Saco Valley Sports Center

Saco Valley Sports Center

Reviews Summary

The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most reviews praising Saco Valley Sports Center as a fun, family-friendly venue offering classic candlepin bowling, arcade games, and affordable prices. Many highlight the friendly staff, reasonable costs, and nostalgic atmosphere, though a few note outdated decor or minor issues like small balls. The negative review stands out for alleging poor customer service, but the majority emphasize great experiences, calling it a hidden gem with excellent value for kids and adults alike.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
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 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.

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 Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Pool Tables
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

95 Pine St

Fryeburg, Maine 04037

Hours

Monday 10AM-3PM
Tuesday 10AM-8PM
Wednesday 12-8PM
Thursday 10AM-6PM
Friday 12-9PM
Saturday 12-10PM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

A throwback to the days of being a teenager. An updated computer system for keeping score, some new video games to win tickets for prizes, and a pool table. Food available such as fries, small pizzas and other items that don't require a kitchen. Prices are reasonable and the staff is super friendly. If you're looking for a place to feel like you're a teenager again while having a good time, I recommend visiting here for a few games of candle pin bowling ??.

Blast from the past... was like stepping into a set from the Big Lebowski or Kingpin If you're expecting state of the art facilities you're in the wrong place... Manual score entries, chipped balls, CRT TVs hanging down on massive mounts Good pricing, lots of fun was had by my entire party. We might even start a league!

Friendly staff. Place is out dated. I don't think it's had a make over since the 90's. It was clean and fun though. The lanes where waxed sufficiently, pins and ball machine had no hiccups so they take care of the place.

This place is like going back in time. The bowling alley is from the 1960's and it's been very well taken care of. The staff were very friendly and we had a great time.

Great place for a family to come and enjoy themselves. Always have a great time here. Staff is always nice and the food is really good. Bowl for $1 a game with As and B's on report card. This place also has birthday partys.

Always a great time. The owners are wonderful!

I brought my special needs son over from Naples. He loved to bowl before we moved here. He was pretty excited when I pulled in. There doesn't seem to be many candlepin bowling places here. The place was a little quiet this day. The woman at the counter was very nice. The alleys were clean and shiny. The scoring computer easy to use. We played several strings. Checking out, again a very friendly woman answered some questions and was helpful. Prices were very good. I've already recommended it to a friend. We'

Go bowling! We had so much fun, and it was a great activity to get the kids off the screens! This friendly local gem is family run and our kids had so much fun. The owners are lovely and kids under 12 bowled free in July/Aug. Another perk, it's open rain or shine.

Great Candlepin bowling alley.

A great bowling alley. Great family fun. We were looking for something to do while on vacation and this place was a great find. Highly recommend

Always friendly fun atmosphere

We had my sons birthday party here and the kids really enjoyed it. The table where you set up the cake is within viewing range of the bowling lanes so no matter what your doing you can see everyone at the party. You can't bring other food but their pizza is reasonably priced and yummy. Some ice would have been nice in the water pitcher but not a huge deal. It was a pretty clean area and we were able to decorate as we saw fit. The reason for three stars is pretty simple- I was the one in charge of the party

We had a fantastic time playing candlepin bowling here. The staff were courteous, super helpful, and we appreciated the option of bumpers for our crew. We will definitely be back.

The lanes were well cared for. The juke box had current music and a great variety. There were a couple of arcade games and we played them as well. They offer some beer and food. We had a blast. Brought us back to the ol' days.

Went here to play pool and ended up staying longer and playing arcade games as well. Met the family that owns it, very nice people. Great prices, friendly environment. Would 100% go back!

Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the Saco candlepin bowling joint! This is the place to be to kick back and relax for.some family fun. Adults can enjoy a beer or two while the kids get groovy with the jukebox and small arcade area. A hidden gem in the heart of the white mountains.

We brought our 3 boys that are 4 5 and 7 and they had a blast!!! My husband and I also had a great time bowling and playing arcade games for tickets. Brought back a lot of great memories. We will be returning!

Run by disgusting, dishonest women who purposefully told us it would be a ?few minutes? then let other parties go ahead of us because our young kids were ?having fun? wasting money on their arcade games while we waited almost an hour. When we called them out, letting them know our youngest just got out of the hospital and didn't have the stamina to wait, they admitted what they'd done. It's disgusting what some people will do just to make a buck.

The people are Extreemly nice and tolerant. We were there with young children they can get a little rough with throwing the ball and also throwing an extra ball or two. The arcade must get over whelming dealing with children counting ticket. They were really kind to the children. The expirience the kids had can only make future bowlers. Again real nice people.

Great place to take the family. Reasonable prices for bowling and grab a beer.

Just simply good! They only take cash but have ATM on site. Laid back and family friendly. They have league play as well. A set of golf simulators are upstairs and pool tables/arcade games round out the downstairs. Fooddrinks are available, not a lot of options, but good quality.

Took my granddaughter , she loved bowling and the video games which were inexpensive was a bonus. Everyone was very nice and accommodating. Looking forward to going again

I've never been candlepin bowling before. It was fun and different from regular bowling. The setup is old and cool. If you like regular bowling, I would try it. This was a nice experience.

Best one in town. Great quality facility. 5 stars.

Old school place. Very nice guy running it. Kids and adults had a lot of fun. This place is not expensive either.

Saco Valley Sports is a great place to bring the family. Reasonable prices, great staff. My grandchildren love it when we bring them here.

We always have a great time at Saco Valley Sports Center. Great spot for bowling and kids always play in the arcade! Looking forward to coming back soon!

We had a wonderful time for a friend's party at the Sports Center. Great hosts for an event and super fun

It was good, it'd be better if it could have had more room for many people and bigger ball's.

It was a great time! the kids love it every time they come for a party or just for fun!

Great place! Don't see many places like this anymore my kids loves it we all had a great time.

Would've given a 5 star rating but they closed early allowing us to get only One game in..........Another trip I think is due later in the year possibly

Excellent! But short elderly lady more impressive and not getting paid enough, going behind lanes fetching stuck bowling balls plus running shoes and concession on a sunday

Me and my family wanted to do something on vacation at north Conway we decided to go bowling, we found this place is old fashioned in saco but we had fun the person working their was very polite with us

Charged me for the food twice but it was totally worth it. 13 and 5 year old had a great time.

This was a different type of game for me. It was very simple to learn. We had fun.

It's a great place for kids the bowling is fun it's not too hard the balls aren't too heavy for the kids. They have lots of games and candy and fun things to do

We took our girl scout troop there and they had a blast.

Fun for the while family! Not just bowling they have a mini arcade and a small area for food and drinks and even a few options for adult beverages

This family run business is wonderful. They go out of their way to help with everything. Great place and great prices

Excellent place. Good food. Clean. Good customer relations. Absolutely recommend going bowling here!

Loved it, great rainy day stop for us vacationers. The staff was friendly and attentive.

Fun for the whole family, candle pin bowling, snacks, beer, arcade games. Family owned and always a great time!

We came in and bought food and was sitting down at one of the booths and the old lady came over and kicked us out in the rain from the bowling alley for no reason and was very rude to my friends and I I don't recommend going not a great experience

Good place for kids birthday party

Great place to spend time with the kids!

Great place to go on a rainy white mountain day. Classic candlepin bowling,virtual golf,pool limited old arcade games,skiball and air hockey

Great candle pin bowling spot. Would highly recommend.

Cute little bowling alley with an old timey feel. Staff was nice. Slightly smoky.

Nice venue for candlepin bowling ??

Amazing owners who really care about the community. Fun place to spend a few hours.

Quick service, really good food and fun place to go on a day out or night out for all ages

Was there on a Wednesday afternoon during mud season. Nice lanes, clean and well lit. Nice place.

Fun bowling alley with video games and pool tables. Very friendly staff, good place to bring your kids

It was fun..My boys and I had a good time

Family had a great time. Old school bowling alley. Friendly staff.

Candle pin bowling at its finest So glad they have friendly staff Excellent service and fun well cared for lanes

Awesome center great family time bowling however could use an update... very happy

Cute Place. My boy had fun

Great time - low cost and tons of fun!

Haven't been there in awhile

Great for kids birthdays. Great vaule and an awsome unplugged fun.

Great place to go. Cheap prices..good pizza and beer

Fun for the whole family, great prices.

Had a great time the staff was friendly and responded promptly to our needs

Great place to bowl and play some games.

Fun family place in the rain. Food are inexpensive here.

Place was great. Had a fun time!

Great staff, and fun for all ages

All your family will have fun!

Fun they have pool bowling and a small arcade and prizes

Great place to bring kids to bowl and pizza!

I like going there and I do often but sometimes the younger lady that works there is rude

Friendly staff the outdated place is kind of nice for a change of pace

Great place.great staff great prices.

Great place. Has a little bit of everything.

the owners are very friendly and accommodating.

Great place for adults and kids. : )

Classic candlepin bowling in a clean fun environment ??

Only candlepin bowling center and so much fun!

I liked it it was affordable good environment and atmosphere

Had a good time lots of fun.

Candlepin near Conway? I'll take it. Good lanes here

Classic candlepin bowling alley. A step back in time but fun for everyone

Fun but could be updated a little

It was fun but the balls were to small

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 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.

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.