The People's Choice Family Fun Center

The People's Choice Family Fun Center

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the venue as a fun, affordable family spot with a variety of games and activities, especially for kids. Many highlight friendly staff and good food, particularly pizza. However, common complaints include broken or non-functional games, poor prize quality, disorganization, and understaffing leading to long waits. Some note cleanliness issues or misleading advertising about amenities. While many rate it highly (5 stars), others criticize inconsistent experiences, with a few calling it disappointing or overpriced. The consensus is mixed: great for casual outings but inconsistent in execution.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
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.*

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
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

2650 Belvidere Rd

Waukegan, Illinois 60085

Hours

Monday 12-8PM
Tuesday 4-8PM
Wednesday 4-8PM
Thursday 4-8PM
Friday 12-9PM
Saturday 12-9PM
Sunday 12-8PM

Customer Reviews

?????????? I had an amazing time at The People's Choice Family Fun Center! The variety of rides and attractions is incredible?there's truly something for everyone. I especially enjoyed the Ferris Wheel and Spinning Hamburger Ride, which were both smooth and so much fun. The Dragon Roller Coaster added some thrilling excitement, and although the pressure was a bit intense at moments, it was still a memorable experience! The arcade is filled with tons of games to enjoy, and the atmosphere overall is vibrant

We really enjoyed ourselves for my baby's birthday celebration. The only thing that concerned me was that the area we reserved for the birthday was wet from mopping when we got there. Also, the cute name sign they put in the reserved birthday tables was not there so we had to request it. Prior to this day, it was hard to get ahold of someone through the phone so we went in person. This location may definitely benefit from more staff :) Other than that, we do recommend visiting!

5+5+5? Staff, Plus food, plus atmosphere! If you want to enjoy the Chuck-E-Cheese experience without the Chuck-E-Cheese price, people's choice is the way to go.?? They have an area where there are a bunch of small dime-store and quarter rides that small kids love. Their pizzas are much better than Chuck-E-Cheese, and they have wonderful desserts and Fountain creations. A good place for a party, a good place for a party in general for any occasion. Your kids will stay occupied all day and love every minute.

Booked a birthday table, terrible. Only one person working food line and very slow kitchen. This place used to be great when i was growing up but now its short staffed, filthy, overpriced and run down. Wish they would.

This place is pretty big, with lots to do. I went with my family on Christmas Eve so it was pretty empty, which we loved. We had a great time. And the food was good.

My family came to check out the establishment for the first time and although we were able to make the best of it and have fun, I was surprised to see the state of establishment since I know they just reopened in a new location. We visited on a slow sunday and the party areas were still dirty and a mess from the day before. The spilled drinks and food etc were not only in the party areas but in the main walking isles. The bathrooms were horrible and completely a mess. The floors clearly don't get swept. I w

Its a decent place to pop in for a good time with the kiddos. The prices arent overly crazy and they have some good groupons. The facilities are nice, some of the games either didnt give out tickets or just ate the tokens. And some of the games were a little pricey for the play. Like 4 tokens for some of the games. The staff was pretty friendly.

Great place! Kids love it and I really enjoyed being there with them (10 & 8 years old). I saw teenagers too. Very spacious so I wasn't worried about being close to others. Lots of games to choose from. The price is very reasonable (e.g. kid's meal $5, rollercoaster ride $3, bumper car $5 etc.) Staff could be more friendly but understandable due to the price. Thank you for providing the place.

My granddaughter had her 2nd birthday party there. It was really nice! She had a birthday room. She was running around playing games and having fun with the family. It was nice and my kids want to go back, so we will! My experience was 4 stars out of 5. They have funnel cakes, soft pretzels which made my experience more enjoyable.

I brought my grandsons here for a fun day!! While standing in line for bumper cars others kept going a head of him. I was told that field trip people got priority and other kids with vests on we're allowed to cut in front of him!! Very disappointing that paying customers are not entitled to standing in line and waiting like everyone else!!! Ruined his experience!!!!

This establishment offers a family-friendly environment; however, I strongly advise bringing hand sanitizer, as equipment sanitization practices appear inconsistent. Following our visit, my daughter contracted influenza. Parents should exercise caution and provide their own hand sanitizer, as none is provided in the restrooms.

The kids had a blast. Its a good deal. We would like to come back and visit again. Employee are all nice and helpful. Thanks groupon.

The place was horrible there pizzas suck $21 for 1 pizza that had hardly any cheese and you could get better pizza that cost $5 at like little Caesars. There prizes suck you have to put an order in and then they mix them up and they have like kids working there.And half there store wasn't even working.

Adults and kids can have a good time here. We would wish if they could bring back the mini golf.

Love this place stop in while at the resort up the road clean big asl and the food was good cooked fast the guy at the counters white about 30ish super nice great customer service.

This is a great place to take the family and kids for a day of fun. Definitely reasonably priced. Lots of games and rides to choose from for kids all ages and sizes! Highly recommend!

Attractions only open on weekends. You can buy tokens from the concessions but I had to ask. Maintenance was being done on several rides and the ceiling. A game jipped us and instead of giving us replacement coins to play something else at will, employee hit the game and supervised our play. Place has potential but we won't return.

I love this place. You use to get soo many prizes and gadgets at the end of the, not so much now. But , you cant beat the deals they have . We go here often

We have been going to peoples choice for years! It's always a good time, they have so many games for kids and adults. The pizza is amazing and they also have a big selection of other items. This is a great place for birthday parties or even just to go hang out.

This place is awesome! It's like a huge Chuck E Cheese but had way more to do including the best mini golf ive ever seen. Kids love it!

A great place to take your kids for a day or night of fun! More games and lower food prices than Chuck E. Cheese.

Priced well, pretty good food, and tons of games. Great prizes too!

Staff was friendly and with the Groupon we got alot of fun! 2.5 hrs worth. 5 Stars!

If you wanna have fun with the kids, People's Choice is the spot. Don't forget to try the pizza is so delicious ??

What a awesome place. I'm so happy this business moved and expanded. We love it here

New location is big. Bus didn't see any Lazer tag, glow mini golf. Was mostly video/arcade games and some bumper type car fun. I brought my 3yr old grandson and he was excited but to small for many games. Also alot of storage space making it look messy and unorganized. It was fun but I hope it will be cleaned up more for our next visit.

Half of the game machines are always down, some take your credits and it takes forever for someone to come reimburse you. It's decent.

Haven't been here in years (since I was a kid) my kids loved it. Super big found a Groupon which was a great deal! Lots of rides closed though they said they are waiting on city permits

The food line was extremely long, one worker on the register. All of the booths to cash in your tickets were down except for for one machine....anther extremely long and slow line. Most of the games were not in operation the token slots were taped up.

Great new location, bigger space for potential improvement and future growth. Some machines could use a maintenance though, or even all together replacement. But great place to take the kids for games and pizza.

My family and I received above and beyond customer service while enjoying this establishment. My daughter lost her game card after winning a big jack pot. Jon was able to replace the card after validations. It's always a good time when the family goes to The People?s Choice!

The value you get here is unmatched. The selection of games was better than the competition. The staff was attentive to all concerns that patrons had. It was clean and worth a visit if you are looking for a family oriented evening. Had fun winning 1000 tickets on one spin! $25 kept us busy for over 2 hours

Just like the good old peoples choice, we spent 5 hours there nothing I can say will match the glory of this place. Food is cheap for 5 people whom I normally spend 60 to 70 bucks a meal for all of us at mcdonalds. 45 bucks for all of us to get something different everything there is amazing they have a wide variety of food. The games are amazing they have rides inside that you pay 3 to 5 bucks. In my opinion taking your children there would be heaven for you all! Yes they have alcohol they at least have mi

Lots of games for the kids!! Most are responsibly priced for tokens. 1 or 2 tokens for most of the games a few 4 token ones and a handful of 10 or higher ones. The place is... Not dirty but it's not super clean either. Games work but run slow. I didn't expect to have to guard our tokens and tickets but there were a lot of unsupervised kids (which is fine) who came up to us and would try to take out tickets out of the games as they were coming out or out of my stroller. That is probably my only negative revi

We love this place. Food is reasonably priced. Kids love it. Better that the other guys.

Had my grandson's bday there. He n his friends had fun.

Late post for September 2017: We went here for a Groupon I purchased which included arcade coins, 2 ice creams order, and 2 player indoor glow in the dark mini golf! What a deal for $20! I could've given this place a 3 or even a 4 if the plenty arcade machines didn't kept getting eaten up either because it was inoperable or the machine wasn't plugged on. We arrived 15 minutes early after a long driving journey and killed time in the parking lot prior to the opening time. It was a trial and error with which

My 6yr old and I had a great time. Nice mini golf,games and food offerings.

I've been going ever since I was kid, my kids also grew up loving people choice and now my youngest kid loves people choice. It is not expensive and it is a great place to take the kids to have fun, any day out of the week it's great. I love the food there but now the pizza is fire ??

Had lots of fun with my family! Big or small they'll find something to do. The bathroom was discussing though, so if you have to go you better leave!

Great place for the kids and the pizza is awesome.

A wonderful birthday party venue ruined by corporate greed. My brother-in-law had a party for his seven-year-old and was told they could not have additional plates or cups -- EVEN IF THEY PURCHASED MORE PIZZA OR PICHERS OF SODA!! Inexcusably cheap.

Our family had a good time playing the games. Several games were broken and others worn out though, would have been better if things were taken care of a little better. Most employees weren't super helpful and didn't have good attitudes. They didn't seem too happy to be there, we asked for some assistance about a machine that stole some quarters and it took like 40 minutes to get help. The prizes are mostly cheap junk and can use an upgrading.

Trash!! Every game is either out of service, broken or a doesn't work correct. Half the arcade isn't up and running on top of all the out of order games. You have to pay for every extra thing. Might as well go to action territory or six flags or great wolf actually get your moneys worth 50 bucks for 200 coins for 14 games that work lol never again do better Waukegan

Overall, it's a good place for my 4-year-old! But definitely under staffed, will not open another register for no reason at the counter. 20plus people in line or more doesn't matter. Many items not available when doors open maybe have employees start earlier ????? for prep!

My family and I come every Sunday! We spend about $150 every time we come. They have the best prices for tokens/pizza and have a wide variety of food! This is a great place to be to have fun with the family. The staff is 10/10 awesome! I never have a horrible experience here. If I could give 10 stars, I would!

I was excited to check this place out as we are new to the neighborhood and my daughter?s bday is around the corner. We wanted to try it out before making a decision on where we want to have the party. I like that it's spacious and there seems to have a lot of things to do. The pros is that there a lot of games to play and good pizza and desserts. The party area is nice since you get your own section and can decorate. Pretty cheap for tokens and easy to get lots of tickets for bigger prizes which excited th

This is my first time being here. The facility is large and has multiple tables for bday parties, including private rooms. There are plenty of games for kids (and adults) of all ages to play. The food was good. Overall, it is a good place to take the kids for a day of fun or have a bday party.

I had a pretty bad experience here. I would be careful but about 3 years ago a higher up was flirting with me giving me free stuff. He was 35 and I was 15 at the time. I don't know if he still works there but keep an eye out.

Went for a birthday ?? it was very nice cheaper food great place for kids !!!

This is a nice place to have fun with the family. I will definitely visit again.

Good place to have with your kids. I love to support a local business like this.The space is very large and there is a lot of variety for arcade machines. They also have bumper cars, inflatables and other attractions. They have concessions and there wings, pizza and churros were quite good. My negatives is that it just kinda looks like someone threw a bunch of stuff in one place and is hoping for the best. no one took time to make the space make sense. The night we visited it was extremely short staffed (wh

Not completely finish yet but when it is your gonna have a good time and the food was fresh

It's alright for a generic version of Chuckee Cheese, but the prizes they give kids are TRASH!!! They're cheaper than cheap. Dollar Tree makes better quality. I'll rather get food with the tickets because as much as you end up spending on the games, you can feed yourself and the kids 3Xs over. So, if you go here, don't expect much from the prize counter, just go to have fun. They pizza is at least good as heck, I'll give them that, but them toys, baby they can keep them. I know kids don't care. They're just

We paid a first and last vist to this so called "FUN" place on Sunday Feb,11th. I don't know what was more disgusting. The bathrooms here or the Girls Attitude behind the counter. The whole time we were there she gave everyone some kind of attitude. At one point my wife was waiting inline along with other families trying to order food. The counter girl was to busy texting away not even acknowledging anyone standing. Then someone finally said something to her and she had the audacity to get mad at them and g

Great place to take the kids. Food is good and prices are very reasonable. They also have slots for adults!

I don't suggest this place. They are showing lots of activities in the pictures but lot of machines are really not working (you guys really need to fix your machines before you give false advertisement). In addition, there is no mini golf, and the machines are poor, so we lost out on a lot of tokens. Not well organized and no proper instructions on machine, totally not worth!!!

Always a great time with our grand children...They love the food, games, and especially the go carts

Super fun. Maybe redo the bathrooms and try to make sure claw machines are stocked. Don't let people hog games for a long time. I know the lady doing facepaint isn't apart of the people's choice family, but she is super talented and fast. The food was good, fries were the best part overall fun, and we had a blast!

My granddaughter celebrated her 2 yr old birthday and she had a blast. I had fun to with the games and getting tickets for her. Food was pretty good also I would return if I am ever in that area again, I am from chicago il don't have any photos at the moment

What a fun place and great staff and pizza

I don't leave many reviews but this place was pretty disappointing. Apparently it's a new location which is a work in progress and that's why they got two stars instead of one. There's no mini golf yet. It's in the name and the website pictures, but it does not exist. Might want to do some web updates so as not to falsely advertise. Then a good quarter of the games we tried to play didn't work; just ate the tokens. And some that did work then didn't dispense tickets. One small positive: the curved air hocke

The new location is nice. Glad they didn't have any of the junky machines from the previous location. However felt like it was lacking. Not very many machines to play at. Most of the building is blocked off with machines that are not in use at the moment. Not very friendly for children under 2. The pizza was delicious also was nice that you can get your food to go.

Price was good. We found a deal $20 bucks for 6 people (mini golf, ice cream, and game tokens). Staff was friendly and cheerful. However, a lot of games were broken or not working. Overall it was a good experience, and our kids had fun. Would probably go again if given the choice.

I'm in love with this place. Been going since I was 5. I'm 16 now, and I know all of the staff, the owner, everyone. When they say it's a family place, they mean it. I feel like these people are my family, and I have such a deep attachment to this amazing place. I want to take my kids here when I get older. I know each game inside and out, each prize's cost, everything. I just truly love this place so much. It's my safe space, my favorite area in the whole wide world. Maybe I could work there when I'm older

I honestly think this was perfect for my six year old. His school held a fund raiser here and that's what brought us in. I was very happy with the price of the food. I think some will rush there were more or maybe different games but my kid had a blast and it was definitely affordable.

It's a great place for family fun.

Great place to take the little one. The price of the rides and games are reasonable, the staff are pleasant and the area is very clean. There's even games for the kids at heart. If ever your around the neighborhood you should go in, relax and have fun. I didn't have anything to eat while I was there but there are a some options.

Had a great time hosting my child?s 7th birthday. Clean and spacious. Great food. It is short staffed (but who isn't). Manager and staff were friendly and helpful.

The place is fun ... very big worth going there

This place has grown over the years. Games were great pizza was good a little less cheese and it would have made it perfect for me. Two hour kiddie area for a good price. Glow in the dark mini golf. Lots of room for party events. Will be back soon.

I've been going to people's choice with my son and my wife since 2013 and even when they change locations it's still such a fun. Place ago my son was born in2 0 0 9 but we still go there even Today because it's a fun place and even teenagers go there now so yeah definitely go there

We arrived just before a big field trip. Staff was great and gave us fair warning. We went about our way, staff put pizza on hold for us to go play our golf and when we were ready we let them know and got fresh hot pizza pretty quickly. Even with all the kiddos running around, the guys and girl at the counter were awesome when my little one went up to buy extra treats by herself. She was not ignored like she usually is at a nearby pizza place, and they made her feel like an extra special big kid for her get

This place is grand! My teenagers had a blast. It is spacious and also offers military discount. We didn't eat so can't talk about the food but the time was well spent.

The People's Choice Family Fun Center can certainly compete with the likes of Chuck E Cheese and other "big box" brands. The prices are more reasonable, the food was good and the service was friendly and fast. They have a variety of activities and games for all. We drove quite a distance to check it out..... It was worth the trip.

We are from MI and came to visit while our son was on liberty from the Navy?. Great family place?.. Justice at the prize counter is amazing!! She is so patient and kind with the kids, I watch her her help so many in front of us and was so good with all of them! Will defiantly be back!

My kid loves it. Huge space with many games. Although half of it is not currently in use. They do have more games, but they are not working, it gives the impression of something half finished. Pizza, drinks, prizes.

Very sketchy!! Had tons of junk stacked in corners behind metal fences. Look like they just threw a bunch of stuff in there and called it an amusement park. We were actually cracking up at how junkie it was!!

I was there for my niece/nephew(twins) birthday party, and wasn't impressed at all. Just plain and no life to the place. I don't know if it was because it was a Sunday or what, but I only had fun eating cupcakes and ice cream. I was expecting bigger/better since they moved to the old HOBO building, but nope.

We have a great time every time we go to People's Choice! Each of my kids has enjoyed a birthday party at the fun center. A fun family day for us is mini-golf in the blacklight, followed by video games together. I love that they have cards to keep track of their tickets, instead of a bunch of receipts to lose. Great game choices! And the pizza is actually pretty good. We love their daily specials too. Thanks for making fun affordable!

Very very disappointed! Drove 1 1-2 hrs to find all rides closed. The only thing to do was arcades. I came with 4 kids 3-12 expecting all of them to have fun. The car ride here offered more entertainment.

I'm so disappointed because I picked this place because I have a toddler and saw online so many amusement rides as well stuff for a 5 year old and more than half the rides are not right working or they dnt have enough help to workers for them. so coming here was more so for older kids and not for toddlers. They were very limited. Only train and bumper cars no ride other fun rides was available to them. Sanitatizing stations are empty. Bathrooms are dirty... wud not come back again!!

I have taken my boys to Peoples Choice on numerous occasions, and they love it, a large friendly game area with a large redemption center. We have found many offers available providing great package deals as well. The kids also like the glow in the dark mini-golf to round out a day after some pizza and games. Good family fun for a reasonable price.

Thank you to People's Choice who've supported the Elite Striders Drill team from day one 9 years ago! I so appreciate them for giving us a place to practice and caring enough to continue to open the doors for us. Thank you for giving back to your community. We appreciate YOU!

Great place to take your children for a couple of hours. I only spend 20$ in tokens every time. I go every month. My kids love it!

Great time and great people, we had a company party here. The owner opened the mini golf up for our crew and everyone loved it. The pizza is pretty decent also and there are lots of arcade games.

My kids and nieces had a great time as for the food it was straight trash ????? and it took forever because the cooks was just taking and playing around with our order

Most of the games don't work and/or eat your tokens. Most of the games that do work are the ticket machies. None of the carnival rides are functional, and there is no mini-golf at all, which is totally false advertising. The staff gave me more tokens when the machines ate them, but I won't waste my time again with this place.

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.”

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.