Game Nest Arcade

Game Nest is a family-owned Japanese-style arcade at 4525 W Spring Mountain Rd in Chinatown, a few minutes west of the Strip. Owners Abraham and Julie Ann Salume fill the 10,000-square-foot floor with 50+ machines: rhythm games and racing simulators imported from Japan, retro cabinets, pinball, claw machines and capsule toys. They keep ticket machines off the floor on purpose, so kids are playing games, not chasing a prize counter.

Instead of tokens, you get a play card. Load credits, or pick unlimited hourly play, which the arcade says often runs around $12 per hour. Two things to know before you hand your kid the card: the clock starts with the first game and cannot be paused, and hourly play is per person, so siblings each need their own. Claw and some prize machines are not part of the unlimited deal, and capsule machines take tokens.

Kafe Nesto, the kitchen on the floor, serves the Super Smash Burger at $13 per burger, pizza starting at $16 per pie and milk tea boba starting at $5.50 per drink, plus takoyaki and taiyaki. Parking is free out front.

Hours are Sunday through Thursday 12pm to 12am, and Friday and Saturday until 2am, so it opens at noon, not in the morning. That makes it an easy afternoon plan for CCSD days off, but hours may vary on holidays, so check before you go. Birthday packages include unlimited play, a private space and food.