Are you looking for a way to shake up your family routine or beat the weather? Then there’s nothing quite like an afternoon at the arcade. Whether your kiddos are obsessed with claw machines or you’re secretly trying to beat your own high score from 1998 (no judgment!), arcades bring out the fun in all of us. As a Missoula family photographer, I’m always encouraging families to lean into joy and make space for the silly moments—we need those just as much as the quiet ones. And luckily, Missoula has some great spots for just that kind of memory-making. So here are a few arcades in Missoula that make for a perfect weekend adventure.
Plan An Exciting Weekend Adventure At These Arcades In Missoula
Big Sky Arcadia
2901 Brooks St, Missoula, MT 59801
Big Sky Arcadia is the go-to for a true arcade experience in Missoula. Tucked inside Southgate Mall, this place is packed with classic games, racing simulators, air hockey, and so much more. My favorite part? It’s family-owned and clearly run with a lot of heart—everything is clean, bright, and geared toward giving kids (and grown-ups) a blast.
They also offer prize redemption, so your little ones can turn their hard-earned tickets into some fun goodies. For families with a mix of ages, Big Sky Arcadia has a nice variety of games that appeal to toddlers through teens—and, honestly, parents, too.
Gild
515 South Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT 59801
Okay, hear me out—Gild is technically a brewery, but downstairs? It’s a retro arcade dream. This Missoula arcade better suits older kids or tweens and up (or even a parent’s night out). But if you’re like me and love introducing your kids to the real classics—hello, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong—it’s totally worth checking out.
It’s got that underground, vintage vibe and is such a fun place to share a piece of your own childhood. And because it’s right in downtown Missoula, it’s easy to pair with a quick walk along the river or a stop for ice cream after you’ve finished showing off your pinball skills.
Westside Lanes & Fun Center
1615 Wyoming St, Missoula, MT 59801
Westside Lanes is a full-blown Missoula fun center—bowling, billiards, a restaurant, and, yes, an arcade! This is a fantastic all-in-one stop for a family outing, especially when you’ve got multiple kids who each want to do something different. The arcade has a mix of newer games and some nostalgic favorites, and there’s a great laid-back vibe that makes it easy to settle in for the afternoon.
Bonus: pairing arcade time with bowling is a great way to make the day feel like a full event—and it’s perfect for birthday parties or those “we need to get out of the house” kind of weekends.
A Little Family Competition And Fun Goes A Long Way Thanks To These Arcades In Missoula
Whether you’ve got a family full of gamers or just want a fun indoor option for your next weekend adventure, these arcades in Missoula have something for everyone. And let’s be honest—there’s something magical about watching your child’s eyes light up at a jackpot win (or beating you at air hockey for the first time).
As a Missoula family photographer, I know how fast these joyful little moments pass. So whether you’re building memories through tokens and tickets or just laughing together under neon lights, don’t forget to pause and soak it all in. And if you ever want to turn those playful memories into timeless portraits, I’d love to help capture the fun. Let’s make something beautiful together.
