11 Things Kids Could Do in Arcades That Are Gone Now
This list highlights 11 fun things kids used to do in arcades that are hard to find today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Kids used to spend hours in arcades doing things that were loud, exciting, and full of energy. Games had real buttons, flashing lights, and paper tickets. It was all about the experience, not just winning. This list looks back at 11 of those arcade moments that have mostly disappeared.
1. Air Hockey Showdowns
Tiia Monto on Wikimedia Commons
Kids used to lean into fast-paced air hockey matches, gliding the puck across the table as opponents shouted and cheered — pure competitive joy that’s rare in modern arcades.
2. Coin-Op Racing
Darth-Wiki-Man on Wikimedia Commons
There was nothing quite like inserting coins and hearing the engine roar to life as you gripped the steering wheel. You felt every turn, bump, and drift like you were on a real race track. Modern racing games on smartphones just can’t replicate the immersive physical setup and arcade ambiance.
3. Skee-Ball Rolls
Austin Kirk on Wikimedia Commons
Rolling a heavy wooden ball with just the right arc became an art form kids practiced obsessively. The satisfaction of hearing the bells ring as the ball landed in the high-score slot was unmatched. It wasn’t just about the points; it was the ritual of lining up, aiming, and celebrating each perfect throw.
4. Ticket Redemption Frenzy
Eugene Peretz from Northampton, MA, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Watching tickets cascade out and stack up in the tray was pure adrenaline for kids. They’d strategize how to spend those hundreds of tickets on small prizes or save up for something bigger. That whole process, from earning to redeeming, made arcades feel like mini theme parks of reward.
5. Claw Machine Conquests
Nlan86 on Wikimedia Commons
Kids would stare intently as they positioned the claw, hoping to grasp a plush prize just right. The slow descent and sudden snatch or miss made the moment thrilling. Winning even one toy felt like beating an unbeatable challenge.
6. Spin-to-Win Games
Patrice Levesque from Montreal, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
Spinning a giant wheel and holding your breath as the arrow landed felt like a mini-game show every time. Kids loved the suspense of not knowing if they’d win the big prize or a consolation token. It was low-tech excitement in a high-energy environment.
7. Light‑Gun Rampages
Bradley Neil on Wikimedia Commons
Armed with plastic guns, kids took aim at screen zombies, aliens, or enemy soldiers in full-motion cabinets. The tactile feedback from triggers, sound effects, and flashing lights made every shot feel impactful. These games were immersive sets of shared moments, rare in today’s solo mobile gameplay.
8. Dance Pad Battles
The original uploader was Poiuyt Man at English Wikipedia on Pexels
Kids jumped, tapped, and laughed through fast-paced songs on light-up dance pads that lit up in sync with the beat. Each competition became a social event, complete with cheering and playful taunts. The energy was contagious and impossible to recreate in sitting-down game apps.
9. Pixel Hero High Scores
Valerio Bozzolan on Wikimedia Commons
The glow of Pac‑Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong machines drew crowds of kids huddled around, strategizing for higher scores. They shared tips like “avoid ghosts in the bottom tunnel” or “shoot when the alien fleets form.” High-score boards were a badge of honor — symbols of skill and street cred.
10. Two‑Player Booths
Arnold Jaeger Werner on Wikimedia Commons
Side-by-side setups for games like Street Fighter or Metal Slug sparked friendly rivalries and spontaneous duels. Players could literally see their opponent’s moves and react in real time — a face-to-face competitive edge. Those moments of rivalry and camaraderie weaved lifelong memories.
11. Pinball Wizardry
Steve Jurvetson from Los Altos, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Mastering tilt mechanics, rerouting pinballs, and timing flippers became a beloved practice for kids who visited arcades. Watching the score climb higher with each combo rang deeper than any digital badge. Pinball was a beautiful chaos of steel, wood, light, and skill.