades offer vibrant, social VR zones, delivering a thrilling, cutting-edge 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 Arcade Cabinets
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

1200 Adventure Dr

McGaheysville, Virginia 22840

Hours

Monday 10:30AM-8PM
Tuesday 10:30AM-8PM
Wednesday 10:30AM-8PM
Thursday 9:30AM-6PM
Friday 10:30AM-8PM
Saturday 10:30AM-8PM
Sunday 10:30AM-8PM

Customer Reviews

Our family really enjoyed this arcade. We have a family of six so an 8-year-old and 3-year-old triplets. It's nice when we can get the pass for the all you can play so that we can all play affordably. With such a big family it is the only place that we go that is affordable. We go a few times a year and everybody has fun. We especially like the rides the air hockey and the basketball. I personally like the ski ball. The triplets enjoy Mario kart and the other drivings games. If you're in the area we would h

Most of the games are fun and worth the price, but some are a total waste and over in seconds. We spent $50 and had a deal to get a second $50 card for free, so we played almost every game in the arcade. Between 3 adults, we played for an hour and a half and still have about 300 credits to go play more. I think the best games are around the air hockey table and basketball games.

Don't waste your time. The games are enormously overpriced. They turn off the machine to load money 15 minutes before closing. They turn off all the games 5 minutes before closing. They don't warn anyone or include this in any informative information. We've been coming here for years and it's only gotten worse. Must be management.

We had a good time at the Diamond Jim's Arcade. Note: This arcade is in the same building as the Massanutten Indoor Water Park. It's a "medium" sized arcade with games for young kids, teenagers, & adults. Unfortunately, when we went, there were several games that were out of order, including the air hockey table. I'll be honest & say that they are also a little pricey, but nowadays I think most arcades are a bit pricey. Overall our Family enjoyed ourselves.

Might as well go to frankie(it's better than this place) because I sat at the willy wonka coin game for at least 1 hour and spent like almost 100 dollars for nothing I got the whole collection of willy Wonka characters except the golden ticket finally got it to get spit out in the machine then they would not let us get more money into are cards SO BEWARE THE MONEY MACHINES SHUT OFF 15 MIN BEFORE THEY CLOSE APPARANTLY TO RUSH PEAPLE OUT my dad and brother shook the mess out of that game ( we never got the go

The two gentlemen that worked there on Thursday afternoon we're very kind and accommodating. They made our family feel welcome and make sure we had a wonderful time. Great memories made by all!

Was fun on Tuesday to play all day for 30$ but no tickets for winning. They could have at-least gave one ticket for every 100 point win. They employees are absolutely untrained and said we just filling in. Very disappointing for my pocket and my granddaughters.

I grew up in with REAL ARCADES where it was NOT ONLY FUN but affordable for EACH GAME. This arcade is decent and nice looking over the water park but COMPLETELY OVER PRICED FOR THE GAMES. This is STEALING FROM CUSTOMERS. Arcade games should not be no more then $2/play for the good games.This an absolute hustle that Massanutten is allowing and ITS WRONG.. This is suppose to be a place to get away and have fun, feel like a kid, and have fun with kids of your own. To worry about JIMS PRICES THE WHOLE TIME YOU

Its okay great for adults and children who are lovers of arcades. The pool tables are not in operational due to Covid-19. Dont forget your mask.

As a local family with limited youth activities we decided to visit on a rainy day. Spent $100, a family of 5...$20 game card a piece. Only took 20mins for ALL OF US to finish our $20. Games are overly priced. 25 cent per ticket and most games were 7, 8 and even 9 tickets. $2+ per game is beyond over priced. After playing went to redeem tickets for prizes which again were let downs

Took advantage of the all day Tuesday is fort $30. You don't get to accumulate any tickets with this pass. The arcade was medium sized, reasonably priced. After about 1.5 hours we were repeating the games we had played. Minecraft game was not working.

Total rip off $30.00 last less then 5 min what a joke and They cut machines off 15 min early

GREAT arcade experience. The digital card (rather than coins/bills) is a game changer. Clean, fun, new games, will absolutely be back often.

I didn't realize it was at the water park , you have to use the machine to get a card and add money on the card for your kid got play the games . I have to say my son didn't know what to do he was from on thing to another . Thing is kids blow through that money and you have to make them leave . But I will say this is by far a good arcade.

We are locals who frequent Diamond Jim's. You have now lost our business. We came today and the prices for games have drastically increased, yet the prizes haven't gotten any better. What is worse, we counted 20, Yes TWENTY, games out of order. The attendants were not helpful, and offered no solutions. We will not be coming back. You lost regular customers.

Highly recommend stopping here! They had some many games, new and older. I personally loved the giant Pac-Man and Mario Kart!!

Great place for family fun... Arcades aren't what I grew up with anymore, mostly scam claw games, and overpriced action games, but I'm not the kid, my kids loved it

June-2021 - This place is nice for little kids, not teens. My boy loves it here but I think there needs to be a more of a selection of games.

This is the coolest arcade ever. I went there for the first time when it first opened. I thought it was the coolest arcade. It's still the coolest arcade ever!

Wish i could give a zero. Manager refused to honor a currently advertised special. Not a reputable company. Sad.

This place scammed my sister out of one hundred sixty tickets, would not recommend

if anyone has the crownroyal diamond jim bags still in good condition pls email me.

Tuesday's"all you can play for $30!!!

The kids loved it. That's all that really mattered to me.

Terrible place. Expensive and most games dont work.

It was okay but pretty pricey.

Great the grandkids had a great time

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 virtual reality games in arcades worth playing?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) games in arcades are a top attraction in 2025! Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx deliver immersive thrills with cutting-edge headsets, motion tracking, and responsive controllers. High-resolution displays and spatial audio create heart-pounding experiences, from slashing rhythms to battling zombies. Arcades feature multiplayer VR zones and tournaments, fostering lively communities. VR booths are regularly packed, proving their captivating, next-level gameplay makes them a must-try arcade experience.

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.