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?
If you're on the hunt for something fun to do with friends or colleagues, take a look at our list of the best arcades the Netherlands has to offer.
Tonton is probably the most well-known arcade chain in the Netherlands; all the arcades have a hipster vibe, and serve fun cocktails and delicious food. Currently, there are two Tonton 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.
The first Gamestate opened in Kerkrade in 2013, practically predating the current renaissance arcades are experiencing. Now, almost 10 years later, they have arcades in a handful of Dutch cities, including The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, as well as in some Belgian, Polish and German cities.
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!
Video: YouTube / Gamestate
Aloha might not have any arcade games, but it does have some very arcade-like activities: plan a trip to Aloha for a fun afternoon of bowling, laser gaming, karaoke, 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 is a one-of-a-kind arcade club in Amsterdam, where instead of having to buy tokens to play all the games, you pay a one-off entrance fee (15 euros for adults and 10 euros for children aged four to 12) 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 of funky-sounding cocktails - everything from Space Ginvader to The Donald - and nibbles for you to order and enjoy with friends.
Video: YouTube / Blast Galaxy
A relatively new addition to the world of arcades, virtual reality adds a whole new dimension to games. The VRGH ARENA offers a number of different experiences - everything from zombies to racing - as well as a couple of other fun entertainment options, such as XXL Jenga and some retro arcade games. You can book a time slot for you and your friends (prices start at 40 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, VR World in Breda, and VR Room in Amersfoort.
Video: YouTube / VR Gamehouse Amsterdam
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!
Video: YouTube / Dutch Pinball 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.
Video: YouTube / Nationaal Videogame Museum
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.
Video: YouTube / We-Jump Helmond
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!