Inside: Carolina families share their favorite arcades in Charlotte, plus a full rundown off all the best arcades near Charlotte, NC with notes on visitor favorites.
Charlotte’s got GAME! Did your favorite arcade make the list?
Whether you’re escaping the summer heat or looking for a rainy-day activity, Charlotte has an impressive variety of arcades for kids, families, and nostalgic adults alike. From retro games and modern VR to bowling and mini golf, here’s your go-to guide for where to play ar arcades in and around the Queen City.
Quick Summary: Charlotte, NC Arcades
Looking to beat the heat or dodge the rain? We’ve rounded up the best arcades in and around Charlotte—from nostalgic pinball to glow-in-the-dark golf and everything in between.
✔ Family-friendly fun
✔ Indoor play for all ages
✔ Perfect for birthday parties, playdates & rainy days
Here’s your guide to Charlotte’s coolest arcades + real family favorites.
Best Arcades in Charlotte, NC
Bowlero Charlotte
Address: 210 E Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
Phone: 704.716.9300
Website: Bowlero Charlotte Website
- Features: 18 bowling lanes, arcade games, and sports bar
- Online reservations and party packages available
Visitor Highlights: “Our check-in process was smooth, and the service was beyond exceptional.” – Google Review
Pins Mechanical Company
Address: 307 W Tremont Avenue, Charlotte, NC
⭐ One of our favorites!! Here’s our Kidding Around Review of Pins Mechanical
Website: Pins Mechanical Website
- Features: Duckpin bowling, pinball, arcade, food trucks. Most of the retro arcade games are totally free to play.
- Kids bowl free on Sundays; 21+ after 9 PM
Visitor Highlights: “Great for date night or bringing the kids early. Super fun and welcoming.” – Google Review
Monster Mini Golf (Charlotte, Gastonia, Monroe)
Address: 230 East W.T. Harris Boulevard Suite C-4, Charlotte
Also in: 3924 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia and 114 East Sunset Drive, Monroe
Website: Monster Mini Golf Charlotte
- Features: Glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf, arcade, laser tag, VR
- Birthday party packages available for ages 5 and up
Visitor Highlights: “Reasonably priced, super clean, and my kids absolutely loved the atmosphere!” – Google Review
Sports Connection
Address: 11611 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte, NC
Phone: 704.583.1444
Website: Sports Connection Website
- Features: Bowling, laser tag, ropes course, arcade, rock climbing, esports, VR
- Birthday packages starting at $249
Visitor Highlights: “We had a birthday party here—staff was super helpful and everything ran smoothly.” – Google Review
16-Bit Bar + Arcade
Address: 307 W Tremont Avenue, Charlotte, NC
Website: 16-Bit Bar + Arcade Website
- Features: Over 30 classic video games, themed cocktails, full bar
- Kids welcome until 9 PM; 21+ after
Visitor Highlights: “Great place to relive your childhood with a modern twist—awesome cocktails and a huge selection of arcade games!” – Google Review
Super Abari Game Bar
Address: 1015 Seigle Ave, Charlotte, NC
Website: Abari Website
- Features: Retro arcade and pinball, regular tournaments, 21+ after 9 PM
Visitor Highlights: “The nostalgia is real—great mix of pinball and classics, and staff is super friendly!” – Google Review
Slingshot Social Game Club
Address: 332 W Bland Street, Charlotte, NC
Website: Slingshot Website
- Features: Games like SuperSkee, Giant Jenga, analog and digital games, beer wall
Visitor Highlights: “Such a cool spot to hang out with friends or go on a creative date night.” – Google Review
Great Arcades in Concord
Stars & Strikes (Concord)
Address: 545 Concord Parkway N, Concord, NC
Phone: 678.965.5707
Website: Stars & Strikes Website
- Features: Bowling, arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, VR
- Birthday packages for all ages
Visitor Highlights: “A perfect place with lots of things to do for kids of all ages.” – Google Review
The Basement Arcade Bar (Concord)
Address: 14 Union Street S, Concord, NC
Website: The Basement Arcade Bar Website
- Features: Retro arcade with 80s and 90s games, full bar
- Free play after entry fee
Visitor Highlights: “Awesome throwback arcade! Love the pinball selection and chill vibe.” – Google Review
Dave & Buster’s (Pineville & Concord)
Addresses:
Pineville: 11049 Carolina Place Pkwy
Concord: 8361 Concord Mills Blvd
Website: Dave & Buster’s Website
- Features: Large arcade, VR, full-service restaurant and bar
- Half-price games on Wednesdays
Visitor Highlights: “Our grandkids had a blast and our server was great.” – Google Review
Gibson Mill (Concord)
Address: 325 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC
Website: Kidding Around Review of Gibson Mill
- Features: Small arcade, board game café, eateries, restaurants
Visitor Highlights: “Such a fun vibe! The food hall and games make it perfect for a laid-back day.” – Google Review
Additional Arcades Worth Visiting Near Charlotte
Frankie’s of Charlotte
Address: 10621 Bryton Corporate Center Drive, Huntersville, NC
Phone: 704.875.7888
Website: Frankie’s Website
- Features: Indoor arcade, laser tag, bowling, VR; outdoor mini golf, go-karts, rides
Visitor Highlights: “A huge variety of activities! Great for all ages.” – Google Review
Spare Time Entertainment (Huntersville & Pineville)
Addresses:
Huntersville: 16317 Statesville Road
Pineville: 9600 Pineville-Matthews Road
Website: Spare Time Website
- Features: Bowling, arcade, escape rooms, restaurant, bar
- Birthday party packages available
Visitor Highlights: “So many things to do and the ambiance is top notch. The food was also great!” – Google Review
Adventure Landing (Gastonia)
Address: 2600 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, NC
Phone: 704.866.4242
Website: Adventure Landing Website
- Features: Mini golf, batting cages, arcade games
- Affordable birthday packages available
Visitor Highlights: “Classic, no-frills fun! Perfect for younger kids and budget-friendly.” – Google Review
Activate Charlotte
Address: 1526-G Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC
Website: Activate Website
- Features: Tech-based active game rooms combining physical and mental challenges
Visitor Highlights: “Hands down one of the most unique entertainment experiences we’ve had!” – Google Review
Player 1UP (Rock Hill, SC)
Address: 140 E Main Street, Rock Hill, SC
Website: Player 1UP Facebook
- Features: Retro arcade, pinball, food, drinks, themed events
Visitor Highlights: “This is a gem! Tons of old-school fun, food is great, and very family-welcoming.” – Google Review
Planning a Party or Family Day Out?
Most of these arcades offer birthday party packages, group deals, or weekday discounts. Be sure to check each venue’s website for current promotions, operating hours, and age policies.
We have the information you need!
- Plan a Birthday Party! Here’s our birthday party venue guide.
- Play Indoors! Looking for things to do inside? Here’s our Premiere Guide to Indoor Things to Do in Charlotte
