Hi neighbor!
My kids are obsessed with playing video games. When they’re not playing a game or watching others play on YouTube, they’re talking about playing video games and asking if they can have some screen time. They even make up games at home that mimic their video games!
It’s no surprise that arcades are some of their favorite family outings. Here are some of our go-to spots, and a few that are on our list to try.
In the Diablo Valley
Mountain Mike's Pizza | Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill
A handful of arcade games right in the dining room is an easy way to buy yourself 20 quiet minutes while the pizza's in the oven.
Round1 | Concord
Bowling, karaoke, claw machines, and a massive arcade floor all in one place. Basically in Pleasant Hill, though it’s technically across the street in Concord.
Dave & Buster's | Concord
Wall to wall games, a full restaurant, and a sports bar make D&B a great option for the whole family. About 10 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
Chuck E. Cheese | Concord
A top pick for preschool and early elementary aged kids. They have arcade games as well as trampolines and an obstacle course. About 10 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
The Flipper Room | Concord
More than 30 pinball machines — and an art gallery. Bring cash and/or quarters to play; games range from $0.25–$1 per credit. About 15 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
Cali Claw USA | Concord
Wall to wall claw machines. They’ll let you swap your winnings for a different prize or trade up, and rumor has it they will help make sure you win something if you ask. Pricing starts at $25 for 28 tokens, which would get you 15–30 minutes of continuous game play. About 15 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
Round Table Pizza | Treat Boulevard, Concord
A great option for a meal and an activity. About 15 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
MarTEEnez Mini Golf & Arcade | Martinez
Indoor mini golf plus a great lineup of pinball and classic arcade games. They use time-based arcade pricing (30 minutes for $5, 1 hour for $10, and all day for $15) so you don’t have to guess how many tokens to buy. About 20 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
Phoenix Games | Concord
A video game store where you can buy and sell games, plus a room with pinball and classic arcade games. About 20 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
A little further
Delta Bowl | Antioch
Bowling, laser tag, and arcade all in one spot. About 20 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
Activate Dublin | Dublin
An “active gaming facility” that’s like being character in the video game. For example, you climb walls, solve puzzles, and dodge lasers. Pricing starts at $30 for an hour of unlimited game play. About 30 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
High Scores Arcade | Alameda
Unlimited classic and modern video games for $10 per hour or $22 per day. About 30 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
Pacific Pinball Museum | Alameda
Every machine — including some real vintage ones — is unlimited play with admission. It’s $55 for a family of 4. About 30 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
Scandia Family Fun Center | Fairfield
Mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and a big arcade. You can get 3 hours of unlimited arcade games and attractions for $47 per person or choose from other pricing options that make more sense for your family. About 30 minutes from Pleasant Hill.
Have a favorite I missed? Reply and let me know — I'll keep adding to the list.
See you around town,
Jen
