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Sonoma Family Fun Center

Sonoma Family Fun Center

Reviews Summary

The Sonoma Fun Center receives mostly positive reviews (5-star dominant) for its clean, family-friendly atmosphere with fun mini-golf and arcade games. New owners are praised for their friendliness and improvements. Many highlight it as ideal for kids, dates, or parties. However, some criticize inconsistent hours, misleading Groupon ads, and a policy requiring golf for arcade access. A few mention outdated info online and occasional closures. Overall, it’s considered a charming local gem with minor operational flaws.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
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 Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement 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
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

19171 Sonoma Hwy

Sonoma, California 95476

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11AM-5PM
Wednesday 11AM-6PM
Thursday 11AM-6PM
Friday 11AM-7PM
Saturday 11AM-7PM
Sunday 11AM-6PM

Customer Reviews

If you call directly for the hours, their vm says, "check Google for hours." If you go on their website it says, "check Google for hours." So, Google said, "opens 10am Sunday." We made the 40 min drive from Santa Rosa to arrive by 10am to find locked doors. An attendant opened the door and said they open at 11am on Sunday. I told them to check their vm, check their website and then check Google because it was miss leading. We waited in front until they opened shop and my son was patient. Hopefully they've

Fun fun fun!! We decided to go check this place out after wine tasting, and we ended up staying for 3 hours ??. We played 18 holes of mini golf then new and old school arcade games. The owners Marcus and Jenny are really friendly and felt like instant family. Oh and by the way, we are all adults ?? We can't wait to come back. Awesome place for a day with the kids or a date night.

We love this place! It has a great mix of old school and new games and a really great concession counter. We do mini golf as a family when it's nice out and the arcade when it's not. Totally a hidden gem!

If you are looking for a great mini-golf experience then this should be your choice. It is a fun course, kind of classic (apparently around 35 years old) and aging quite well. My son is a bit of a mini-golf fanatic and he loves that you can see the ball travel through the "trough"; the classic touch I suppose... : )

Really great place! Sonoma doesn't have much other than Train Town, so to have a cute little local fun center is great! The new owner, Jenny, was very veryy kind. My friend and I went in for a Wicked Slush (new addition) and she treated us with some tokens to play while we waited for some ice cream to finish churning! Id say that they have a good selection of games, not very big but not bad by any means. I haven't checked out the golf course recently, but im sure its great and Im all for supporting any loca

Just went here recently. I've been here a couple if times throughout my life and all times have been fun! The mini golfing is fun and doable! The arcade games are fun, spent an hour just playing arcade games and it was so fun! The staff are really nice as well! They do parties as well! And the ticket prizes are also really good!

Such a cute little place! I had never been here but stopped by for a slush during my lunch break and Jenny (new owner) was so sweet. She gave my friend and I some tokens to play the arcade games while we waiting for the ice cream to be ready. Ended up having a blast! Think I'll come back for air hockey next time. The addition of Wicked Slush is such a great idea. Other than TrainTown, it's tough to find places to take littles, but I definitely recommend this place! Thanks Jenny! ??

Affordable fun for kids and adults!!! A great way to spend time social distancing during Covid times. One of the few kid friendly outdoor activities that is open and a great way to support a small family business. They are also sanitizing all of the equipment regularly. We felt very safe. We are local to Sonoma and have seen this business turn hands a number of time recently. We are SO excited that the business is now finally being run by a wonderful family, experienced in this industry, who is invested in

Honestly the best amusement center for PARENTS! Just enough games, tickets, mini golf. Adorable mini golf course Not too noisy - staff very friendly and helpful Clean and non broken machines. All around a GREAT spot for an afternoon or birthday party!

The place is clean and super fun! The mini-golf is laid out well and is spotless. The video arcade is the best in Sonoma! Great job guys. Can't wait to throw a birthday party here!

Mini golf is fun here. The place is clean and bright, the employees very polite and capable. The games in the arcade are mainly just to win tickets, though... only one other two are true video games.

Had never been here before even though I have lived in town for over 10 years. Place is bigger than what I expected! New ownership. Place is clean. Small but fun selection of arcade. Good for kids or dates.

Great to see the Fun Center finally open! One of the last places in Sonoma to develop and make Super-Duper memories. Don't forget to charge your phone SO you can get ALL those potential memories on the record! Thanks Sonoma Fun Center!

Looks nice ,my kids are on spring break for the week so I bought a Groupon for this place and came on Tuesday found out the hours was closed on Monday and Tuesdays,then came back on Thursday says open at 3pm and now it's almost five o clock I'm leaving, and gonna ask for a refund! Other people were here and left .Back time to open whenever

Their policy stipulates that one cannot play the arcade games without buying a round of golf. That is just plain greedy and will lose them money in the long run. In a town as horrendously boring as Sonoma, with no other outlets (I.E. no bowling, no Ice skating rink, no Go Karts) people would dig spending a few bucks on the games. Get over yourselves and change that policy!

Friendly and Clean! My 8year old and 16 yr old had equal fun With the Arcade And Mini Golf. Looks great To host a BiRthDay Party at

great place to play mini golf and arcade. its always so much fun. Ive ben coming here ever since i can remember

Perfect mix of vintage and newer games. The owner/operator, Marcus provides a friendly atmosphere.

Great place and fun arcade. Mini golf course was perfect

Played & paid for a round of min. golf...when we finished we realized we were locked in, gate closed, no staff. We had to climb the fence to get out!!!

Still selling Groupons even though they are closed for remodeling and do not mention this in the ad. Wasted drive from Santa Rosa...

It is a really fun place for a birthday party.

Wow awesome place. New owners are really stepping it up

Intimate, you won't lose your kids here.

Great place to have fun with my grandkids.

Miniature gulf so a lot of fun

Pinball machine s fun

One day I will emerge victorious.

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 pinball tables still good in this modern age?

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.

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.