Who doesn’t love a day at an arcade? Retro games, fun with friends, memories of youth. Throw in a couple of beers and a plate of bitterballen, and doesn't that just sound perfect?
The eight best arcades in the Netherlands
If you're on the hunt for something fun to do with friends or with colleagues, take a look at our list of the best arcades in the Netherlands.
Tonton
Tonton is probably the most well-known arcade chain in the Netherlands. Tonton arcades have a hipster vibe, and they also serve fun cocktails and delicious food. They have three venues in Amsterdam.
To use the games, you have to buy tokens at the bar. Or, if you’re in a more relaxed mood and just want to sit down and enjoy your drink, Tonton also has a number of board games available that you can use free of charge.
Gamestate
The first Gamestate opened in Kerkrade in 2013, practically predating the current renaissance arcades are experiencing. Now, seven years later, they have arcades in a handful of Dutch cities, including The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam.
They offer something for everyone, with retro Mario Kart games and dance machines, as well as more modern additions, such as VR games. Plus they have a wide range of great prizes on offer, so go wild and see what you can win!
Aloha
Aloha might not have any of the arcade games, but it does have some very arcade-like activities. Plan a trip to Aloha for a fun afternoon of bowling, laser gaming, or glow-in-the-dark mini-golf! They also have a bar and restaurant, perfect for hosting a children's birthday party, or even your very own Burger or Aloha party. You're never too old to bowl!
The venue underwent renovations during the coronavirus lockdown, and has now adopted a new Hawaiian theme - but perhaps you might know Aloha better by its old name - Powerzone.
Blast Galaxy
Blast Galaxy is a one-of-a-kind arcade club in Amsterdam, where instead of having to buy tokens to play the all the games, you pay a one-off entrance fee (12,50 for adults and 7,50 for kids) and then can play anything and everything you want, as many times as you please!
They have over 100 different kinds of games and machines on offer, as well as a number funky-sounding cocktails - everything from Space Ginvader to The Donald - and nibbles for you to order and enjoy with friends.
VR GameHouse Arcade Amsterdam
A relatively new addition to the world of arcades, virtual reality adds a whole new dimension to games. The VR GameHouse offers a number of different experiences - everything from zombies and diving, to music and flying. You can book a time slot for you and your friends (prices start at 20 euros per person) to have a go at some of the many games, or try your hand at an escape room.
VR GameHouse in Amsterdam gets some really great reviews, but there are a number of other virtual reality arcades across the Netherlands, including VR4 in Rotterdam, NexxtVR in Eindhoven, VR World in Breda, and VR Room, which has locations in cities all over the country.
The Dutch Pinball Museum
The Dutch Pinball Museum specialises in - as the name would suggest - everything and anything pinball. The museum has a collection of over 100 pinball machines, some of which date back to before the Second World War.
Many of the machines are still functional and available for your playing pleasure, and the museum also offers a lot of interesting information on the history of the classic pinball machine, so a trip here is both fun and educational - the best of both worlds.
Nationaal Video Game Museum
This is the place to be for anyone who loves all things video games. Similarly to the Pinball Museum, the Nationaal Videogame Museum offers both the opportunity to learn more about the history and development of the modern-day video game, as well as the chance to have a go. What a great excuse to spend an afternoon playing video games!
The museum is located in Zoetermeer, near The Hague, and it's also possible to book it for children's (and adult) birthday parties.
We-Jump
Okay, yes. Technically We-Jump isn’t an arcade. But it certainly is a fun day out!
We-Jump in Helmond (near Eindhoven) is a trampoline park for all ages, where you can let loose and go wild, living out all your un-lived gymnastic dreams. They also offer training sessions for those keen jumpers who want to learn all the more advanced tricks, or if you’re looking to celebrate something, you can book one of their party packages.
The winner takes it all
Do any of these arcades tempt you to let your inner child go wild? Many of the arcades in the Netherlands are versatile and offer an equally great day out with the family or a night out with friends. What are you waiting for? Plan your visit now!
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