209 SE Main St
Grimes, Iowa 50111
1350 SE Gateway Dr # 108
Grimes, Iowa 50111
3800 Merle Hay Rd
Des Moines, Iowa 50310
1431 22nd St
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
1450 SW Vintage Pkwy Suite 125
Ankeny, Iowa 50023
1631 SW Main St Suite 105
Ankeny, Iowa 50023
190 Jordan Creek Pkwy
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
201 SE Oralabor Rd
Ankeny, Iowa 50021
5515 Mills Civic Pkwy #130
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
2323 Grand Ave #400
Des Moines, Iowa 50312
2323 Grand Ave STE 600
Des Moines, Iowa 50312
3108 SW 9th St
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
655 NE 56th St
Pleasant Hill, Iowa 50327
1320 Dickinson Ave
Ames, Iowa 50014
328 Main St Suite 100
Ames, Iowa 50010
1709 N Jefferson Way #1000
Indianola, Iowa 50125
1404 Boston Ave
Ames, Iowa 50010
231 N 2nd Ave
Winterset, Iowa 50273
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.”