Have you visited Pins Mechanical Company in Charlotte, NC? This fun spot is a unique place to head for family fun by day, and for grown-ups only in the evening. They offer some super fun activities with a unique pricing structure including lots and lots of totally free, vintage arcade games. There are a number of other free games, plus paid options including duckpin bowling, foosball, and pinball. We visited with a group of teens one afternoon and were so pleasantly surprised by Pins Mechanical that we had to share.
WATCH! We Visited PINS Mechanical
Check out our visit tp PINS Mechanical, Charlotte, NC.
About Pins Mechanical: Food & Drink
The Pins Mechanical space is huge, with both indoor and outdoor fun, and places to gather and socialize. They do not serve food, though sometimes food trucks will be onsite. Because they don’t serve food, you can bring in any food, just not beverages. Those are sold at the bar and there is a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage choices.
For my teens, I ordered everyone a mocktail. They enjoyed the fun look of the mocktails and the unique experience. And, always looking to be a little frugal, we brought lunch from home.
Duckpin Bowling at Pins Mechanical
The bowling at Pins is duckpin bowling, where the pins are connected to little strings, the alley is very short, and the balls are much smaller than in typical bowling. You don’t have to wear any funny bowling shoes, just pay for your lane and go. It costs $7 per person for a 10-frame game.
My 4 kids and I enjoyed bowling with our lunch and mocktails. It was definitely a highlight of our day, and one of the few moments in time this mom has had lately without kids arguing with each other. That’s a big win right there.
The Arcade Games
After bowling, I won if you’re curious, the kids spread out to explore the arcade. All of the vintage arcade games are totally free. If you do put in a quarter, it is donated to the Ronald McDonald House. There are lots and lots of games and that kept the kids busy for quite a while. You’ll find everything from old-school Mario, to Pong, Frogger, and Skee-Ball.
Mixed in with the arcade games are some additional free options including several places to play JENGA, a seated soccer game, even some swings, and a slide outside. If that’s not enough there are lots of pinball games that cost $1 each, as well as foosball.
Check out more arcades in Charlotte!
Seating & Space to Gather
Throughout Pins Mechanical, both inside and out, there are tables and comfy couches. If watching the game is more your speed, there are several screens with seating where you can make that happen.
Speaking of outdoor space, you’ll find fires outside with seating, some swings, and even a giant metal tube slide. This is a really big hit with the kids.
Things to Know about Pins Mechanical
Families of all ages are welcome to use the space during the day. After 9 PM, they are 21+ only.
I was very pleasantly surprised with how clean everything was, and the vast majority of the games were in perfect working order. It was very comfortable for a family during the day.
Some of the slogans on the walls and at the bowling games are more adult in nature. Nothing graphic, and my teen boys obviously thought these were hilarious. All in good fun, but worth mentioning for parents to know ahead of time.
Visit PINS Mechanical Company
PINS Mechanical Website
21+ after 9 PM
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