*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*
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.
*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*
*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*
*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*
*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*
130 Golfin Dolphin Dr
Cape Carteret, North Carolina 28584
We came here for my grandson's 3rd birthday and he loved it! The bowling set up for younger children is fantastic. We had a nice area to sit and eat while we bowled. The pizza and apps were yummy, and the burger I ordered was very delicious. It would be nicer tho if you could order food from the bowling area so you don't use up time going to the bar to order it, maybe on an app or touch screen. Also I didn't see if there was an arcade area for kids my grandson's age but maybe adding some games for smaller c
It's expensive! But the ac is great! Kids are happy. They have an arcade to eat $$ the bowling alley. Putt putt. Driving range. Sky trail. Battling cages. N race track. Food is pretty good. They have beer!
Fun place we paid 20$ for 1 game of bowling for 2 with shoe rentals 28$ for 1 hour We then played 20 dollars in arcade games won about 200 tickets got a few prizes
This place has been around for a while and was primarily known as the ?Golfin? Dolphin?. Recently visited it and was pleasantly surprised with how much they have increased fun things to do. They have a nice sports bar area, huge arcade with section for kids and adults, full bowling alley, ropes course, batting cage, driving range, and putt putt course. While some of the attractions were obviously a little older, everything was generally in good condition and we had a great time when we were there. Would c
Kids have so much fun!!! They love all the games. Good places to sit for grandma's too.
The bowling was super fun. Kinda pricey for bowling but it's a tourist area. The video games were fun and affordable. There was food there and a bar. We didn't eat or drink there so I can't comment on food. There are go carts as well... again didn't get to try them. Overall good place
Absolutely love taking my kiddos there. Just went for a Sunday funday!
Lots of fun but quite expensive. I went once before a couple of years ago but this time the big claw machine was gone and I was highly disappointed. We got lucky and got a lot of tickets but honestly still don't believe it was quite worth the money paid. Friendly staff and quick to help.
Took our 4 year old granddaughter here while staying at a nearby campground. She loved the arcade! The next day she turned down a trip to a park, normally one of her favorite activities, to go back to the arcade. On both days the staff at the counter was really great, spending a lot of time with her helping pick out her prizes. We didn't bowl or eat but entire facility looked like a great site for a family outing for all ages.
My kids love coming to Mac daddy's. There is so much to do here, you could spend the entire day! My kids love the go karts and the ropes course. The ropes course is pretty reasonable compared to other places and the staff were so patient with my 10 year old who was a little nervous and took forever to go on the zip line.
We love mac daddy's! My babys 5 now and we've been going for the last 3 years and he loves it, the games the go carts and the golf. It's fun for the whole family! It is definitely costly though staying on the games you will need to be prepared to keep swiping for more cash lol
Great atmosphere, only complaint is cleanliness. Bathrooms and arcade areas were dirty with trash on floors. Also a lot of sick kiddos...take with grain of salt it is a public place so there will be germs! Hopefully games are wiped down or sanitized at the end of night.
I took the whole family here yesterday. We only went bowling and mini golf and we had lots of fun. This place is great. They have bowling, arcades, mini golf, go karts, driving range (golf), sky trail and they have a restaurant too. We did the spark bowling and it was really cool. We also did the mini golf. The place if very modern and it looks freshly renovated. If I didn't know any better I would think the place is less than a year old. This is definitely a must for groups and families in the area. Give t
Always fun. We spent a lot of $$ but its hard to entertain 5 adults and not these days. Will happily go back again and spend more.
Highly recommended! We visited yesterday for the first time and we had a lot of fun. They have Go Karts at $10 per driver, $6 per rider if less than 56 inches, mini golf, bowling, batting cages, arcades, which by the way were awesome and they have a great selection. They also have a bar and restaurant, big menu with a lot of options, the food was great and at a really good price. Can't wait to go back!
Had a great time with the kids! SO MUCH FUN! The Angry Birds bowling was very entertaining! The kids (ages 10-16) had a blast on the Sky Trail and of course the arcades (A.K.A. ?Kids casino?) were a huge hit! Food was very good and the staff were awesome! The facility was very clean. We will be back! Great time making great memories!!!
MacDaddy's was such a good time ! If you know me, I love karaoke, arcades and entertainment centers. I'm a 80's baby and 90's kid to the core. Cape Carteret is an adorable beach town 30 minutes from Jacksonville. A smooth drive on 24. The staff was excellent and this place has a little bit of something for everyone. I visited with my daughter who is 11 and my mom whose almost 70. My daughter and I enjoyed the arcade games and go karts, my mother and I really loved karaoke night. We arrived around 730 and st
What a ripoff ...first arcade that I've been to in years. Games were programmed with very short play times and were very expensive for each play. We tried to get a refund on the play card but were told that they could not return any unplayed funds remaining on the card. Don't waste your time or money.
Definitely 10/10 recommend. It is something for all ages as my wife and I went with no kids with us and had a ball lol Drinks were good, definitely a plus. It was very busy on a Saturday night. People were courteous. We would definitely go again to experience the fun they have outside as well.
Had a gathering for my son's 16th birthday, with a few of his friends. They had a ball. My only issue, was that l couldn't use my credit card, for the go cart rides. Luckily, one of the teens parents, had enough cash. Side note, their card reader wasn't working.
We went for the annual Easter egg hunt. It was great. They had a ton of eggs for the kids, free hot dogs and different vendors. It was well organized and everyone appeared to have a fun time.
Mac Daddy Arcade reigns as the premier family entertainment destination in Eastern North Carolina, offering a plethora of exhilarating activities including bowling, arcade games, batting cages, go-kart racing, and mini-golf. It's an unbeatable experience for all ages.
There's 2 bowling alleys and an arcade in the main building with really great food inside (bbq ribs basket was great). The mini golf out back was a fun 18 course. Unfortunately the go karts is only open Fri-Sun. Theres also a golf field (only for practice hitting) and a baseball batter area. Overall a great experience
A fun place to go and hangout. They have something for everyone. Driving range. Mini golf. Go karts. Arcade, etc. Prices are reasonable and the staff is mostly helpful. Some of the young teens work there are a little less than attentive but I get it.
Went on a family day out: Bowling and amusements. Walk in to amusements and games everywhere, with a bowling alley and barfood. The bowling was pretty normal and standard with fun choice of different screens. They also offer an upgrade for more money to a smaller bowling alley with fewer lanes if you're longer for a more private session at the same facility. We got wings and a quesodilla and fries. The food wasn't great, for the price. The games were fun and our whole family enjoyed them. We will be returni
I've been going to this place for a few years now. Not only for my kids but to bowl on the league they have. The arcades are fun for the whole family. The restaurant and bar are okay for food and drinks. The bowling lanes are disgusting! Oil patterns are always messed up due to oil machine not working properly. Ball return "eats" balls, so be careful bringing your personal balls, as you could leave with some or a lot of damage. The lanes constantly go down because something is wrong. I'm a glutten for punis
We have been going to Atlantic beach for years and every time we go we come to Mac Daddy?s. It is a fun place to get out of the sun. We have done bowling, go carts, obstacle course, and of course the inside arcade. The food is really good as well, everything from pizza to wraps and salads. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because the go carts at times get a little intense. Although there are signs stating no bumping, every year there are kids and adults who bump other cars intentionally. Push
Kids loved it. Games were of a nice variety. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Pizza wasn't all that bad. I thought it was a bit on the expensive side though; that's the only reason 4 stars and not 5
Mac Daddy's is the most comprehensive entertainment center in the Emerald Isle area, with a huge arcade, bowling, mini golf, go karts, and more. We visited to ride the go karts, but there's so much more to do that it's a great place to bring a larger group of friends. There's something for everyone. Overall, the business is big, spread out over multiple buildings - knowing what you want to do will help when looking for parking. Everything is clearly marked, so it's easy to tell which direction to go for th
Im just disappointed. I normally love this place but the kitchen has been terrible since they changed their menu and staff. When you pay this much for a ?side of onion rings? I expect an actual side. They said ?it's based on the weight?.
Only reason its not a 5 star is due to wining Jackpot twice and when time to check on tickets only was given 700+ tickets. Good thing I had video proof and was credited my tickets back. Feels like they be scamming our young kids for a profit.
Went there to go bowling. Paid 60 dollars for 2 hours with a friend. The lanes kept messing up and wasted 40 minutes of our 2 hours. They never gave me my time back when asked they just brushed it off. Waste of money and time.
Andrew the older guy in the bar area is hands down one of the most sweetest, helpful person there. That man deserves a raise! Thank you Andrew for being so cool (:
Picture this: you're driving in an EF5, desperate for search of some kind of shelter. You end up specifically at this warehouse of a building, only to be denied entry. Their bowling alley is pretty cool tho.
Super fun, mixed with Adult friendly,Kid Friendly, No where near the level of money that I have spent in places that DIDNT offer VIP lanes,Group deals, Military discounts, and I have found a new way to connect with my teen! As we went there with 6 people, VIP lane and a drink. We needed shoes and received 1hr of bowling for $48! Total...They also have Golfing,Karts,Batting,Arcade games that allow you to earn prizes from! I can't wait to get back there!
I went bowling here with some friends on a beach trip. Bowling was very reasonably priced. There are plenty of other activities and free parking.
Kids loved it. Lots of bowling lanes. Food not so good, we figured being right on the coast that fish would be a good choice....we were wrong.
We have had some good visits in the past, but today's visit was a train wreck to start with. After purchasing our card today, it wouldn't work. We checked with staff several times to no avail. Our five year old was rightfully frustrated. We definitely did not want to deal with a situation like that. Finally they did get our card to work. The days of quarter (25?) arcades are over. Now that they went to the debit card system, the game prices have slowly crept up so that the average price of most games
Employees are so so sweet!! The bartender super nice and the front desk lady for bowling was a riot! We had a great time!
Just wanted to come on here and give the young man who assisted my son with getting the super, large Pikachu a very special thank you. The employee really went the extra mile for my son, climbing a really large ladder to get the very last, on display Pikachu. You made his week! It was his birthday week too. Kindness is a virtue, and it's nice to see reflected in our youth. We absolutely will return.
The arcade was great. But for my seven-year-old grandson. The pizza and the go-karts were the best. He can't wait to go again.. Cost was the only down side of the experience.
A plethora of fun for all ages you can find at this place! An arcade, bar/restaurant, bowling alley, outdoor go karts, and everything associated with the Golfin' Dolphin is what they offer here! You can even get actual bowling pins and motion sensor soap pumps as arcade prizes! ??
Grest place we are from out of town, had fun with my kids. Thier balls feel weird . I go with the kids st least 1 x a month to different alleys. No wiskey either just beer. Thier a liquor store not to far sent my infantry marine to buy some #7 ..
Bowling, arcade fun for grown adults on a rainy day at the beach. Staff was friendly, helpful with great customer service. A few wonky games, but I'm sure that's normal staff was quick to remedy a game error and refill the game card.
Definitely a cool place to take the family they have bowling go karts I need a list of many other things to do there
I was visiting family in NC for the weekend and had really fun time at Mac Daddy's. I would go there again. Food was good as well
Great arcade and bowling center. My kids enjoy bowling and playing arcade games here. The food is good, and the customer service is, too. I recommend this place.
I've been there 3 times now. You can golf, bowl, eat, hit the arcade or tear up the track with go karts. Everyone I've gone with has had a phenomenal time
I go to Mac Daddy?s with just my husband, as well as with my kids and grandkids!! I have a blast! The food, the food, the food!! Y?all it's AMAZING!! Especially the fried fish. I can't get enough. There's fun for ALL age groups! Great prices, weekly specials and did I mention the food?!! Lol
Not as big as it's hyped up to be, but it was raining, so we didn't experience the outdoor attractions. Inside, it's basically a bowling alley with a bar, snack bar, and a largish ticket-based arcade. We had a lot of fun, though.
Go karts were fast and a lot of fun. A sports bar. And, a decent arcade. You can go through some cash rather quickly in the arcade. Al rhe staff was friendly and helpful. The only negative we experienced was all the hand sanitizers were empty. The grandkids had a great time.
Do not go if you want to actually go bowling and try and do good. Lanes are terrible, floors are sticky and the lights might make you have a seizure. The arcade is the only redeeming quality.
While this a fun place to bring the kiddos. The prices are ridiculous to play games. The arcade is always crowded and just to crowded and loud.
Fun times playing mini golf. We enjoyed the whole experience. We wish we had more time to try go-kart . Recommend for family.
The food in this place was great. The pizza is just like the food we get in buffalo and we get some good pizza rare to find someplace that can compete with our food in Buffalo. The hamburgers were real hamburger, not some filler, not some frozen burger patties. They seem to be real it was a little hard to get orders right but then we had 10 people can't beat it in the games. There was a game for whoever wants to play. I mean come on bowling and punching bag and you name it. They had it. It was fun and the k
My family had a blast great place to let the kids play
Whenever I bring my friends to the Emerald Isle area I bring them here for at least the afternoon. Bowling is fantastic and at a relatively cheap price, the go-karts while a little slow for me is great for kids, the mini golf is fantastic. My personal favorite thing is the driving range. The range has a slue of vehicles and objects that people can aim for to add just an extra piece of fun. Just a great time for people of all ages.
I want to say thank you for congratulating my sister for east and west game. You guys are awesome for that.
CALEB NEEDS A RAISE! We were attending a birthday party yesterday and my daughter lost her game card. She was super upset. I went up to the counter to see if anyone had turned one in. Caleb was very helpful assisting us by helping to look up the card. He absolutely made our day. He was very kind and patient when our 3 kids were picking out their items. 10/10!
A great place to visit, fun for the entire family. I did the go karts and the mini golf, it was pretty awesome and the prices were very reasonable.
Reasonably priced, we always have fun. The kids love the go carts
I always have fun when I come here. They have everything from , bowling, games, go Karting, golfing, and batting range. Fun activities for the whole family
Great time every time! We've been going to Mac Daddy's every time we visit the Crystal Coast. My family has a great time. We mainly stick to the arcade and go karts and have always had a blast. Never bowled and played golf there but the facilities look nice and well maintained. Food was ok but I didn't go there for the food. I went there for the fun!
The food was amazing!! I had the bacon cheeseburger and french fries that were cooked to perfection the bun toasted and was huge. I wished my phone didnt die
Went her for daughters bday party we had a blast! The night time manager(Adam I think) was so helpful with the details of the walk in party I booked! Always fun and party was a success!
overpriced. charged more for bowling just because it was busy. underwhelming and not what you're expecting at all
We had such a great family day here at Mac daddy's!! Can be pricey. For a group of 5 it cost 46$ for 5 mins on the go carts. Mini golf the same.. Food is good but also on the expensive side. Was 68$ for 5 ppl eating burgers fries and drink.. over all a very fun place to visit
Visited here Saturday & Sunday. My fam & I enjoyed! They rode the go-carts & we all bowled during the "cosmic" bowl. The food was great. It was a bit chaotic on Saturday. A bit unorganized.
We spent $102 total. My husband and son did the sky trail, arcade, bowling and got food. I think that's a pretty good deal! They also have go carts and mini golf but we didn't do those. My son really enjoyed the visit and is already asking to go back! The sky trail was his favorite part.
Hours are wrong and they incentivize paying for longer than they will let you stay. Bar is only thing worth visiting. Rest of the crowd that works there laughs about what we paid to play and how we wouldn't be able to finish. I would spend my money shooting dice in a gas station parking lot in south Chicago before coming back after this experience.
We went bowling, and the lanes were heavily coated in oil, we had oil on our clothes, nice staff
This place has plenty of things to do for people of all ages. However, if you show up on a holiday, plan on waiting awhile for anything. Most weekends takes at least an hour to get a bowling lane even if they're not crowded. I can only assume it's due to teenagers running the place. The black lights and disco ball comes out at 9pm. But again, this place is awesome if you have the time and patience. Yes, we'll be back.
The Godzilla VR game was so fun and mini-golf was very fun and had a big waterfall
Mac Daddy?s is a local bowling alley and Arcade center combined with fun games and approximately 24 lanes of bowling ?? and a sports bar for televised games. Great place for adults, teenagers and young kids to have fun ??. M Food is a little pricey! But most of the items are large enough to be shared amongst others. We enjoy being able to entertain all the grandkids and adults with fun all in one place! This facilities has numerous other activities to include mini golf?. Go karts and other activities
Brought a group in for some bowling and fun... The staff was so accommodating and kind to our group of about 20. Food was ordered and delivered quickly presentation and portions were awesome. Absolutely a great time was had by our group.... The games the bowling and everything else has made it truly a must stop more and more.
This place is great for kids and adults. Lots to do. The sky rope course is only open on the weekends. We enjoyed a break from the beach and bowled and played in the arcade. Got a few snack from the bar and they actually had a large menu and the food was better than expected. Cute place. Glad we found it!
It was loud and intense with so much stimulation... So of course the kids loved it. We went for the arcade games and the ropes course. The arcade was pretty standard. A really good way to turn $50 American dollars into a few low quality trinkets... Again, the kids loved it. The ropes course was a lot of fun. I did it with my five year old and she had a blast, i did too though I'll tell you that those harnesses are just as comfortable as they look. We'd go again.
Very family oriented and entertaining. My boys love coming here. Staff is friendly and service was great... Prices seem to have improved with covid so its affordable instead of outrageous.
Great lane conditions. Clean lanes. Friendly staff. Huge arcade. Lots to offer.
Great place to go. Went to a birthday party many of the child got to experience bowling for the first time An of course we all love the arcade
It's a nice place, but I did not use the entire facility. There's lots to do, like arcade games, go karts, mini golf, driving range, food and bowling alley. I only went for the sky trail, which was a good time for me and the kids.
We were there for the bowling primarily. We had a great time bowling, and playing games. The bone in chicken wings are awesome. They have a super game selection! So many different things to do that it seems like we will be back many times before enjoying all the different activities. Sometimes we comes as a family, other times on dates with my husband. This is the place I would bring visitors when they come to town. Staff is always friendly and this is the spot!
Fantastic service in the bar area! Andrew, the bartender,was wonderful and helped make a birthday extra special.
I didn't know I was coming for the food but, darn it, I was coming for the food! The potato chips are FRESH MADE friends! FRESH POTATO CHIPS!! the sweet potato fries are cinnamon, so if that is not your bag, ask for no cinnamon.The beer is craft and standard ?? The staff is friendly and the environment is clean. Bowling and mini golf are the second reason I personally will go back ??
This is a great place to take a break from the beach or to get out of the rain. I took my girls here for a day of bowling and video games. We grabbed a bite to eat while we were there as well. The food was decent. It was average pub fare. Because of the inclement weather, we didn't try the outdoor activities.
It was a nice place to hang out. They had outside Minigolf, inside Arcade and bowling, go kart and many more things to do. The only thing for us was we went on a Monday and it was too crowded. We could barely walk through with our stroller! And Almost no one had a mask on what was a reason why we only did the outside activities. Don't do Minigolf with a stroller since there are a lot of steps going up and down.
My son loves this place. Good food in little sports bar inside building.
A very GREAT PLACE for all ages. They even have Putt- Putt Golf and it even looked like Go-Karts on the grounds. Here are just some pics of many. I'll be posting more pics, but this is all that's showing up in my folder.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.
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.
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.
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.