Tucked away at 419 N State St in Girard, Ohio, Past Times Arcade is the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is. With more than 400 pinball machines and hundreds of classic arcade games, this spot has earned a jaw-dropping 4.9-star rating from over 770 happy visitors.
Whether you grew up pumping quarters into machines in the 80s or you are discovering retro gaming for the very first time, there is something here that will hook you instantly. Get ready to explore everything that makes Past Times Arcade one of the most exciting and unique destinations in all of Ohio.
A Massive Collection of 400+ Pinball Machines
Walking into Past Times Arcade for the first time feels like stepping into a pinball museum that actually lets you play everything. The sheer scale of the collection is hard to wrap your head around until you are standing in the middle of it, surrounded by flashing lights and the satisfying clack of flippers.
Machines span from the 1950s all the way through modern releases, giving players a genuine timeline of pinball history under one roof. You can go from a simple, mechanical classic to a fully loaded LCD screen machine without ever leaving the building.
Reviewers consistently describe the collection as unlike anything they have ever seen. One visitor noted that with over 600 machines total, there was simply no way to get to all of them in a single visit.
That alone makes repeat trips feel completely worth it.
All-Day Play for Just $20
Twenty dollars might not sound like much, but at Past Times Arcade it unlocks an entire day of unlimited play. That flat entry fee covers every single machine on the floor, no tokens, no credits, no extra charges.
Just walk in, get your wristband, and start playing.
Kids get an even better deal at just $10, making this one of the most family-friendly entertainment values in the region. When you compare it to the cost of a movie, a bowling trip, or a theme park, the math is almost embarrassingly in your favor.
Multiple reviewers have called the pricing a fantastic deal, with one visitor saying they spent four hours there and could have easily stayed longer. The all-day format rewards slow explorers who want to read the machine cards, chat with staff, and soak in every corner of the arcade.
Come-and-Go Wristband Policy
One of the most talked-about perks at Past Times Arcade is the freedom to leave and come back whenever you want. When you pay admission, you get a wristband that serves as your all-day pass, meaning a lunch break, a smoke, or a quick errand does not cost you your spot.
This kind of flexibility is rare at arcades and makes the experience feel more relaxed and guest-centered. Families with young kids especially appreciate being able to step outside for fresh air without losing their entry privileges.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned how much this policy meant to them, calling it a thoughtful and accommodating feature. One guest described it as a really nice touch that sets Past Times apart from other entertainment venues.
Small details like this show that the people running this place genuinely care about making visitors comfortable and happy throughout their entire visit.
Machines Spanning Decades of Gaming History
Few places let you experience the full arc of pinball history in a single afternoon, but Past Times Arcade pulls it off beautifully. Machines from the 1950s sit just a few feet away from brand-new releases, creating a timeline you can actually interact with rather than just read about.
Each era has its own personality. Older machines rely on pure mechanical skill, while newer ones layer in digital scoring, video clips, and elaborate themes.
Moving from one decade to the next feels like flipping through a living scrapbook of game design.
One particularly devoted reviewer was thrilled to find a fully working Black Hole machine, a notoriously tricky title to maintain. That level of care across such a wide range of eras is what separates a great arcade from an unforgettable one.
History buffs and casual players alike will find something to love here.
International Pinball Machines from Around the World
Most arcades stick to familiar American titles, but Past Times Arcade goes several steps further by featuring machines imported from countries like Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Italy. These international games bring a completely different visual style and gameplay feel that even seasoned pinball fans rarely encounter.
Spotting a machine with foreign-language artwork or a distinctly European design sensibility adds a layer of discovery to the visit. You are not just playing games, you are getting a small window into how different cultures approached the same beloved pastime.
One reviewer specifically called out the international collection as fantastic, rating it among the highlights of the entire trip. The owner has clearly put thought and passion into curating machines that go beyond the obvious choices.
For collectors, enthusiasts, and curious newcomers alike, these imported titles are a genuine conversation starter and a reason to keep exploring the aisles.
Informative Placards on Every Machine
Imagine playing a machine and then reading a mini history lesson right next to it. That is exactly what Past Times Arcade offers through the informative placards displayed alongside many of their games.
These small signs pack in fascinating details about the machine’s origin, manufacturer, and place in gaming history.
For parents visiting with kids, the placards turn a fun outing into a surprisingly educational experience. Children can learn about the people and companies that shaped the gaming world long before smartphones and video consoles took over living rooms.
One reviewer described the placards as extremely insightful and interesting, noting that they added real depth to the visit. Another guest mentioned posters honoring legendary figures behind the gaming industry.
This kind of thoughtful curation shows that Past Times is not just a place to play, it is a place that genuinely respects and celebrates the history behind every single machine on the floor.
A Snack Bar with Food, Milkshakes, and Drinks
Spending hours at an arcade works up a serious appetite, and Past Times Arcade has that covered with an on-site snack bar that reviewers genuinely rave about. The food is not an afterthought, it is a real part of the experience that keeps guests fueled and happy throughout the day.
Onion rings have earned a devoted following among visitors, with one reviewer calling them some of the best they had eaten in a long time. The milkshakes also get high marks, described as outstanding by guests who were clearly not expecting much from an arcade kitchen.
Alcoholic beverages are available for adults, adding a fun social layer for grown-up visitors who want to sip something cold while they play. Pricing at the snack bar has been called reasonable, which fits right in with the overall value-focused experience.
Hungry or thirsty, you will not need to leave the building to recharge.
Classic Video Arcade Games Alongside Pinball
Pinball is the star of the show, but Past Times Arcade does not stop there. Hundreds of classic video arcade games from the 1980s and 1990s fill the floor alongside the pinball machines, creating a full retro gaming experience that covers just about every corner of the golden age of arcades.
Old-school Atari titles, fighting games, racing cabinets, and more are all part of the lineup. For someone who grew up feeding quarters into these machines at the local pizza place or shopping mall, seeing them all in one room hits differently.
The nostalgia factor is almost overwhelming in the best possible way.
One visitor who described themselves as a lover of classic Atari games called the experience amazing. Even guests who had never heard of some of the vintage video titles found themselves hooked after just a few minutes of play.
The variety genuinely ensures no one gets bored.
Air Hockey Tables That Will Wear You Out
Not every great moment at Past Times Arcade involves a pinball plunger or a joystick. The arcade also features a pair of air hockey tables that have become a surprisingly beloved attraction among guests.
Reviewers describe them as really fun, with one visitor admitting the tables left them completely exhausted by the time they were done.
Air hockey brings a competitive, physical energy that breaks up the rhythm of solo gaming and gets people laughing and trash-talking in the best possible way. It is the kind of activity that naturally pulls strangers together and turns a quiet visit into a memorable social moment.
General Manager Terrence has even been spotted jumping in to play air hockey with guests, adding a personal warmth to the experience. Whether you are playing against a friend, a sibling, or a total stranger, these tables deliver a high-energy burst of fun that rounds out the arcade experience perfectly.
Party Room Rentals for Special Events
Birthdays, anniversaries, and group celebrations hit a whole new level when the venue is surrounded by hundreds of arcade machines. Past Times Arcade offers a dedicated party room that can be rented out for special events, making it one of the most unique party spots in the Youngstown area.
The staff handles event coordination with genuine care and attention. Brigitt, a team member frequently mentioned by name in reviews, has been praised for her helpfulness from the very first phone call through the end of the event.
That kind of personal service makes planning stress-free and fun.
One guest who hosted her husband’s 55th birthday party at Past Times described the entire staff as amazing and the venue as spotless. Another reviewer hosted her son’s ninth birthday there and said everyone was very impressed.
If you are searching for a celebration spot that people will actually talk about long after, this is a strong choice.
Incredibly Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff
A great collection of machines only goes so far. What truly sets Past Times Arcade apart is the staff, a group that reviewers describe in almost uniformly glowing terms across dozens of independent visits.
Words like amazing, super helpful, and ultra friendly show up again and again without any prompting.
Staff members actively help guests navigate the layout, explain how machines work, and make sure everyone feels welcome regardless of their experience level. For first-timers who might feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the place, that kind of guidance makes a huge difference.
General Manager Terrence stands out in multiple reviews for going above and beyond, from introducing himself to guests to engaging personally with children during their visit. When a business leader sets that kind of tone, it filters through the entire team.
Past Times is the rare entertainment venue where the people are just as memorable as the games themselves.
Spotlessly Clean and Well-Maintained Facility
Cleanliness might not be the first thing you expect to brag about at an arcade, but Past Times takes it seriously enough that guests bring it up unprompted in their reviews. Multiple visitors specifically noted that the machine glass was spotless and smear-free, the floors were clean, and even the restrooms were in excellent shape.
Maintaining hundreds of machines in a high-traffic environment is no small task. The fact that nearly every machine is in working order and well-maintained reflects a genuine commitment to quality that goes well beyond what most arcades manage.
One reviewer was so impressed they said the machines were in excellent shape and they had never seen anything like it.
That attention to upkeep extends to the overall atmosphere, which feels welcoming rather than dingy or worn-down. Past Times proves that a retro vibe does not have to mean a neglected space.
The pride of ownership here is visible in every corner of the building.
Souvenir Pinballs and Stickers to Take Home
Before you head out the door, Past Times Arcade gives you one more reason to smile. Near the exit, guests can pick up souvenir pinballs for just one dollar each, a small but genuinely charming touch that sends you home with a physical memory of the visit.
Stickers are also available, and at least one reviewer mentioned spending time pondering over the selection with their grandchild before choosing a favorite. These tiny souvenirs carry more sentimental weight than you might expect, especially for kids who want something tangible to remember the day by.
Details like this reflect the thoughtfulness woven into every part of the Past Times experience. It is not a corporate afterthought but a genuine nod to the tradition of arcade culture, where you always left with something in your pocket.
A dollar pinball ball might just become someone’s favorite keepsake from a truly special afternoon in Girard, Ohio.
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