On your whirlwind trip through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you can always count on the local arcades for fun and excitement. The pinball machines, arcade cabinets, and carnival games are the star of the show, for sure, but the entertainment doesn’t end there. Go-karts, laser tag, and mini golf promise to keep you on your toes as well. Ready to have a great time? Here are some ideas on just where to go.
Image courtesy of Arcadia
Arcadia
At the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, you’ll find Arcadia, with 30,000 square feet filled with over 100 different games. At this popular arcade, you’ll get to play all the top games for points, including Connect 4, Mario Kart, and Tomb Raider. In between all your adventures, stop for delicious pizza to restore your energy and get ready for more fun. Then, once it’s time to go, bring your card up to the front counter to exchange your points for awesome prizes.
Arcade City
Located in The Island at Pigeon Forge, Arcade City immerses you in the world of video games. They have all the classics, including the World’s Largest PAC-Man, plus tons of modern hits, like Arcade Crossy Road. Beyond that, their carnival games put your skills to the test, while their Wizard of Oz push game kick-starts your imagination. With each play, you’ll earn points that you can spend at the front counter. For even more prizes, check out their wall-to-wall crane machines filled with stuffed animals, headphones, and gaming consoles.
Big Top Arcade
As you travel down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Big Top Arcade will capture your attention with its circus aesthetic and go-kart track. The real magic awaits inside in the form of all the arcade cabinets, carnival games, and crane machines you could ever want to play. By simply purchasing a play card, you can enjoy any games of your choice and earn points that you can spend on prizes. If you’d like to take the go-karts for a spin, however, it’s an extra charge.
Rockin’ Raceway
Set on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge near the gem mine is Rockin’ Raceway with its retro arcade and high-speed go-kart track. Across their neon-lit arcade, they have more than 150 video games, carnival cabinets, and claw machines. Their convenient card lets you pay for each play, and then store the points for use at the prize counter. Want to hit the go-kart track? It’s an extra charge, but they give you enough laps to make it well worthwhile.
Lazerport
Another Pigeon Forge Parkway treasure, Lazerport lets you enjoy all your favorite arcade games plus downhill go-karts, blacklight mini-golf, and laser tag. Their arcade alone is 10,000 square feet and features all the most popular video game cabinets, carnival games, and more. In between all the excitement, land at the Sweet Sensations ice cream parlor for a sweet treat to remember. After that, get back out there to earn more points on your card, and then trade them in for sweet prizes.
Fannie Farkle’s
In Gatlinburg, Fannie Farkle’s offers another great arcade stop, as well as some fantastic food inside and at the counter. Filled to the brim with the latest and greatest arcade games, this venue lets you land on the leaderboard while earning points toward prizes. You’ll want to bring your appetite along for the ride to sample the greatest corn dog in the world and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Now that you know where to go to enjoy the best arcades in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you can hit the road with confidence that you’re on track to having a blast. If you happen to see any other spots on your trip, don’t hesitate to stop by and give them a try as well. You just never know what treasures await on your travels through this amazing region.
For more great attractions in the Smoky Mountains, check out our stories on Gatlinburg attractions and Pigeon Forge attractions.
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