Our Galloping Ghost Arcade Playday

Fun for the Whole Family...and Friends We Brought Along!

If you’re like me — the kind of mom who loves squeezing fun into every weekend — then you have to put Galloping Ghost Arcade on your family adventure radar. Just a train/Uber ride away from Chicago (or a short car trip if you’re driving), this place is seriously cool in the way that makes both kids and adults smile ear to ear.

Think neon lights. Think blips and bleeps. Think that full-on 80s/90s arcade nostalgia you forgot you missed. This isn’t just a quick stop — it’s a full-on play day that’s perfect for kids, teens, parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, and anyone who’s ever shoved a quarter into a machine waiting to hear that satisfying ding.

So let’s dive in, shall we?

A massive video game arcade experience with hundreds upon hundreds of games

At its core, Galloping Ghost is a unique video game arcade experience that lets you play all day long for one flat price. It’s one of the largest arcades in the world! Originally opening in 2010 with just over a hundred games, it has since grown to approaching nearly a thousand arcade machines ranging from classics you remember to rare retro titles your kids have never seen before. And the best part? Every game is set to free play once you’re inside — so no nickels, no dimes, no quarters … just full-on play time.

The Games: Something for Everyone

Walking into Galloping Ghost Arcade is a bit like stepping into a treasure chest of gaming history. You’ll find:

• Retro classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and more — perfect for kids curious about the games their parents grew up with.

• Old-school favorites from the 80s and 90s — think Double Dragon, Altered Beast, and Mortal Kombat.

• Rare gems that even seasoned gamers don’t see often, which makes every visit feel like a discovery.

• Tons of pinball machines inside a separate building.

• A variety of fighting games, shooters, puzzle games, and quirky oddities you won’t find in big box entertainment centers.
  

The beauty is that every kid finds their game — and every parent finds their game too. (Yes, even if it’s just Pac-Man. 😉) For the Kids: Nonstop Playtime

If you’ve ever dragged your kids to a theme park and seen those eyes start to glaze over after hour three, this is a different kind of play. The arcade floor is laid out in such a way that kids can bounce from cabinet to cabinet, discovering something new at every turn.

And because everything’s free once you pay the entry price, there’s no quarter anxiety — you just play. For the Whole Family: A Day That Works

One of the best parts of visiting Galloping Ghost is that it doesn’t have to be rushed. Most

families spend a couple of hours, but you could easily make a whole afternoon or evening out of it.

Location & Cost Address for Galloping Ghost Arcade: 9415 Ogden Ave in Brookfield, Illinois — just outside Chicago.

There’s a flat entry fee at the door that gives you unlimited play — no tokens, no quarters, no surprise charges.

Things to Know

• Games are kept in working order, and staff are usually happy to help if a machine seems funky.

• The arcade can get busy on weekends, so arriving earlier in the afternoon can help you claim your favorite games first.

• Dress in comfy clothes and shoes you don't mind walking or standing in for a few hours.

• There are some drinks and snacks on-premise.

• It's just a quick walk between the larger building with all the video games and the separate building packed with only pinball machines.

Why It’s Not Just About the Games

What makes a visit to Galloping Ghost Arcade more than just a day activity — and worthy of being called an adventure — is how it brings generations together. And I love that we all get to laugh and play together without anyone checking their phone for, like, twenty minutes.

Plus, there’s something inherently joyful about being in a place where play is the default setting. We all forget about routines for a minute — and that’s what a good family adventure should do.

Final Thoughts

Family adventures don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes they just need: • A place where everyone — from little kids to big kids — can jump in. • An activity that sparks nostalgia and wonder at the same time. • A chance to laugh, play, and win together

Galloping Ghost Arcade delivers all of that and more. So next time your weekend feels like it needs a little spark — and you're in the area — grab the kids, hit the road, and make an arcade day your new family tradition.