Pigeon Forge is known for Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains, but this Tennessee city also boasts some great arcades perfect for family gatherings or friendly hangs. The heart of Pigeon Forge has plenty of restaurants, shops, and places for entertainment, but for a retro experience where can you find the best arcades in Pigeon Forge?
We want to highlight three of our favorites: Rockin’ Raceway, Big Top Arcade, and Arcade City, some of the best arcades to visit in this Smoky Mountain town.
Rockin’ Raceway
While taking in the amazing sights of the Smokies, you may want some high-octane fun. Rockin’ Raceway has an arcade that features over 150 games and a racetrack (more on that later). The retro decor and lighting will be a nostalgic pleasure for the adults and a welcoming environment for kids.
This dog-friendly arcade is great for those travelers who don’t want to leave their dog at the hotel or airbnb, or gives a chance for locals to get their dog out of the house.
Games at Rockin’ Raceway
Rockin’ Raceway Arcade not only has decor that can make you nostalgic, it also has many of the classic arcade games you may have grown up with. Here are some of the types of games that you’ll find at Rockin’ Raceway:
- Classic Arcade Games: Classics like Pac-Man, Plinko, and Skee Ball, can all be found at Rockin’ Raceway, although many have evolved over the years into bigger, more vibrant screens for more immersive gameplay.
- Racing Games: Rockin’ Raceway, of course, offers ways to rock the racetrack. Games like ARV Slam and Super Bikes 3 give players an opportunity to hop on a vehicle and challenge friends before they get on the real track.
- Newer Games: Games that were popularized on smartphones like Fruit Ninja have been transformed for the arcade in Fruit Ninja FX, while other newer arcade games like Piano Keys have you playing songs for points as you challenge friends and family.
Powerup VR Arena
This immersive VR experience makes Rockin’ Raceway stand out as one of the best arcades in Pigeon Forge. It gives you and three other friends a chance to team up or go head-to-head in the arena that is able to read all of your physical movements and translate them into actual gameplay.
Go Karts at Rockin Raceway
It will be hard to take a trip to Rockin Raceway and not notice the go-kart track. This go-kart track has plenty of twists and turns and a perfect length to reach the fastest speed possible for a go-kart in the Smoky Mountain area.
This is another factor that makes Rockin’ Raceway one of the best arcades in Pigeon Forge, making it a great daytime experience for family vacations. Purchasing three rides will earn you a $10 play card for the arcade, and you can either drive solo or with a partner to team up against other drivers.
Watch the High-Octane Fun
Not everyone needs to race, in fact, the sidelines of the racetrack have comfortable seating so those who want to sit and enjoy the race can.
Big Top Arcade
Nothing brings up feelings of fun like being under the big top. Much like the circus, this arcade is all about winning prizes. From game consoles like PS5 and XBox, to other great items like bicycles and giant stuffed animals, this is one of the best arcades in Pigeon Forge.
Games at Big Top Arcade
Big Top Arcade looks like a big top tent on the outside and the inside. Once you walk in, you’ll notice the ceiling decorated with balloons and the tent design along the walls. What will immerse you more in the experience are some of their most popular types of games:
- Crane Games: The Big Top Arcade has crane games which give you an opportunity to operate a giant claw and test your accuracy to win stuffed animals, hundreds of tickets, or even electronics like bluetooth headphones.
- Other Circus-Inspired Games: Games like Sink It, Skee Ball, Coin Pushers, and Sports Games like NBA Hoops are circus-inspired games that are great for winning tickets.
- Special Arcade Games: Experience some of your favorite movies in games like Jurassic Park Arcade or have an exhilarating 3D arcade experience with games like Typhoon.
- VR Games: Throw on a virtual reality headset in games like VR Agent where you can play against another player and spectators can enjoy watching.
At the end of your visit, you can stop by the Redemption Center and the Snack Shack to turn in your tickets for memorable gifts and toys as well as sweets and treats. Some prizes include appliances like a crock pot or home griddle or fun toys and games like a portable pool table, a foam throwing axe set, or NERF Guns.
Arcade City
If you’re looking for arcades in Pigeon Forge that have a diverse set of games, you should stop by Arcade City. This arcade is located on The Island at Pigeon Forge, so it’s close to many great restaurants and stores.
This makes it a prime stop for those who want to drop the kids off while they indulge in a dinner date or for those who just need an entertainment break while shopping.
Games at Arcade City
Arcade City has a diverse set of games to satisfy the whole family. Here are some of the games you can enjoy during your visit:
- World’s Largest Pac-Man: It’s not an arcade without Pac-Man, but this version is on the big screen with pellets the size of your head! Okay, maybe not that big, but pretty darn big.
- Galaga: Another classic arcade game gets brought to the big screen. Fighting off aliens in this intergalactic shooter will feel like you’re watching a movie.
- Plinko: Send your token down the gauntlet of bumpers in this classic game that mixes the skills of probability with the suspense of luck.
- Pinball Machines: The memorable pinball machine comes in different themes at Arcade City, and the games have become flashier with a funner soundscape. This classic never gets old.
- Racing Games: Games like MotoGP give you the opportunity to race against your friends and prove who has the best skills behind the wheel. Many games feature top-of-the-line gaming dynamics so you really feel yourself accelerate when you hit the throttle.
- Lane Master: This virtual bowling game demands you knock down the most pins against your opponents to become the Lane Master!
- Connect 4: Challenge friends to this classic game altered to fit the excitement of the arcade. Don’t let your friend connect 4 first!
- The Wizard of Oz Pusher: This popular game, as well as other coin pushers at Arcade City, have you pushing coins and tokens to win the ticket jackpot.
Play Cards and Tokens
These arcades in Pigeon Forge all use play cards that can be filled with a certain amount, and instead of paper tickets, these green facilities use the play cards to keep track of the tickets you win.
These cards can be purchased at location or online for a discounted price. The tickets you win can be redeemed for toys, candy, appliances, electronics, and other prizes at the end of your stay.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in Pigeon Forge and want a break from attractions like Dollywood, the scenery of the Smokies, and the fine restaurants, these are the three best arcades in Pigeon Forge to stop by for a memorable day with family and friends.