12 Best Arcades in Winnipeg That Are Perfect for All Generations of Gamers
If there’s one thing my friends and I can all agree on, it’s that Winnipeg has an amazing arcade scene! Whenever boredom hits, we head straight to one of the city’s fun-filled arcades, offering everything from classic retro games to the latest VR experiences.
Yep, Winnipeg’s arcades never disappoint. They’re ideal for those looking for a kid-friendly spot for a family day out, a nostalgic place to relive your gaming glory days, or just a fun place to hang with friends.
So, to help fellow local gamers, tourists, and families, we’ve rounded up the best arcades in the city. Ready, player one? Press start to begin!
Reality Drop
– Media credit: realitydropwinnipeg
Website: https://realitydrop.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realitydropwinnipeg/
Address: 1600 Regent Ave W, Unit E,
Hours: Tue – Thurs: 3 PM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 1 PM – 90 PM
Contact: (204) 691-6000
As Winnipeg’s first Virtual Reality Escape Room, Reality Drop is perfect for anyone who loves to play games and solve puzzles. Here, you and your friends or family can team up to crack intricate riddles and find hidden clues in immersive VR environments.
With over 50 different titles to choose from, you’ll never run out of adventures to dive into. For fans of VR escape rooms, games like Alice, Chernobyl, and House of Fear are crowd favorites.
If you’re more into arcade-style action, you’ll love popular titles like Plush Rush, Archer, Elven Assassin, and the zombie-filled Arizona Sunshine. You can also book multiple stations and team up to tackle challenges.
Pro Tip: Planning a birthday party, group gathering, or corporate event? Reality Drop offers event packages, which come with party supplies like tablecloths, plates, cups, and decorations, plus the best part—set-up and clean-up are all handled by the staff! |
Activate
– Media credit: activategames
Website: https://playactivate.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activategames/
Address: 3338 Portage Ave
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 9:30 AM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 9:30 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (204) 831-8253
Activate is the world’s first active gaming facility. You and your friends will jump, climb, problem-solve, and laugh your way through various challenges in high-tech rooms that react in real-time to your every move.
Before the fun begins, you’ll get your very own electronic wristband—a cool upgrade from the typical player card. This wristband tracks all your gaming activities, records your achievements, and even helps you climb the leaderboards.
One of the best parts about this arcade is the variety of games—you can choose which one to play in each room, which acts as its own micro-arena. You can then choose your favorite challenge and adjust the difficulty level anywhere from 1 to 10.
Pro Tip: Activate offers group bookings with the option to customize your event and enjoy an energetic day of gaming. You can contact their customer team at [email protected] to start planning your next big event! |
Phantom Amusement
– Media credit: phantom_amusement
Website: https://www.facebook.com/phantomamusement/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phantom_amusement/
Address: 1 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Monday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Tue – Wed: 12 PM – 9 PM
Thursday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat: 10 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (431) 275-8008
Phantom Amusement is known for having the largest collection of pinball machines in the province—a paradise for both retro and modern arcade lovers. From classic pinball to the latest redemption games, they seem to have it all.
For instance, you can battle zombies in House of the Dead, rock out on Guitar Hero, or step into action-packed worlds like Venom or John Wick. The best part is that the games are super affordable, so you can play without breaking the bank.
What makes the place extra special is the personal touch from the owner, who is very helpful and willing to teach you how to play if you’re new to a particular machine. Plus, they’re always keeping things fresh by rotating their pinball machines.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for their seasonal events and contests. Phantom Amusement hosts fun events like the Fall Flipper Palooza Weekend and Pinball League Nights, where you can win cool prizes like Bluetooth speakers or PlayStation 5 controllers. |
Uptown Alley
– Media credit: uptownalley204
Website: https://uptownalley.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uptownalley204
Address: 1301 St Matthews Ave
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 12 PM – 11 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 12:30 AM
Saturday: 11 AM – 12:30 AM
Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (204) 488-0000
Uptown Alley is one of the city’s top entertainment centers. It has taken things up a notch by combining 32 bowling lanes, a massive arcade, and a space-themed laser tag arena all under one roof.
The arcade is packed with over 50 player positions and some of the latest and greatest games out there. Popular titles like Halo Fireteam Raven, Cruis’n Blast, Jurassic Park, and King Kong of Skull Island VR guarantee an action-packed experience.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to the Uptown Alley Bistro for a break. With 12 beers on tap, nearly 20 high-def TV screens, and locally inspired meals and snacks, it’s the perfect spot to refuel before another round of gaming.
Pro Tip: Make sure to visit Uptown Alley on Tuesdays for their awesome half-price deal. Not only are bowling and laser tag discounted, but the arcade games take half the credits to play, meaning you can enjoy more games for less. |
Hide n Seek
– Media credit: bambamrubblezoo
Website: https://www.hidenseekwinnipeg.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidenseek_winnipeg
Address: 305 Fort Whyte Way #100, Oak Bluff
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 10 AM – 7 PM
Fri – Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (204) 880-7739
Hide N Seek is hands-down one of Winnipeg’s favorite spots for family fun. It’s known for its incredible indoor playground, which is full of exciting areas to climb, crawl, and explore.
For the little gamers, the area features a cozy mini arcade—for a small extra fee, kids can step into the arcade to play games, collect tickets, and trade them in for toys. It may be small, but it packs plenty of excitement and is a great add-on to the main play area.
When you need to recharge, there’s a mini canteen offering a great selection of snacks, food, and drinks. And with their CCTV cameras hooked to TVs, parents can easily keep an eye on their little ones from anywhere, even from the dining area.
Pro Tip: Hide N Seek doesn’t take reservations for regular play—it’s strictly walk-in only. So, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, especially on weekends when it can get busy. |
LaserTopia
– Media credit: lasertopia
Website: https://www.lasertopia.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasertopia
Address: 1140 Waverley St, Unit #5
Hours: Tue – Thurs: 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Friday: 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Contact: (204) 474-5900
LaserTopia has a mission: to make sure every visitor has a memorable experience. The massive 10,000-square-foot facility is packed with excitement, and it’s the only spot in Winnipeg where you can experience the exhilarating Lazer Frenzy game.
Its highlight is its two-level, 4,500-square-foot laser tag arena, equipped with the impressive Delta Strike Evolution Pro gear.
But LaserTopia isn’t just about laser tag—it’s also got an awesome arcade full of exciting games, perfect for a quick break from your laser tag missions. Don’t miss their Wednesday Daily Deal, where you can score 50% off arcades and $1 slushies!
Pro Tip: Our favorite is their Friday Daily Deal where you can snag unlimited laser tag and arcade plays for only $30. Plus, a large 1-topping pizza would only cost $15! |
Magic 9D
– Media credit: magic9d
Website: https://www.magic9d.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magic9d/
Address: 555 Sterling Lyon Pkwy
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 9 PM
Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 306-8688
Magic 9D in Winnipeg is a virtual reality arcade that transports you into a world where you’re in total control. It’s perfect for gamers who want to dive deep into interactive play and experience cutting-edge technology in a casual setting.
We absolutely love their VR Rides—movie-like experiences take you on wild adventures, from crazy rollercoasters to floating in outer space. There’s also VR Racing, where you can put the pedal to the metal and race at high speeds.
If you’re into action-packed games, you’ve got to check out VR Gatling, an intense first-person shooting experience. You can choose from three adrenaline-pumping games: Embers of War, WWII, and War Elite.
Pro Tip: For those looking to celebrate, Magic 9D offers party packages, where each guest gets to enjoy VR Rides or VR Racing and VR gaming. Plus, everything’s provided—from plates and napkins to bottled water and invitations! |
U-Puttz
– Media credit: uputtz
Website: https://u-puttz.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uputtz/
Address: 423 McPhillips St
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
Friday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (204) 582-2166
U-Puttz has been a Winnipeg favorite for family fun since 2007. Known for Manitoba’s first-ever Glow-In-The-Dark Mini Golf, its neon setting makes its mini golf experience (and arcade!) even more magical.
We’re addicted to its X-D Xtreme Motion Cinema Arcade. This uses technology from Airbus, Boeing, and NASA, bringing short animated films to life with effects like rain, fog, snow, and wind, all while you relax in your seat.
For those looking to get active, its Rush Laser Tag Arena is a must-try. The post-apocalyptic-themed arena is packed with special effects, flashing lights, and the latest hit music to amp up the excitement.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to grab an Arcade Fun Card to try out U-Puttz’s collection of arcade games. This card is handy everywhere—you can use it while playing one-on-one challenges or hitting their licensed canteen area. |
Westwood Lanes & Games
– Media credit: westwoodlanes
Website: http://westwoodlanes.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westwoodlanes/
Address: 479 Westwood Dr
Hours: Monday: 1 PM – 8 PM
Tue – Thurs: 1 PM – 10 PM
Friday: 1 PM – 12 AM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (204) 421-9404
Westwood Lanes & Games is the go-to spot for fun in Winnipeg’s St. James, Charleswood, and Westwood neighborhoods. It has both 5-pin and 10-pin bowling available across 16 lanes, and of course, an arcade.
The game room gives you a chance to dive into some action and exchange your winnings for cool prizes. While the arcade may be a bit on the smaller side, it still packs in plenty of fun—from classic arcade favorites to newer games.
After working up an appetite, you can grab a bite at their fairly priced menu, which features everything from ice cream and slush puppies to piping hot pizza. For adults looking to unwind while gaming, they also offer a selection of liquor to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Listen up nacho fiends—if you visit on Tuesdays, you can enjoy a 50% discount on all bowling and arcade games, plus half-priced nachos to keep you energized! |
The Rec Room
– Media credit: therecroomca
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecRoomWinnipeg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therecroomca/
Address: 696 Sterling Lyon Pkwy, Lot 5
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 2 AM
Contact Details: (204) 410-0011
The Rec Room offers a bit of everything to keep you and your friends entertained for hours. Those who are into classic arcade games, competitive sports like ping pong and pool, or just want to have fun would be perfectly happy here.
Its collection of arcade games has everything—from shooters, fighting, and driving games to platformers and sports games. You’ll find classics like Pacman, House of the Dead, Pump It Up, and Monster Jackpot, plus tons of fun crane machines.
If you’re looking for more than just arcade games, they also offer extra activities like bowling, virtual reality experiences, and even axe throwing. These add-ons are great for breaking up your gaming time and trying something new.
Pro Tip: Some of the more popular activities, like VR and axe throwing, can come with long waits. Axe throwing typically has a 20-minute wait, while VR can sometimes stretch to 2 hours, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. |
Xscape Entertainment Centre
– Media credit: lahood
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/XSCAPE-Entertainment-Centre
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xscape-entertainment-centre/
Address: St. Vital Centre
Hours: Mon, Wed – Sat: 12 PM – 9 PM
Tue, Sun: 12 PM – 8 PM
Contact Details: (204) 256-3901
Xscape Entertainment Centre at St. Vital Centre is packed with the latest video and interactive games. You can play classic games like Pac-Man or modern hits like The Walking Dead zombie shooter.
One of its coolest features is the Play Card system; no need to juggle tokens or tickets—just load up your card and swipe! Every game you play tracks your credits and tickets automatically. Plus, who doesn’t love winning tickets to trade for something cool?
If you need a break from the arcade action, you can catch a movie at the in-house cinema or relax at the full-service licensed lounge.
Pro Tip: Bring your kids for birthday rounds of their favorite games and then wind down with a family movie—grab your Play Card, hit those games, and get ready to have a blast! |
Jack Pott’s Thrill Zone
– Media credit: kerriontheprairies
Website: http://www.jackpotts.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack-potts-thrill-zone/
Address: 1609 Regent Ave W
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
Friday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
Contact Details: (204) 654-4412
Jack Pott’s Thrill Zone is a small arcade packed with 80’s nostalgia, and the vibe will take you right back in time. The games are in great condition and the prices for tokens are super fair, so you can play to your heart’s content without breaking the bank.
We love collecting tickets and cashing them in for prizes—it’s got that retro feel, as you insert your coupons into a machine that tallies them up for you. The prizes are cute trinkets that will have you smiling, even if you’re just snagging a little something.
Most games pay out around 2-10 tickets unless you hit the jackpot, where the prizes really add up. And if you’re bringing the family or a group of friends, consider using a BOGO Show & Save coupon to keep costs down.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a birthday party, Thrill Zone provides the basics—napkins, plates, and cutlery—and the pizza comes from the neighboring Pizza Pizza. Each kid gets to choose between pop or juice, and you can easily book online or by phone. |