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Star Worlds Arcade in DeKalb, Illinois, established in 1985, has been recognized as one of the last remaining neighborhood arcades from the 1980s. It originally opened on January 11, 1985, in Maple Park, Illinois, with just 18 arcade games. Patrick O’Malley, the founder, started it as a personal collection of games in his parents’ garage before moving to a commercial space. The arcade later…
The People’s Choice Family Fun Center in Waukegan, Illinois, is a sprawling entertainment hub that originally began as a small game room in 1984. It is now over 43,000 square feet of fun with a wide range of attractions, including 150+ arcade and redemption games, bumper cars, kiddie rides, and even a mini Vegas strip for adults. The center also features Rocky’s Pizzeria, serving homemade pizzas…
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A suburban Family Fun Center that closed in 2019. Original location in Tinley Park, IL still operating as of Mar 2025.
Formerly located in Crystal Point Mall in Crystal Lake, IL: 6000 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 1976-1996 Reference: https://www.angelfire.com/retro/lisanostalgia/crystalpointmall3.html https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=709548065748779&set=a.709548005748785 https://youtu.be/HzmJkjmqVMc?si=viKK9DRNdJErogoH
Times Square was a popular arcade located at 2836 N Broadway in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. It was part of the vibrant arcade scene that flourished in the city during the 1980s and 1990s. The arcade offered a variety of video games and became a favorite spot for gaming enthusiasts. Notably, Ed Boon, co-creator of the Mortal Kombat series, has mentioned Times Square Arcade, highlighting its…
Wilderness Falls is a family-friendly outdoor fun park located at 145 S. Clow International Parkway in Bolingbrook, Illinois, easily accessible from Naperville, Joliet, and Chicago. The park features two 18-hole miniature golf courses, each offering unique challenges. In addition to mini-golf, Wilderness Falls offers batting cages and an arcade. It likely opened or around 2004, when it first…
The Treasure Chest (AKA Baer’s Treasure Chest) was a unique novelty shop and arcade located in Chicago. It had a magic counter where renowned magician Ed Marlo worked, and upstairs was Abbott’s Pro Shop, managed by Don Alan. The shop was a hub for magic enthusiasts and even had connections to Okito, a famous magician and inventor. The front of the store was filled with gag gifts and novelties,…
Wright’s Barnyard in Lansing, IL, was a beloved family entertainment center that opened in 1956. It featured a variety of attractions, including batting cages, go-kart racing, mini-golf, and a large selection of arcade games. The facility also had a spacious banquet and dining area, making it a popular spot for gatherings. In the early 2000’s, Wright’s Barnyard changed its name to DZ’s Hollywood…