Not all arcades in Fort Worth are created equal. (Molly the Cat/Unsplash)
We’ve done the research for you to rank all the arcades in Fort Worth. Time to mash buttons, tap flippers, and skeeball your gaming heart out.
The sights and sounds of an arcade instantly transport us back to childhood. Hopping to your favorite game and working the controls with just the right mixture of adrenaline and greasy fingers was a magical way to spend your hours. You likely enjoyed a friend’s party or two among an array of games, and perhaps you even celebrated your special day there, too.
Fort Worth has a handful of arcades that can bring those nostalgic feelings back while helping you create new memories of your own. But not all arcades are created equal, so we’re ranking the options in Fort Worth.
Of course, even the lowest-ranked on our list can be a good time. We’re simply looking at a handful of different factors, such as the variety of games, prices, food and drink options, and other quirky elements that add to the experience.
A couple of other housekeeping notes: We’re only looking at arcades within 15 miles of downtown Fort Worth, and the arcades have to be a key part of the business. A restaurant or bar that has a Frogger machine and a Big Buck Hunter tucked in the back isn’t going to cut it. Now, let’s get to gaming!
9. Route 377 Go-Karts
As the name suggests, go-karts are the main attraction at Route 377. Your mileage will vary on the track, but hopefully, you won’t have any road rage once you get behind the wheel. As for the arcade, you can speed through everything in about 15 to 20 minutes, with basic games like air hockey, skeeball, and a claw grabber. The machines are sometimes out of gas, too, which might leave you spinning out in frustration (We promise to stop with the driving wordplay now).
5411 Denton Hwy Haltom City, TX 76148
8. Andretti Indoor Carting & Games
There are several Andretti locations, though the one in Fort Worth is a newer addition to the scene. Like with Route 377, go-karts are the main reason why you’d come here. However, Andretti offers a wider variety of arcade games to hop onto. Similar to a Dave and Buster’s, you pre-load money onto a game card, so you might end up with some funky leftover change or a need to reload (and thus, spend more money). Andretti also gets a few bonus points for housing a VR Hologate experience and two-story laser tag, which is a wonderful way to let out some post-gaming frustration.
2701 Andretti Karting Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76177
7. KidMania
KidMania is a suitable name since children will have a manic time here. There are plenty of arcade games, though they can get fairly pricey, and there are usually one or two that aren’t functioning. There’s also a sizable jungle gym/play area which can help drain some energy from any hyper kids. And when parents need a break, the upstairs quiet space overlooking the venue provides nice solace. For small groups of about 20 people or less, it’s a solid spot to host a birthday party or other celebration.
9101 Tehama Ridge Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177
6. Main Event
This should really be Main Events because Fort Worth gets both a north and south option. There’s a lot going on at any of these locations, whether laser tag, bowling, gravity ropes, or billiards. And of course, the arcade is full of bright lights and gamers yelling in excitement (or anger, depending on the game). The selection of games isn’t nearly as wide as some of the others on this list and it’s pricier than other venues, but there’s still a decent amount to entertain the family. If you arrive before 11 a.m., you can score a slight discount.
2601 Presidio Vista Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76177
4801 City Lake Blvd East, Fort Worth, TX 76132
5. Free Play Fort Worth
Free Play boasts an expansive collection of nearly 10,000 square feet and over 90 retro arcade games and pinball machines, with a $12.49 (plus tax) entry price to play them all. Once you’ve had your fill of games, you can head up to Slushy’s Secret Rooftop Tiki Bar or indulge in a surprisingly adept menu, with items like Crudités N’ Hummus, BBQ Toast, and the extremely fun to order “Cheeeeeeese!” Children under 13 require an adult, which is probably for the best. We have to dock the arcade a few points for only being open to the public four days a week—Mondays through Wednesdays are closed for private events.
1311 Lipscomb St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
4. Tornado Terry’s
Tornado Terry’s is only open from Friday to Sunday, which is even fewer days than Free Play. However, Tornado Terry’s gets a slight nod for being the lone location of the business and a family-owned spot since 1990. The company’s namesake, Terry Bell, passed away in 2023, though his memory still lives on with more than 70 arcade games and pinball machines, including some vintage rare finds. A cool $15 gets you endless free plays, including air hockey and billiards, though some machines (namely some skill games and skeeball) require buying additional tokens to earn tickets. Serious gamers can also browse some of the parts Tornado Terry’s has put up for sale, like Street Fighter and Pac-Man controls.
4530 Keller Hicks Road, Fort Worth, TX 76244
(Tornado Terrys): If you need a break from gaming, Tornado Terry’s billiards area is a great way to unwind. (Tornado Terry’s)
3. Cidercade Fort Worth
I spent this past New Year’s Eve at Cidercade. Aside from confetti raining down into the drink I had just purchased when the clock struck midnight—a sea of glitter and strips of paper is not the kind of liquid journey I want to navigate—it was a delightful time. Tickets start at $12 and both the pizzas and selection of ciders are fairly impressive. You can also grab a six-pack to take home with you, creating your own mini-Cidercade at home. For the most ambitious gamers, Cidercade offers $11 off during the final hour before closing time. That’s right, $1 for all the gaming you can fit into 60 minutes. The childhood versions of ourselves would spontaneously combust with all that stimulation!
1813 W Bowie St Suite 101, Fort Worth, TX 76110
2. Time Rift Arcade
The top two on our list are sister locations, and they both offer tremendous amounts of value. Time Rift is home to over 100 games, including many classics, more than a dozen driving games, and a few exclusives. You may even come across a retro computer like the Commodore 64 or Amiga. And while most visitors probably won’t read Time Rift’s blog, the staff does some fun walkthroughs of updating and fixing cabinets so they’re in tip-top shape. Admission is $12 for a day pass or $20 for an all-you-can-play month. We haven’t seen a monthly deal this good since the bygone days of the original MoviePass—hopefully, Time Rift sticks around for much longer. The arcade turns 21-and-up after 8 p.m., in case you need to let a few expletives fly while navigating Q*bert around those @!#?@! cubes.
2113 Harwood Rd Ste 351 Bedford, TX 76021
1. Electric Starship Arcade
Electric Starship is the sister bar of Time Rift, so you’ll see a lot of similarities between the two. It’s also 21+ after 8 p.m., and $12 at the door will get you unlimited play. That $20 monthly pass applies here, too—in fact, you can use it at both locations. Yet Electric Starship gets the nod as the best of the arcades in Fort Worth because of volume. You’ll find about 130 to 140 games on the floor at any given time, and with over 200 in Electric Starship’s collection, there’s always something fresh to find. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and depending on the night or time of year, you’ll also discover live music or DJs and impressive gaming animatronics. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time arcade gamer, there’s something for everyone at Electric Starship.
5620 Denton Hwy, Haltom City, TX 76148
(Electric Starship): A small taste of the more than 130 games on the floor at Electric Starship. (Electric Starship)
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
