Family Arcade LA/ Family Amusement Corporation
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Family Arcade LA offers a rare, true arcade experience with a healthy mix of both retro and newer games, all available for unlimited free play with a single flat $25 cash-only fee for all ages. It's lauded for providing a fun, clean environment suitable for extended visits.
Key Highlights
- ✓Unlimited free play for all games included in the $25 entry fee.
- ✓Healthy selection of both retro (e.g., Mortal Kombat) and newer games (e.g., DDR/ITG).
- ✓Very clean premises, including free bathrooms.
- ✓All games generally reported as working smoothly, with specific praise for the DDR/ITG machine.
- ✓Free jukebox allows patrons to pick songs.
- ✓Open super late, reportedly until 1 AM, making it great for evening entertainment.
- ✓Friendly staff working the door.
Standout Features
- ⭐Free parking available behind the building.
- ⭐Free, unlimited play on all arcade games for the duration of the visit.
- ⭐Free, clean bathrooms on site.
- ⭐Very late operating hours (until 1 AM).
- ⭐On-site ATM for cash withdrawals (note: fees likely apply).
- ⭐Nostalgic 'true arcade' atmosphere.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Bring enough cash for the $25 per person entry fee as cards are not accepted; an ATM is available on site if you forget.
- →Plan for an extended visit ('day trip') to maximize the value of the $25 all-day play fee.
- →Be aware that some machines might have minor maintenance quirks like loose joysticks or input lag.
- →Parking in the general area can be challenging, so utilize the free parking behind the building.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Cash-only establishment; credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or other contactless payments are not accepted (though an ATM is on site).
- ⚠Maintenance issues reported for some machines, including loose joysticks and noticeable input lag.
- ⚠Specific mention of a stiff Mortal Kombat P#1 stick.
- ⚠Dance floor near the DDR/ITG machine can be dusty.
- ⚠Due to the free-play model, some games (e.g., pinball) might be found partially played by previous users.
- ⚠No discounts available for seniors or students.
Price & Value
$25 per person for unlimited, all-day play on all games. This is a single, fixed pricing option for 'all ages'. Reviewers generally find this 'super reasonable' for the value of unlimited play, but emphasize making it a 'day trip' to get full worth. No discounts are offered for seniors or students. Payment is strictly cash-only.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., wheelchair access, sensory-friendly hours) were mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information regarding outside food, drinks, or on-site concessions was mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Free parking is available directly behind the building.
- •General street parking in the surrounding area can be difficult to find ('a mission to find').
👥Crowd Levels
- •One review indicated a 'super fun' Monday night, suggesting it might be less crowded on weekdays.
- •No specific information provided on weekend or peak-hour crowd levels.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The venue is described as 'very clean', contributing to a safe and pleasant environment.
- •No specific security or safety monitoring features (e.g., staff supervision of play areas, first aid) were mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you only plan to play for a short period (e.g., less than 2-3 hours), as the $25 all-day fee might not be cost-effective.
- • If you rely solely on card payments or digital wallets.
- • If your children are sensitive to minor wear-and-tear or maintenance issues on game machines.
- • If you expect discounts for specific age groups (seniors, students).
Pricing/Package/Events
What People Say
What's Great
- Clean and well-maintained facilities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Ballboy
6 months agoThis was such an amazing way to spend a Monday night in Los Angeles. We weren’t really sure what to do and this arcade provided us with a super fun night. The price per person of $25 is super reasonable, the place is very clean, and the vibes were great. All the games were working smoothly, and you could even pick a song for free on the jukebox 🎶 so glad we went here and totally recommend to anyone who enjoys games, from kids to adults. Can’t say enough positive about this place! So great
The Collector6741 Nasty Nate
in the last weekIt was pretty nice. The DDR/ITG machine was really good, but they need to keep the dance floor clean from dust, but other than that it's was great. A (9.5 out of 10) The Mortal Kombat P#1 stick was a bit stiff but ok. But overall a good experience. Now parking is a mission to find in the area.😁
P Wong
a year agoOne of the few true arcades still around these days. $25, cash-only, for a full day of play. They have a pretty healthy set of both retro games and newer games. Their main problem is maintenance - the joysticks are very loose, and multiple machines have noticeable input lag.
Random User
2 months agoThere are no discounts for seniors or students, unlike public transportation, which does provide discounts! If I were the owner, I would definitely offer discounts! Another thing to say is to start accepting credit/debit cards and contactless payments like Apple Pay now!
Kenji Everitt
3 years agoFree parking behind the building, the place was clean, has free bathrooms, and is open super late (1am I think). Downside (or upside) is there’s only one pricing option, and that’s $25 all ages for all day arcade gaming. So you have to make it a day trip to make it worth it. Game selection is pretty good, but because it’s all free play it gets a little annoying walking up to a pinball machine and seeing people leave a game 1/2 played. The guy working the door was super nice, wish they took cards but it’s cash only with an ATM on site.