Location
Eastpoint Mall was one of the chain’s signature mall outposts, opening in the late 1970s / early ’80s boom when Bally was carpeting America’s shopping centers with blinking marquees. Baltimore’s Eastpoint Mall still shows a faded tenant pylon with ‘Aladdin’s’ lettering—preserved in a Yelp page left by locals.By the 1990s, the site had become a rite of passage for local…
Pinball Palace in Carlyle, IL, is a beloved local arcade and diner that opened its doors in 1987. Known for its vibrant 1980s atmosphere, it offered a nostalgic experience with a collection of pinball machines, classic arcade games, and a menu featuring affordable comfort food. The venue became a community favorite, especially among those seeking a retro gaming experience. Over the years,…
Lincoln Land Amusement Park was a groundbreaking indoor amusement park located in Effingham, IL. Opened in 1977 by local developer Gene Mayhood, the park was adjacent to the Village Square Mall and spanned 100,000 square feet, making it one of the largest indoor amusement parks of its time. The park featured a full-size Ferris wheel that nearly touched the ceiling, a giant carousel, the…
Jeepers! was a safari-themed family entertainment center located in Norridge, Illinois, operating from 1997 until 2005. In 2005, it rebranded to Go Bananas. Popular throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, it offered a mix of arcade games, indoor rides, a jungle gym, and birthday party packages. Notable attractions included the Python Pit indoor roller coaster, bumper cars, inflatable obstacle…
Kristof’s Entertainment Center, located in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, has been a cornerstone of family entertainment since its establishment in 1974. Founded by brothers Jim and Tom Kristof, along with their mother Lorraine, the venue began as a modest 12-lane bowling alley and bar called Kristof’s Beef-n-Bowl. Over the decades, Kristof’s has undergone significant transformations, evolving into…
”That’s Entertainment” was a massive but short-lived family fun center located at 1475 E. Thorndale Avenue in Itasca, Illinois that opened in 1994. Owner Jeff Coghill built this 14,000 sq ft. Family Fun Center on 23 acres that his family had owned for over 40 years. It included over 75 arcade games, mini golf, bumper boats and go karts, all couched in a Hollywood theme. Coghill had big plans…
Jupiter’s is a well-known establishment in Champaign, Illinois, offering a combination of dining and entertainment experiences. There are two primary locations. This 2nd location is more like a Dave & Buster’s or Main Event, with a large number of arcade and pinball games, as well as a venue that hosts concerts and events. The arcade was renovated and expanded in 2019. While not confirmed,…
Jupiter’s is a well-known establishment in Champaign, Illinois, offering a combination of dining and entertainment experiences. There are two primary locations. This is the original location: a pizzeria and bar with billiards and a handful of slot machines. Reference: https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/celebrate_20_years_at_jupiters_downtown_today/
House of Kicks was an indoor amusement park located in Chicago, Illinois. Plans for the park were announced in 2000, aiming to transform an empty warehouse into a family entertainment center. The park opened its doors in March 2002 but ceased operations in 2005. It included a handful of amusement park rides and an arcade with over 80 games….
Izzy’s Arcade Bar was a 2nd arcade concept owned and operated by the Nigro family (who owned Kiddie Kingdom, next door). This concept was geared toward adults. It opened in 2018 and closed in 2021. Reference: https://www.facebook.com/IzzysArcadeBar/ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/07/03/kiddie-kingdom-an-indoor-childrens-play-center-in-niles-will-not-reopen-due-to-pandemic-owners-say/