Main Event Highlands Ranch

Main Event Highlands Ranch

Reviews Summary

Main Event offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with diverse activities like bowling, arcade games, and laser tag. Many praise the attentive staff and good food, though some note high prices and occasional understaffing. Service quality varies—some experiences are excellent, while others face long waits or poor bar service. Overall, it’s a popular spot for group outings, with most reviews highlighting enjoyable experiences despite minor drawbacks like pricing complexity or limited menu options.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Pool Tables
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.

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

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 Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Pool Tables
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

64 Centennial Blvd

Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129

Hours

Monday 10AM-1AM
Tuesday 10AM-12AM
Wednesday 10AM-12AM
Thursday 10AM-12AM
Friday 10AM-1AM
Saturday 9AM-1AM
Sunday 10AM-12AM

Customer Reviews

Grandson and I had a blast. Pizza was tasty, and games were fun. The only issue was when a game malfunctioned, we had a hard time finding a staff member to help. We will absolutely go back

Overall very good experience. I will be bringing my children and my wife there again.

Spent the day here for our son birthday. Absolutely a blast! Great service from Ashley and Mama Lisa

Felt more like a super-sized bar with games and bowling than a full restaurant. The front door greeter welcomed us and said to sit anywhere, but after 10 minutes with no service, we gave up waiting. The menu was very limited?mostly bar food?which wasn't what we were looking for. Ended up leaving for a place with more substantial dinner options.

A great fun place for the entire family more so for children yo have a variety of games including bowling. Food is pretty reasonable, children always had lots of fun.

Expensive and not what I was expecting for having a party. Games were a rip off. Bowling was fun!

The food was good and the service was nice. We only did the arcade and had a great time together. We'd definitely go back to do the same thing or any of the other activities.

Great place to play, my special needs boys had a great time, along with their other siblings, food was good, bowling and arcade games were fun.Jacy our waitress was friendly and considerate.

Don't waste your time on the website if you want any actual information. No idea how much anything costs. No way to book a lane. I'd like to go but don't want to show up, and burn 30 minutes asking questions and getting my kids excited if it's wildly unaffordable like so many places these days. You can do better, I know you can.

Enjoyed time with our college honors group! Bowling and laser tag!

We had a kids birthday here and it was amazing. This place is party central. It's crazy how much stuff is going on in here. Laser tag, bowling, rope courses, arcade games, bar and food. The staff were unbelievably great and helpful, on hand and catering to our every need.

Even though this place has been open a while, it still feels chaotic. There isn't enough staff, we had a whole bowling game and nobody came by to take our order. We went to the bar and it was just the manager staffing it. The kids had fun though, it was a nice way to spend a chilly morning. We were here with Kids Bowl Free

Courtney the manager was great but #we loved mama Lisa!!! Fun environment and place to hang out!

We have had a couple of birthdays here now. The facility is clean, the staff has always been nice and the food is pretty good. The kids tween & younger loves it here! So many games to play! Great activities like Laser Tag, Bowling & the ropes course! Highly recommended for families!

Never been here before, took my son and friends here for his birthday, (party of 7)they had a blast, food was great, although kinda pricey but oh well. Kids loved the giant fish bowl ice cream and pizza. Not over crowded with people, plenty of entertainment for the whole family and drinks at the bar for the bigger kids (myself) clean grounds, wide verity of things to do until 1am. We will definitely come back.

Great place for kids. Good food, lots of fun things for the kiddos.

Came here for one of my daughter?s friend birthday party and it was a fun experience. Lots of activity to do from arcade games to bowling to laser tag, plenty of options for all ages to have fun.

This is a wonderful place to bring friends or family for any get together! All of the staff is so friendly and Ashley the general manager even came over to make sure we were having a great time! 10/10 would recommend

Its fun and has cool activities, but the wait times for each activity are 1h+ it's insane. The service is also not great we ordered three drinks and it took about 20-30 minutes. Just for drinks no food. Then our waiter puked on the floor, instead of getting us a different waiter and getting our drinks to us, we were told that we were going to have to wait for her to get better and serve us.

Love taking our son here & he absolutely loves it. I've also gone here for adult fun, great drinks & food haven't ever had issues with service etc! They even refund game credits if a game malfunctions or doesn't quite work right for whatever reason, like the V.R, headset being to large for our sons head lol.

Jacy was our server and she was AMAZING. She was running both rooms, was kind, flexible and gave great service. She was running around everywhere but still was attentive and humorous. Would literally come back just for her!

Jacy was aaaammmmmazing. Food was great. Had the best time as always. Stop by and let them take care of you.

Very fun time with our grandson. Didn't have to spend too much for a few hours of entertainment.

We enjoy this venue with our grandkids! Courtney one of the manager was very helpful and friendly.

Our family enjoys spending summers here bowling and we have always had great service from all the staff. Our server, Jacy, was attentive and prompt.

Great place. Love it here. Too bad inner city people come here and start fights and shootings. We live out here to stay away from that garbage. Place is great but hood rats may travel to it.

Jacy was the best! We had a ton of kids and a lot of people and she didn't make us feel like a burden or an inconvenience. She was so sweet to the kids. What a great experience.

Jacy P was a great server and had a good attitude. Would definitely recommend to anyone

Played some pool and shared some food which was phenomenal Jacy was our server and she was very attentive would love to come back and get her again

Great place to take the kids for a day out! Was put on the waitlist for bowling on our 2nd visit and told an hour wait, so we got game cards and played at the arcade for about 20 minuets and ended up being able to bowl sooner. I noticed a lack of staff at the front desk and prize counter but wasn't too long of a wait there either.

We had booked a room and they didn't seem to have their stuff together. Too busy with bday party tables crammed up next to each other. Expensive for what you get!

Affordable entertainment with multiple options including zip lining, razer tag, cosmic bowling, and arcade open til late on weekends. Super fun!! All you can play activity pass for $22.99. Bowling shoes rental is additional $5

Had a wonderful visit staff was friendly management came by and checked on us Ryan made sure our night was going well our server Lisa was great

Came in to eat and watch the play off games and Jacy took care of out group! She was a sweetheart and did a great job! Very attentive and helpful!

It has the worst bar staff, not friendly and as slow as can be , you will wait forever for any service , have tried this place 3 times , service is horrible and I welcome the management to contact me.

Food is good for what this place is. The kids love the games and the happy hour is decent if the parents are drinkers. Some days they are understaffed on the wait staff so you may have to go to the bar to pay or get additional orders.

The place is so understaffed, don't expect any service, we were there at a busy time and it was a lot of waiting, drinks that never came and customer service for an issue we had that was non existent

Love jacy always came to check if we need anything and brought what we want. Would come back again

Happy hour deals are advertised on their website for half off the price. Lists Highlands Ranch location for the late night happy hour. Went in to have a good time with the family and the staff at the counter were incredibly rude. One of the staff practically threw a counter sign at my husband when she was flustered that we asked about the happy hour deal. Her manager rudely told us they wouldn't honor the deal and it was the fault of corporate for not removing it from the website. Totally understandable. Al

Johan was an excellent server I have been here 3 times now I highly recommend Main Event in highlands ranch for all your events and parties

Great customer service from Lonnie (hope I spelled your name right) super chill dude! Had a great time

Fun arcade, along with bowling and drinks. Staff was friendly. We had our Christmas company party here. They were easy to work with and book. The food items we selected were good, especially the pizza. Full open arcade area, full bar area, bowling area with quite a few lanes, including laser tag, virtual reality, and pool . There is a lot to do here. Great for family time out or even date night!!

This place is amazing every time I visit. Service is top notch, and facilities are in great condition.

We make a 45 minute drive to this location because the service and atmosphere is excellent Thank you for amazing service!

I just want to give a big shout out to our server Jacy she was so sweet and amazing! We really enjoyed her. Thank you for your wonderful service!

We had a awesome time!! A little something for everyone but tiny kids. Bowling, Lazer tag and great food.. Will be coming again

Bowling was fun, our server Ryah was so nice and helpful, one of the managers Ryan delivered our food and made sure our visit and service was good, overall good experience

I recently visited Main Event in Highlands Ranch and had a blast playing arcade games and laser tag! The arcade had a great variety of games, from classic favorites to newer interactive ones, making it fun for all ages. Laser tag was definitely a highlight?well-organized, fast-paced, and a great way to compete with friends or family. Even though I didn't try the food, the overall atmosphere was lively and perfect for a fun outing. If you're looking for a place to let loose and enjoy some games, this is a gr

Jacy P. Was wonderful and very attentive to my birthday party, Excellent service and a wonderful member of the staff, definitely the highlight of our experience with this location.

Lisa M took amazing care of us. She provided amazing service. She made sure all of our orders were taken quickly. She provided a spatula for our birthday cake. She served a party of 25 and did it with ease. Thank you so much Lisa. It was all our first time here and we had a blast. We'll definitely be back. PS you gotta try the PB+J burger. Per Lisa?s recommendation, it was soooo good!!!

Definitely a place where the entire family can go out and enjoy. We will be back soon

Thank you Ryan for the help with our lanes and making sure we were taken care of. Staff is great the games are a bit pricy but it's 2025 so expected

This place is awesome! We bowled, enjoyed a variety of video games and ate pizza. The adults relaxed with cocktails while the kids played games. Perfect place to take the family!

Kacy & David were amazing!!! I had a friend visiting from out of town and it was a better experience than I could?ve ever imagined!

Great fun and great vibes, will be back!

My friends and I had a great time there. I want to say specially about Jacy, she was so kind and also had a big smile. She is great!

Here is what makes this place great, we had a group of 9 and with the games, bowling and football on the big screen everybody was happy.

Fun for all ages! You can get a card to have unlimited play for cheap! Super fun and the food was delicious!

The events are fine, there's nothing too special about the place. You get everything in one very noisy environment! My biggest issue is that the bar and ?restaurant? (very loosely considered a restaurant) are not good. Considering the prices and the amount of time you could spend there, we always have to leave to go eat. Get a real kitchen and something other than a gas station quality bar and it'll be enjoyable for adults too.

ryah was an amazing server and gave us great service!! definitely recommend asking for her if you come in

Went bowling with the family. Kerry served us and she was great! David stopped by to say hello as well. Good day, good times!

It's expensive. They have all these specials that if you buy this, then you get this, this includes this, but doesn't include that. If you want to play arcade games, then that doesn't include things like laser tag, bowling, etc. It feels like getting nickeled and dimed. The food is okay. Service at the entry desk is poor. Service for food is pretty good.

My son celebrated his 7th b-day with his friends and they had a amazing moment. The place is huge looks new and the staff was very friendly. If you go early there is nobody and is more fun. Laser tag I would recommend to make it dark it.

Had a great time. For a building full of kids it seems to be running smooth. Couple messes here and there. Staff was friendly enough.

Didn't have any food but the game selection was awesome. They put in some outside attractions like boondocks and they'd never be not busy.

Fun place to go playing games. Great place to go on a debt

Lisa is a fantastic waitress. She's was so attentive to our every need.

This place is incredible, it's a Saturday night about 10 PM. It still open. Amazing, especially when you or friends and family have kids visiting. The service is incredibly quick and extremely helpful and knowledgeable along with polite communication. The food is off the charts, the amount of delicious, appealing and appetizing foods is worth coming back time and time again. Also want togive some truly deserved attention and worthy of a sizable tip and to ask be asked for by name is Preston( sorry if I spe

Our kids love this place! It's our favorite for bowling, and we get the play pass, so we can do unlimited bowling, the obstacle course, laser tag, and pool/shuffle board etc. it gets the teens away from video games and is a good family outing when it's too hot or too cold. We always have a blast. If they want to do the other games, we have them pay for that, themselves? it's clean, well organized, and the staff is great. No complaints here!

Mama Lisa is great and the GM Ashley stopped by to make sure we were great. Fun for the kids and adults

Mamma Lisa, did a great job with us on Father?s Day! Great service!!

Main event always has a great atmosphere!! Jacy was an amazing server #jacyisthemainevent

Fun for kids. If you pay for the 3 hour unlimited pass you dont get tickets to redeem.

Great place for team building! Staff could not stop giving compliments about the place. Food was amazing! Next time I go will be with family! Thanks to the staff Lauren, Joe #1 and Joe #2 for making it an awesome experience.

For going to a place like this the food was good. Over all enjoyed myself. Went there for my friends birthday and would definitely go back

Had my best bowling games here.

We reserved a bowling lane for 2 hours for 2 adults and 3 kids. 1st after the first person bowled our pins would not reset. It took about 10 minutes to have this fixed. I asked if our time was paused because of this. The lady said no but that she could add an additional 10 minutes to our time but never did. 2nd the people that shared the seating area and the lane next to us had 12 people trying to be in this tiny space. (Only 5 were bowling) They kept coming and standing at our table and in our lane. Crossi

Great place for kids, teens and Adults. Bowling, pool tables, lasers tag, and much more. Food Fun stuff.

This place has an amazing atmosphere. The bowling alleys are clean and there's a lot of arcade games to play. David also approached us with a challenge and gave us gift cards for winners!

This place is so fun even though I probably broke my finger on the ropes course I'm still giving it four stars haha. I would blame myself for my injury so. I think the prices are pretty fair considering how much fun you can have if you buy the activity band for everything involved I think it's totally worth it. I also love that it stays open late for the night owls who happen to have kids as well. I don't always want to ditch my daughter to have a night out so this is a perfect compromise. We had tons of fu

Very fun place to visit with the family!

Operations manager Courtney and the bartender Tristan always make every visit enjoyable, fun, and have great conversations.

Entertainment galore (bowling, arcades, pool...), small or large party events, happy hours, or just anything with friends and colleagues... Bar. Highly recommend. Rate it better than Pinnustry ;) One gripe... Timed play cards expire at midnight (that is so 1980's).

The employees present were nice, but there weren't half the employees needed. I waited in long line after line for the simplest things (entrance, a drink, laser tag, balls for pool). As a result, we didn't get to eat, the obstacle course was closed, and after waiting twenty minutes I couldn't even close out my tab. Drive farther to Boondocks. Terrible waste of money and a morning.

Good place and service. Very nice place fkr family or group outing. Facilities and staff were genuinely nice. I'd go back again with my team. We did bowling, laser tag and played pool. Food was good.

Met family here for the first time. It was great! The bowling area had cool lighting, and the lanes let you set bumpers per person (easy to bowl with kids and adults). They also have complimentary socks, if anyone needs some. The arcade has some unique stuff, and there's a ropes course above it. I didn't do the actual math, but it felt like the games were generous in points and the prize shop had reasonable ticket/point prices compared to some arcades we've been to. Prices for activities were reasonable, an

Overall, it's a very fun place. It can get pretty busy in here at times. Unfortunately just like everywhere else recently the prices have gone up so it is not cheap. Expect to spend some money. But if you've got the money, it's a fun place to hang out

What an exciting place to have a birthday party for the kiddos! The planners were excellent and very clean facility!

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 pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.

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.