Park Lanes Family Entertainment Center, Arcade

 

I have tended to think of this more as a bowling alley, and we have bowled there. However, they do have more.

I thought writing about it now could be a good contrast to Dave & Busters last week, as the set ups are very different.

The main thing you will notice is that it is much less expensive. There are still 3-D games, but things are not quite as fancy and showy. Maybe there is less bang, but there is also definitely less buck.

In fact, there is a play structure that is essentially free, as there is no admission cost, only the price per game.

I have to say that may also make things a little less safe. Most of the arcades I have been to have had something for shooting some hoops. This is the only one where balls have rebounded out of the game, once hitting me in the face and knocking off my glasses.

There is still an option to pick up rubber ducks with a claw, but no guaranteed win like and Dave & Busters. (We were still able to get two, one of them being very otter-like.)

The only guaranteed win was a chicken that laid eggs with prizes. We had just seen an episode of Newhart with a similar machine. The one on the show was more impressive, but it still made us glad to get our eggs.

I also appreciated the convenient location of a recycle receptacle for the eggs.

Most of the games dispense tickets, though -- like most places now -- that is tracked via a card. There is a booth for redeeming the tickets. (We did not really think we had enough to bother, so we gave our cards to a child, which we do a lot, actually.)

It is actually outside of the arcade proper, though easy to spot, but they also have a large photo booth, an option growing in popularity.

Located near Movies on TV, Park Lanes is a spot where you can easily play a few games without a huge investment in time, travel or money. It may not be a destination, but it is still a good place for that specific need.

COVID: This is very much indoors and not a big place. I recommend wearing your mask.

Accessibility: It could be worse, because the pathways between the games look like they should accommodate most mobility devices. However, there is not necessarily height adjustment or convenience. Obviously the play structure is not designed to accommodate, and there are some flashing lights. 

https://www.parklanes.net/