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GameWorks Chicago – Schaumburg video arcade in Schaumburg, IL
Photo: GameWorks Chicago – Schaumburg
View of GameWorks Chicago – Schaumburg in Schaumburg, IL
Photo: Mantosh K. Sharma
View of GameWorks Chicago – Schaumburg in Schaumburg, IL
Photo: Art Dodd

GameWorks Chicago – Schaumburg

4.2(1,569 reviews)$$Arcade
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. Grade-schoolers and teens especially love the variety of arcade games and VR experiences, while younger kids (4-6) can enjoy simpler games and bowling with bumpers. Toddlers may find it overwhelming due to noise and crowds, though some classic arcade games work for little ones.

About

GameWorks Chicago in Schaumburg is an ultimate indoor entertainment destination that keeps kids engaged for hours with its multi-level arcade featuring hundreds of games, bowling lanes, cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, and on-site dining. This all-in-one venue means parents can enjoy a meal while kids play, making it perfect for birthday parties, rainy days, or just burning off energy without leaving the building.

Highlights

  • Over 100 arcade games ranging from classic favorites to newest releases
  • Immersive virtual reality experiences that transport kids to different worlds
  • Multi-lane bowling with bumpers available for younger children
  • Prize redemption center where kids can trade tickets for toys and prizes
  • Full-service restaurant and snack bar so families don't need to leave for meals

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Visit on weekday afternoons (2-5pm) before the dinner rush for shorter wait times on popular games and VR stations
  2. 2.Purchase a game card with a higher dollar amount upfront,they often offer bonus credits with larger purchases, stretching your entertainment budget
  3. 3.Set a game card budget per child beforehand and let them manage their own credits to avoid constant requests for refills
  4. 4.Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes since you'll be walking between levels and potentially bowling
  5. 5.Check their website for special promotions like 'Half-Price Wednesdays' or unlimited gaming passes during school breaks

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons between 2-5pm offer the best experience with minimal crowds and shorter waits for popular attractions. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when it's packed with teens and adult groups. Sunday mid-mornings can also be quieter for families with younger children.

What to Know

Games operate on a rechargeable card system (no quarters needed), and you can reload cards at kiosks throughout the venue. The restaurant offers kid-friendly menu options including pizza, burgers, and chicken tenders. Parking is free in the shopping center lot, and the venue is stroller-accessible with elevators between levels.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, making it an excellent bad-weather backup plan during Chicago's cold winters and hot summers. The venue often hosts special events around major holidays and summer vacation, which can mean bigger crowds but also special promotions. School break weeks tend to be busiest.

Nearby Eats

Woodfield Mall is adjacent with extensive food court options including Chick-fil-A and Subway. For sit-down dining, Portillo's Hot Dogs (classic Chicago fare) is less than a mile away and always a hit with kids.

More Activities Near Schaumburg

Park

Busse Woods Bicycle Trail

Free

Busse Woods Bicycle Trail offers families a beautiful escape into nature with over 11 miles of smooth, paved trails winding through forest preserve. The flat, well-maintained paths are perfect for young cyclists, stroller pushers, and families teaching kids to ride, with multiple playgrounds and picnic areas strategically placed along the route for breaks and snacks.

Nature

Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley

4.8Free

Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley offers 130 acres of natural exploration perfect for curious kids. This working nature preserve combines scenic hiking trails, interactive wildlife exhibits, historic farm buildings, and hands-on educational programs that make learning about nature exciting and accessible for young explorers.

Farm

Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley

4.8$

Step back in time at this authentic 1880s living history farm where kids can meet heritage breed chickens, pigs, sheep, and horses while learning how families lived over a century ago. Children get hands-on experience with farm life through interactive demonstrations, seasonal workshops, and exploring historic buildings including a farmhouse, barn, and one-room schoolhouse.

Theater

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

4.7$$

Medieval Times in Schaumburg transports your family back to the 11th century for an unforgettable dinner theater experience featuring live jousting knights, charging horses, sword fights, and falcon demonstrations. Kids will be mesmerized by the thrilling two-hour tournament while feasting on a hearty four-course meal served without utensils,just like a real medieval banquet!