Remember those arcade games you loved as a preteen? They’re back and in a big way, thanks to the retro arcades in NJ all over the state. These cool sites give off 80s and 90s vibes and are spots where you can introduce your kids to the likes of Donkey Kong, Frogger, and Pac-Man while schooling them on the finer points of being a pinball wizard. And unlike back in the day, most places are set to free play (you pay by the hour), which means you can leave those bags of quarters at home. Scroll down for the best retro arcades in NJ to get your family’s A-game on. (featured photo credit: Yestercades Westfield)

Retro Arcades: Fun For All

Retro Arcades in Northern NJ

Billy’s Midway Arcade 
Experience arcade games from 1954 to 2004, with over 100 game cabinets available at one of the coolest retro arcades in NJ. No coins are needed—pay one price for a wristband for hours of playtime.
312 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506

Game Vault Morristown
Over 100 arcade games and pinball machines are in this game room, housed in a former bank building. Rent it out for a kids’ party or even a retro adult night.
22 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

Marcade Family Fun Center
See if you can hit your high scores when you sign up to play for 30 minutes, one hour, or all day long at this spot, which recently relocated to the Rockaway Townsquare Mall. 
Rockaway Townsquare Mall, 301 Mt Hope Ave, Rockaway, NJ 07866

Rack ‘N Roll
Get into nostalgic fun by playing over 100 games, including the classic Skee Ball and modern video games. Your kiddos can also enjoy the bounce house, carnival-style games, and billiards area.
212 Washington Place, Passaic, NJ 07055

Retro Arcades in Central NJ

The Break
The Break, founded in 1973, is considered one of the longest-operating arcades in the United States. Besides the video games, kids can test their skills on classic billiards and pinball at one of the most nostalgic retro arcades in NJ.
340-346 North Ave., Dunellen, NJ 08812

Go Play! Retro Arcade
Step back into the ’80s and go wild on classic arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and gaming consoles. The entry fee includes all games.
1102 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719

Lucky Leo’s
In 1953, Leo “Pete” Whalen opened a single stand with a hand-spun wheel, and today Lucky Leo still stands. Find newer games, old favorites, and popular carnival games for prizes. 
315 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751

Silverball Museum Arcade
With 600 games in rotation, there’s bound to be a game for your whole family to scout out. After playing, check out the exhibits on gaming history and grab a bite at the on-site cafe.
Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712

YESTERcades Red Bank, Somerville, Westfield, and Metuchen
With 4 locations of retro arcades in NJ, you won’t have to go far to play your favorites like Ms. Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros, and Guitar Hero.
Red Bank- 80 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Somerville- 29 Division Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Westfield- 151 E. Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090
Metuchen – 442 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840

Retro Arcades in Southern NJ

Game On! Arcade
Get ready to compete with each other over video, pinball, or virtual reality—all ages and skill levels will have a blast playing vintage and futuristic games. This arcade aims to make gaming social rather than isolated, emphasizing group play, like side-by-side consoles and air hockey.
32 North Main Street, Medford, NJ 08055

Jilly’s Arcade 
Inside this turn-of-the-century historical landmark, there’s an original carousel dome filled with 100 retro and modern arcade games, including pinball machines, crane games, pool tables, and fun for the kids. Play classics like Pac-Man, Asteroids, and the famous Skeeball—this game still only costs 10¢ to play, just like it did when it opened in 1976.
1168 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226

Lucky Snake Arcade
Play the world’s largest crane game, the biggest PAC-Man game around, and classic games from the ’80s to today. This retro arcade in NJ houses over 85,000 square feet of fun.
801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Starcade
Play hundreds of classic games from the 80s and 90s in this huge warehouse space filled with fun. Switch between classic character favorites like Donkey Kong and mini-golf-themed Power Putt.
4403 E. Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.