The Full List of Arcades in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Iowa
Looking for a way to spend a weekend with friends or family but just can’t figure out what to do? Looking for a new way to spend time in Des Moines? Consider going to an arcade! Arcades are a classic- and have only become more advanced. Read on to learn more about the best arcades in the Des Moines area.
Arcades in Des Moines, IA
Address: 500 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
1,444 Google Reviews with an average of 4.6 ⭐
Located near central Des Moines, Up-Down DSM Arcade is the perfect arcade for adults looking to feel a little nostalgia. This location is unique in that it not only includes a wide variety of video games for guests to play but also serves craft beer.
Up-Down DSM Arcade is the perfect place for work parties and group outings, as well as just spending the night out on the town with a few friends. The location has a wide variety of games to play, and also serves craft beer at the bar.
Up-Down DSM Arcade is one of the best arcades in Des Moines and gives guests a nostalgic arcade experience.
RezBlue VR Arena – Virtual Reality – Des Moines, IA Location
Address: 1111 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
187 Google Reviews with an average of 5 ⭐
Most relevant review:
5 ⭐”I had an amazing time. I’m 46 years old and I would definitely go back. We had a group of 7 so we did a tournament-style game. It was great everyone else is in their 20s so it’s fun for all ages.!!!!’”
Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd Suite 1220, Des Moines, IA 50310
143 Google Reviews with an average of 4.5 ⭐
Located in northwestern Des Moines, Gameday KCSF gives guests a relaxing and nostalgic experience. This arcade allows guests to play against one another or play games for a grand prize.
This arcade is perfect for people of all ages in Des Moines. The location serves food and drinks to guests, and a bar is located inside that specializes in creating cocktails. Children and adults alike can have fun playing arcade games to win prizes.
Gameday KCSF is one of the best arcades in Des Moines for people of all ages. The relaxed atmosphere promotes a feeling of comfort, and the wide variety of games ensures that guests won’t get bored.
Gameday KCSF in Des Moines should be high on your list of places to visit in Des Moines.
Arcades in West Des Moines, IA
Address: 1431 22nd St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
1165 Google Reviews with an average of 3.9 ⭐
Located in western Des Moines, Chuck E. Cheese is a class arcade and popular among children. Chuck E. Cheese is an arcade designed for kids and is a great place to host your child’s birthday party.
Unlike the other entries on this list, Chuck E. Cheese is an arcade designed exclusively for children. This makes it a great family location, especially if you’re the parent of young children. There is a wide variety of games that your child can play at Chuck E. Cheese, ensuring that they’ll have a day filled with adventure and fun!
If you’re looking for an arcade designed to entertain younger children, Chuck E. Cheese is the place for you!
The Operating Room West Des Moines
Address: 5515 Mills Civic Pkwy #130, West Des Moines, IA 50266
419 Google Reviews with an average of 4.4 ⭐
Located in southwest Des Moines, The Operating Room – West Des Moines is a great location for those who are looking to find a relaxed experience.
The Operating Room features a wide variety of games, including modern varieties of arcade classics and pinball. Furthermore, guests aren’t burdened with coins or tokens. The Operating Room instead operates by using a state-of-the-art card system.
The Operating Room also features a full bar and a large menu, ensuring that you can have a full day of fun at the arcade. The Operating Room is a great location for Des Moines residents of all ages.
Monkey Joe’s – West Des Moines
(Recently listed as permanently closed)
Address: 1600 Valley W Dr #200, West Des Moines, IA 50266
247 Google Reviews with an average of 3.5 ⭐
Most relevant reviews on Google:
3 ⭐ “Like most reviews, there is a lot of broken things here like water fountain, racing games. Inflatables look old and run down. Staff isn’t very friendly and bathrooms aren’t very clean even tough they say they are going to be closed for 20 min to clean them. But……. from an older kids (5& up) perspective this place is a blast. Only one bouncy house for 3 and younger, however adults can go in to help younger kids on all inflatables (that might be a challenge when it’s super busy).”
The White Rabbit Virtual Reality Arcade
Address: 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
12 Google Reviews with an average of 4.9 ⭐
Located near central Des Moines, The White Rabbit Virtual Reality Arcade is as unique as the name entails.
The White Rabbit Virtual Reality Arcade puts a spin on typical arcades by bringing it to virtual reality. The arcade features a wide variety of virtual reality games for guests to play, including single-player and multiplayer games. Guests can choose from a wide variety of genres-
there is sure to be a game for everybody!
If you’re looking for a whole new arcade experience that can only be found in Des Moines, check out The White Rabbit VR Arcade today!
Arcades in Grimes, IA
The Old School Pinball & Arcade
Address: 209 SE Main St, Grimes, IA 50111
283 Google Reviews with an average of 4.7 ⭐
Located in northwestern Des Moines, this arcade brings back the old-school experience, as the name implies. Guests can expect to play classic games such as pinball and Pacman, all while being transported back in time to the ‘80s.
This location is perfect for all ages and is a great place to host a party or group outing. The wide selection of games is sure to entertain for hours. The experience this location provides is the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun.
Transport yourself back in time and visit The Old School Pinball & Arcade for a retro Des Moines experience.
Pole Position Raceway Des Moines
Address: 1350 SE Gateway Dr # 108, Grimes, IA 50111
655 Google Reviews with an average of 4.3 ⭐
Most relevant reviews on Google:
5 ⭐ “A need for speed. Got to try this awesome place out during a birthday party. It was a great time for the entire family from 8 to 68. There was close to 30 people in our group. They broke it up into adult and kid races and even changed up your fellow racers the second time around so you got to race with lots of friends. It was my first time and it was great. A little scary at first but once you get out there and get a few laps in you will love it.”
Arcades in Pleasant Hill, IA
Great Escape – The Ultimate Experience
Address: 655 NE 56th St, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
632 Google Reviews with an average of 4.3 ⭐
Located in east Des Moines, Great Escape – The Ultimate Experience combines multiple activities into 1 single location. This location specializes in group events and is the perfect place to host parties.
Great Escape includes bowling, laser tag, and an arcade under one roof. The arcade is filled with fun games for guests of all ages. Guests are also able to redeem credits for prizes when they’re finished playing.
The location also includes a restaurant and bar, which is a great place to take a break during your visit. Great Escape is a wonderful place to host work or birthday parties, or even just to go to with friends.
Great Escape is the perfect place for those who are looking to have a day filled with fun. There is no shortage of activities at Great Escape in Des Moines!
Arcades in Ankeny, IA
Address: 1631 SW Main St #105, Ankeny, IA 50023
102 Google Reviews with an average of 4.4 ⭐
Located in Northern Des Moines, The Operating Room is one of the best arcades in Des Moines. Guests can enjoy playing a wide selection of arcade games, both classic and modern. The Operating Room also serves freshly brewed craft beer as well as food made from scratch.
The Operating Room gives Des Moines residents an experience unlike any other. Guests of all ages can enjoy playing the wide selection of arcade games, while the older folks can relax at the bar. The Operating Room in Ankeny is the perfect place for a day out with friends.
If you’re looking for a refreshing entertainment experience here in Des Moines, be sure to check out The Operating Room!
