Tucked away in Girard, Ohio, Past Times Arcade is the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid again the moment you walk through the door. With over 600 perfectly maintained pinball machines and classic arcade games all set to free play, this spot is unlike anything most people have ever experienced.
Whether you grew up pumping quarters into Galaga or you are just discovering retro gaming for the first time, there is something here for everyone. Rated 4.9 stars by hundreds of visitors, Past Times Arcade is quickly becoming one of Ohio’s most beloved hidden gems.
1. A Museum and Arcade Rolled Into One Incredible Space
Walking into Past Times Arcade feels less like entering a game room and more like stepping into a living, breathing history museum. Housed in a converted grocery store at 419 N State St in Girard, Ohio, the space is massive, clean, and thoughtfully organized by era.
Visitors often say the layout is mind-blowing, with hundreds of machines arranged so you can literally walk through decades of gaming history in a single afternoon. The oldest playable game on the floor dates all the way back to 1947, and the newest machines sit just a few aisles away.
Informative placards accompany each machine, giving you a quick history lesson while you play. It is part arcade, part time capsule, and entirely unforgettable.
Families, solo visitors, and hardcore collectors all find something to love here, making it one of the most unique entertainment destinations in Northeast Ohio.
2. Over 600 Machines, All Set to Free Play
Forget digging through your pockets for quarters. At Past Times Arcade, every single one of the 600-plus machines is set to free play, meaning you pay once at the door and play as long as you want.
Adults get in for just $20, and kids pay $10. Reviewers consistently call it one of the best deals they have ever found, with many saying they felt like they got their money’s worth within the first hour alone.
No token cups, no swipe cards, no stress.
The collection includes over 400 pinball machines and more than 200 classic video arcade games. Titles like Galaga, Missile Command, Dig Dug, and Q-bert are all here, fully working and ready to play.
For anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s, the wave of nostalgia hits fast and hits hard. This is gaming freedom at its finest.
3. Pinball Heaven With Machines You Cannot Find Anywhere Else
Pinball lovers, prepare yourself. Past Times Arcade is widely considered one of the greatest pinball collections in the entire United States, and it is easy to see why once you start exploring the floor.
With over 400 machines spanning from the 1940s through modern releases, the variety here is staggering. You will find rare titles that seasoned collectors have searched for their whole lives, including international machines imported from Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
One reviewer who has played pinball for nearly 50 years called it impossible to find a better pinball arcade anywhere.
The owner, Rob Berk, is a Hall of Famer and Guinness World Record holder who also created the world’s longest-running Pinball Expo. His passion for the hobby is visible in every corner of the building.
Even the machines that are notoriously difficult to maintain, like the Black Hole, are kept in full working order here.
4. Perfectly Maintained Games That Actually Work
One of the biggest complaints people have about most arcades is broken machines. Out-of-order signs everywhere, worn-out buttons, and flickering screens can kill the fun fast.
Past Times Arcade is a completely different story.
Visitors from across the country, including people who have been to the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas and Cidercade in Texas, say the maintenance at Past Times is on a completely different level. Nearly every machine is in pristine, working condition, which is an extraordinary achievement given the size of the collection.
The arcade employs dedicated staff whose job is to keep the machines running smoothly. Mike, one of the on-site technicians, is known for his deep knowledge and love of pinball, and guests enjoy chatting with him about the machines.
When you are playing a Galaga cabinet that works like it just rolled off the factory floor 40 years later, that care and dedication really shows.
5. A Nostalgic Trip Through Decades of Gaming History
There is something almost magical about watching a grandparent and grandchild bond over a game neither of them has played before, or seeing a parent rediscover a favorite machine from their teenage years. Past Times Arcade makes those moments happen every single weekend.
The collection spans so many eras that visitors often lose track of time entirely. One family drove four hours from Pennsylvania just to be there at opening time, and another guest made a two-day trip from Southern Ontario, calling it one of their holiday destinations.
A father-son duo from Louisville, Kentucky drove five and a half hours each way just to spend a couple of days here.
The layout encourages exploration, with machines from the 1940s in one aisle and games built within the last year just a few steps away. Every generation finds its own corner of joy inside these walls, which is exactly what makes Past Times so special.
6. The Snack Bar and Cafe Worth Talking About
Spending hours at an arcade builds up a serious appetite, and Past Times Arcade has that covered too. The on-site cafe serves up a fun menu that fits perfectly with the retro vibe of the whole place.
Guests rave about the thick milkshakes, chili dogs, big chicken nuggets, and chicken tender baskets served with fries and a pop. The drink selection is a highlight on its own, featuring cane sugar sodas, glass bottle root beer, birch beer, orange soda, and Cheerwine.
Prices are kept reasonable, which reviewers appreciate since many venues jack up food prices knowing customers do not want to leave.
The diner area even has Pokemon playing on a screen and vintage decor that matches the overall atmosphere of the arcade. Alcohol options are also available for adult visitors who want to enjoy a cold drink while playing their favorite machines.
The whole setup feels like a classic 1950s soda shop brought back to life.
7. Incredibly Friendly Staff That Goes Above and Beyond
A great collection of games means nothing if the people running the place make you feel unwelcome. Fortunately, the team at Past Times Arcade is one of the most praised aspects of the entire experience.
Reviewers mention staff members by name, singling out employees like Sophia for being helpful and informative, and Mike the technician for his enthusiasm about pinball history. One visitor noted that a staff member complimented her makeup while putting on her wristband, a small but memorable moment that stuck with her long after the visit.
The staff even let one family pose for a photo holding the arcade’s sign so they could keep the memory forever. Owner Rob Berk himself is frequently spotted on the floor playing machines and chatting with guests.
He once gave a couple who drove from Louisville a full VIP tour of the facility, turning a first-time visit into a lasting friendship.
8. The Hours and Location Make It Easy to Plan a Visit
Planning a trip to Past Times Arcade is straightforward, and the location is easier to reach than many people expect. Situated at 419 N State St in Girard, Ohio, the arcade is just a short drive from the Turnpike, making it a convenient stop for travelers coming from Pennsylvania, Michigan, or anywhere across the Midwest.
The parking lot is open and spacious, so finding a spot is rarely a problem even on busy weekends. Current hours are Thursday from 4 to 9 PM, Friday from 4 to 11 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
The arcade is closed Monday through Wednesday.
One of the most visitor-friendly features is the come-and-go policy, meaning you can step out for a break and return without paying again. For more details or to check for updates, visit the official website at pasttimesarcade.com or call ahead at 330-765-4121.
9. Air Hockey, Multi-Player Games, and More Surprises
Pinball and classic video games are the stars of the show, but Past Times Arcade has a few extra surprises that keep things exciting for everyone in the group. The two air hockey tables on the floor are a crowd favorite, and more than one reviewer warned that a round or two will leave you genuinely out of breath.
Multi-player game setups mean groups of friends or family members can compete head-to-head, adding a layer of friendly rivalry to the whole outing. The variety of game types means even visitors who are not die-hard pinball fans will find something to keep them entertained for hours.
The arcade also features international machines from countries including Germany, Spain, Italy, and Mexico, giving the collection a global flavor that is rare to find in any single venue. Souvenir pinballs are available for just a dollar on the way out, making for a perfect and affordable keepsake from the visit.
10. Vintage Decor That Sets the Perfect Mood
From the moment you step inside Past Times Arcade, the atmosphere wraps around you like a warm blanket of nostalgia. The vintage decor is not just a backdrop, it is part of the entire experience, carefully chosen to complement the retro machines on the floor.
Checkered floors run through the space, including inside the bathrooms, which surprised and delighted more than a few visitors who mentioned it in their reviews. Classic signage, vintage artwork, and the overall layout of the building all contribute to the feeling that you have genuinely traveled back in time to a golden era of gaming culture.
Pokemon plays on a screen near the cafe area, glass bottle sodas line the counter, and the hum of hundreds of machines fills the air with a sound that is almost musical. Every design choice here feels intentional.
The result is an environment where it is genuinely easy to forget that hours are passing by.
11. Perfect for Families, Date Nights, and Group Outings
Some venues work well for one type of crowd but fall flat for others. Past Times Arcade somehow manages to be the perfect destination for almost every kind of group imaginable.
Families with young kids, couples on date nights, friend groups looking for something different, and solo travelers all show up regularly and leave happy.
The sheer size of the space means even on busy weekend afternoons, the crowd spreads out enough that you rarely have to wait long for a machine. The layout is easy to navigate, and the combination of free play, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere creates the kind of outing that gets talked about for weeks afterward.
One nine-year-old boy enjoyed his visit so much that he told his dad he wanted to move to Youngstown and get a job at the arcade when he grew up. If that is not a five-star review, nothing is.
Past Times Arcade turns any ordinary weekend into a memory worth keeping.
12. Why Past Times Arcade Deserves a Spot on Your Ohio Bucket List
Not many places earn a 4.9-star rating from over 845 reviewers, but Past Times Arcade has done exactly that by delivering an experience that consistently exceeds expectations. People drive from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Canada, and beyond just to spend a day here, and almost every single one of them says they will be back.
The combination of an enormous and well-maintained collection, honest pricing, friendly staff, good food, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere is hard to beat anywhere in the country. Reviewers who have visited the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas and other top-tier arcades across the United States consistently rank Past Times above them all, specifically because of how well everything is maintained and how much care goes into every detail.
Whether you are a lifelong gamer, a casual visitor, or a parent looking for something truly memorable to do with your kids, Past Times Arcade in Girard, Ohio delivers in every way that counts. Go once and you will understand the hype completely.
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