Boston Area's Best Old School Arcades

It's not impossible to find old school arcades in this age of high technology. Not yet at least. Game room adjuncts can still be found in most full family amusement bowl-a-dromes and exceptional dance clubs in town. For a beachfront arcade old school style experience all year long it may take a bit of travel but, it will be worth the trip.

Game Underground
1245 Worcester St. Suite 1054
Natick MA, 01701
(508) 283-1503
www.game-underground.com

When thinking of an old school arcade giant Atari, where Donkey Kong and Pac Man machines come to mind, Game Underground is loaded with them. The tweak: most are more up to date popular game systems imported from Japan. Arcade machines from way back when are accessible in Natick, as well as hundreds more to chose from and load onto gaming wide screen televisions. Tournaments such as Magic the Gathering, Streetfighter and Mortal Kombat are ongoing each week Monday to Friday. The old fashioned Atari arcade games, Playstation, Xbox or Nintendo game list is solid and sure to keep growing.

Arcade, pinball and air hockey are just a few of the over 50 game stations available in Jillian's Arcade Room located in the rear of the venue. Sit inside the old school car racers, challenge your friends to a side by side Skeeball competition and watch the prize tickets pile up. Jillian's as just added new game consoles to facility including Jurassic Park, Fish Frenzy and Alien Armageddon. Pool tables are on each side of the entrance but you may be happily surprised to see the ping pong table in the arcade area past the cocktail bar and live entertainment.

The Pinball Wizard Arcade
150 Bridge St. Unit P
Pelham, NH 03076
(603) 635-1677
www.pinballwizardarcade.com

The title says it all, for rows of pinball arcade machines, billiards, air hockey and ticketed games of all shapes and sizes hit the border of New Hampshire. One of the last long standing arcades in the area Pinball Wizard Arcade has the atmosphere an old school arcade scout is looking for. Take home prizes just as if you won them shore side, complete with pizza and soda. The Pinball Wizard Arcade is also available for private Birthday parties and functions to take a trip back in time to the simple one on one tests of dexterity and skill, tilt and pull of the pinball machine.

Related: Boston's Bars With The Best Arcade Games

Lanes and Games Arcade
195 Concord Turnpike, Route 2E
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 876-5533
lanesgames.com

Remember the old air hockey game with plastic hockey figures and a hockey puck? The maddening game of skill and good-natured fun that brought the neighbors and family together in the playroom is available at Lanes and Games Arcade. Part of the novelties included in a night out of bowling and league competitions. Pinball machines as well as Atari console arcade games line the wall, making up a complete package for gaming off screen fun. Pinball tournaments are held each Friday evening with a winner-take-all jackpot.

Fun and Games Arcade 
50 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 879-5707
www.gamesandgolf.com

You'll know you've arrived the minute you hear the bells, honks and beeping sounds of Fun and Games Arcade . With Skeeball or basketball shooters reminiscent of carnivals, even Miss Pacman and Centipede, the arcade is loaded for hours of old school fun. Stocked with prized and old fashioned penny candy counters, popcorn and slushes, the Fun and Games Arcade of Framingham has what it takes to scratch that itch. The old table games, and race car consoles are in abundance and much more! Bump up into the era of Laser Tag or enjoy an indoor game of golf on the green during a visit. There are plenty of party rooms for private functions or that special occasion.

Related: Boston's Best Bars With Arcade Games