Tucked away at 419 N State St in Girard, Ohio, Past Times Arcade is a retro paradise that has quickly become one of the most talked-about destinations in the state. With over 600 machines spanning pinball, classic video games, and vintage parlor games, this arcade offers something for every age group.
A single $20 admission gets you all-day play, making it one of the best entertainment values around. Whether you grew up in the arcade era or you are just discovering it for the first time, Past Times delivers a one-of-a-kind experience you will not forget.
A Massive Collection of Over 400 Pinball Machines
Walking into Past Times Arcade feels like stepping into a pinball museum that actually lets you touch everything. With over 400 pinball machines lining aisle after aisle, the sheer scale of the collection is enough to stop first-time visitors in their tracks.
Machines span from the 1950s all the way to modern releases like the collector’s edition Harry Potter pinball machine. Every era of the hobby is represented, giving players a genuine timeline of how the game evolved over the decades.
What really sets this collection apart is that nearly every machine is in working order. The staff keeps the games well-maintained, so you rarely encounter an out-of-order sign.
Whether you are chasing a high score or just flipping bumpers for fun, this collection delivers a pinball experience that is nearly impossible to find anywhere else in Ohio.
Unbeatable 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 gaming. Adults pay $20 and kids get in for $10, making this one of the most budget-friendly entertainment options in northeast Ohio.
One of the smartest perks of the admission policy is the wristband system. Guests receive a band at the door that allows them to leave and return as many times as they want throughout the day.
That means you can grab lunch nearby, take a breather, and come right back without paying again.
Reviewers consistently rave about the value, with many saying they spent three to four hours playing and still felt like they barely scratched the surface. For families, couples, or groups of friends, the all-day format turns a quick visit into a full-blown adventure worth every penny.
Vintage Video Games from the 80s and 90s
Pinball gets most of the spotlight, but the vintage video game section at Past Times Arcade is just as impressive. Alongside the pinball machines, the arcade houses around 200 video games from the golden age of gaming, covering everything from early Atari titles to beloved 90s cabinet classics.
For anyone who grew up feeding quarters into machines at the local bowling alley or mall, seeing these games in one place feels genuinely surreal. Titles that most people thought were lost to time are lined up and ready to play.
Younger visitors discover these games as fresh experiences, while older guests get the warm rush of rediscovering something they loved. That cross-generational appeal is part of what makes the video game section so special.
Past Times does not just preserve gaming history, it keeps it alive and fully playable for anyone who walks through the door.
International Pinball Machines from Around the World
Most arcades stick to American-made machines, but Past Times Arcade goes a step further by featuring international pinball games from countries including Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Italy. These machines bring a totally different design language and gameplay style that even seasoned pinball fans find surprising.
One reviewer specifically called the international collection “just fantastic,” noting that these machines stood out as some of the most memorable experiences of the visit. Seeing how different cultures interpreted and built pinball technology is genuinely fascinating, almost like a world tour told through flippers and bumpers.
Each international machine also comes with informational placards that explain its history and origin. That small educational touch transforms the experience from pure entertainment into something more meaningful.
History buffs and casual players alike find these machines to be a highlight, and they are a big reason why Past Times feels like no other arcade in the region.
Informative Machine Placards That Tell the Story
One detail that separates Past Times Arcade from a typical game room is the thoughtful addition of informational placards placed alongside many of the machines. These small cards share the history, manufacturer details, and fun facts about each game, turning a casual play session into a mini history lesson.
Visitors who reviewed the arcade repeatedly mentioned how much they appreciated this feature. One guest called the placards “extremely insightful and interesting,” noting they added real depth to the experience.
Reading about a machine’s backstory before playing it creates a connection that goes beyond just chasing a high score.
For parents bringing kids, these cards spark great conversations about how technology and entertainment have changed over the decades. For hardcore enthusiasts, they offer the kind of detail that deepens appreciation for the craft.
It is a small but powerful touch that shows the owners genuinely care about sharing their passion with every visitor.
A Snack Bar With Food, Drinks, and Even Beer
Spending hours playing games works up an appetite, and Past Times Arcade has that covered with an on-site snack bar. The food options go well beyond typical arcade fare, with reviewers singling out the onion rings and milkshakes as standout items worth the visit alone.
For adults, the snack bar also serves alcoholic beverages, which is a fun bonus that most people do not expect from an arcade setting. Grabbing a cold drink while wandering through rows of classic machines adds a relaxed, social vibe to the whole experience.
Pricing at the snack bar has been described as reasonable, which lines up with the overall value-forward approach the arcade takes. You will not feel like you are being nickel-and-dimed after already paying admission.
The cafe area also gives groups a natural spot to regroup, rest their feet, and plan which section of the arcade to tackle next.
Party Room Rentals for Birthdays and Special Events
Past Times Arcade is not just a drop-in destination. The venue offers a dedicated party room available for rent, making it a fantastic choice for birthdays, celebrations, and group events of all kinds.
Reviewers who have hosted parties here cannot say enough good things about the experience.
One guest rented the party room for her husband’s 55th birthday and praised every member of the staff, from the initial phone call all the way through the end of the event. Staff members like Brigitt and Terence were highlighted by name for going above and beyond to make the day special.
Another reviewer celebrated her son’s ninth birthday at the arcade, and the whole group was blown away. The combination of a private space plus unlimited access to hundreds of machines creates a party atmosphere that is genuinely hard to beat.
Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends when the arcade draws its biggest crowds.
Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff That Go the Extra Mile
A great collection of machines means nothing if the people running the place make you feel unwelcome. Fortunately, the staff at Past Times Arcade is one of its most celebrated features.
Across dozens of reviews, words like “amazing,” “super helpful,” and “ultra friendly” appear again and again.
General Manager Terence has been specifically called out by multiple guests for engaging personally with visitors, whether explaining the layout of the machines or joining a kid in a game of air hockey. That kind of genuine interaction is rare in any entertainment setting.
Staff members are also quick to help if a machine has an issue or if a first-time visitor needs guidance navigating the massive floor. The combination of expertise and warmth creates an environment where guests feel comfortable asking questions and exploring freely.
Many visitors say the staff alone is a reason they plan to return.
Spotlessly Clean Facility With Well-Maintained Machines
Cleanliness might not be the first thing you think about when imagining a classic arcade, but Past Times sets a remarkably high bar. Reviewers consistently describe the facility as spotless, with clean restrooms, smudge-free machine glass, and tidy aisles throughout the entire space.
One guest specifically noted that the glass on every machine was “spot and smear free,” which speaks to how seriously the staff takes upkeep. When you are paying to play, being able to see the playfield clearly without fingerprint smears makes a real difference in the experience.
The machines themselves are kept in excellent working condition, which is no small feat when you are managing hundreds of mechanical games simultaneously. Past Times clearly invests time and care into maintenance, and it shows.
Walking through a clean, well-organized arcade removes distractions and lets you focus entirely on the fun, which is exactly how it should be.
Air Hockey Tables That Will Leave You Breathless
Not everything at Past Times Arcade runs on flippers and bumpers. The arcade also features two air hockey tables that have earned their own fan following among visitors.
One reviewer laughed that the tables will leave you “exhausted when done,” which is honestly a great sign for any competitive game.
Air hockey brings a different kind of energy to the floor. It is fast, loud, and immediately social, drawing small crowds whenever a heated match gets going.
General Manager Terence was even praised for jumping in to play a round with a young guest, turning a simple game into a memorable moment.
For groups that include younger kids or people who are not quite into pinball yet, the air hockey tables serve as a perfect entry point. They are easy to learn, quick to play, and wildly fun at any skill level.
It is a simple addition that adds a lot of personality to the overall experience.
Pinball League Play and Tournaments for Competitive Fans
Casual players love Past Times, but the arcade also has a strong competitive side. The venue hosts pinball leagues and tournaments, giving serious players a place to test their skills against others who share the same passion.
It is a rare offering that elevates Past Times beyond a simple entertainment venue.
League play brings a regular community of dedicated players through the doors, creating an atmosphere where newcomers can learn from veterans and regulars feel a sense of belonging. One reviewer described the arcade as a cornerstone of the local community, largely because of how it connects people across generations through shared competition.
If you are someone who has always played casually but wondered what competitive pinball looks like, attending a tournament night is eye-opening. The skill on display is impressive, and the crowd energy is electric.
Check the Past Times website or call ahead to find out when the next event is scheduled.
Come-and-Go Privileges and Easy Parking
Few things kill the fun of a long arcade visit faster than realizing you need to step out and lose your spot for the day. Past Times solves that completely with its come-and-go wristband policy.
Once you pay admission and get banded, you can leave and return as many times as you want until closing.
Reviewers love this feature, with one calling it “one of our favorite elements about admissions.” It makes the arcade genuinely flexible, whether you need a smoke break, want to grab food nearby, or simply need some fresh air after hours of gaming.
Parking is equally stress-free. The arcade offers a good-sized open lot that multiple reviewers described as easy and convenient.
No circling the block or paying for a garage, just pull in and head straight to the fun. For a destination that already excels on so many levels, the logistics being this smooth is a welcome bonus.
A Nostalgic Experience Worth Traveling Hours to Reach
Some places are worth going out of your way for, and Past Times Arcade in Girard, Ohio is absolutely one of them. Multiple reviewers traveled two hours or more just to experience the arcade, and every single one said the trip was worth it.
One family even called it a place they plan to make a yearly tradition.
The combination of a massive collection, fair pricing, outstanding staff, great food, and a clean environment creates something that feels genuinely rare. Past Times earns a 4.9-star rating across nearly 800 reviews, which is the kind of consistency that only comes from a place that truly delivers every single time.
Whether you are a lifelong pinball fanatic, a parent wanting to share your childhood with your kids, or just someone looking for a unique day out, Past Times delivers on every front. Plan your visit at pasttimesarcade.com or call 330-765-4121 to check current hours before heading out.