Date night or family fun: Unlimited arcade games for only $12 in Fort Worth
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I don’t care what age you are, arcades are fun for everyone.
Especially an arcade with a full bar, food and $12 admission for unlimited games.
My partner and I wanted something nonchalant for a weekday date night. And it had to be under $20, of course. Well, Free Play Arcade checked all the boxes.
Before I went, I of course did my internet sleuthing to see if this place was really worth it. Free Play Arcade labels itself as “The best thing to do in DFW,” so I needed to either prove it wrong or agree with the statement.
I’m not sure if it’s the best thing, however, it could be in my top 5. We really had no complaints.
To start, the area is ideal. Located on 1311 Lipscomb St. off Magnolia Avenue, there is no shortage of restaurants or shopping to hit before some gaming. The arcade is also neighbors with one of my all time favorite Italian eateries here, Cane Rosso.
Parking for a Monday night was easy. Free Play has a free lot located directly behind its building, as well as street parking along the neighborhood. I will say, I’ve seen this area on a weekend, and parking can be abysmal.
However, we just waltzed in.
At the front we paid a $12 admission (per person) for unlimited games. What I realized once we arrived is that they have everyday specials. Wednesday’s special is $20 for admission, one entree and any Coke product. Now that’s a deal.
Sunday: $3 mimosa, $7 free play ‘88 (gin, lemon, and bubbles), $8 fruit and cheese.
Monday: $4 Bud tallboy, $4 featured 40 oz, $8 any pizza.
Tuesday: $3 Dos XX, $5 tequila shots, $6 street tacos (4).
Wednesday: $20 eat (one entree), drink (any Coke product), play.
Thursday: 40% off all craft drafts.
Their cocktails range from $8-$12, and food ranges from $7-$13. They also have a wide selection of beer and some wine to chose from for $5-$7.
For parents who think they are too old for some Skee-Ball, there are bar seats and booths to sit and enjoy some refreshments. For those who want to have some fun, the arcade room is packed with every game you can imagine.
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→Try unlimited arcade games for only $12 in Fort Worth
You have the run of the mill pinball machines, table hockey, basketball, Pac-Man, Mario Bros. and Just Dance, to name a few. We spent a solid hour bouncing around. I had to peel my boyfriend away from the vintage Nintendo gaming station they had set up.
My favorite games were the Skee-Ball and basketball, or really anything I can beat my opponent in. What I wasn’t so good at: any driving game.
Because we didn’t indulge in any food or drinks (we went with full stomachs), my tab ended up being only $12.
I also got word that a similar concept called Cidercade located on 1813 W Bowie St. Suite 101 also had $12 admission. Cidercade also has some online deals where you can buy admission and a cider for $18 or a personal pizza and fountain drink for $12.
Free Play is open daily. Monday through Thursday they are open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Friday, 3 p.m. to 2 am. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Next time, I will have to go back for Free Play’s Wednesday eat, drink and play, which also fits in our $20 budget.
What Fort Worth places are you curious about? Is there a restaurant that you have been dying to try? Or an experience for you and your family?
There is no limit, except for the $20 cap..
Fill out the form below or email me, Ella, at egonzales@star-telegram.com.