Whether you’re a local looking to escape a rainy afternoon or a budget traveler exploring the Queen City, finding a great arcade in Bangor, Maine is a must. From nostalgic retro cabinets to high-stakes modern gaming, the Bangor area has surprisingly diverse options that won’t break your travel bank.
Table of Contents
- 1. Dragon’s Lair Arcade (The Bangor Mall)
- 2. Orono Arcade LLC
- 3. The Sports Arena
- 4. Hollywood Casino Bangor
- Budget Tips Beyond the Arcade Bangor, Maine Guide
Here is our best arcade Bangor, Maine guide with the spots to level up your Maine exploration.
1. Dragon’s Lair Arcade (The Bangor Mall)
663 Stillwater Ave, Bangor, ME 04401
Located right inside the Bangor Mall, Dragon’s Lair Arcade has transformed the old food court into a pizza lair next to their neon-soaked game haven for families. If you’re traveling on a budget, this is a fantastic stop because parking is free (and plentiful!), and most games range from 50¢ to $1.
The Vibe: High-energy and family-friendly. It’s the kind of place that is focused on the games and having fun while chasing ticket jackpots.
Don’t Miss: The Ripley’s Believe It or Not pinball machine—keep an eye out for the “force field” magnet that sends the ball spinning. Also, try your luck at the over-sized arcades games, or classics like pool and skeeball.
Budget Tip: Bring your loose change quarters from home, because most machines at this Bangor arcade will take them.
Read More: For a deeper dive into the games and our visits to this arcade in Bangor, Maine, check out our full review of Dragon’s Lair Arcade here.
2. Orono Arcade LLC
38 Main St, Orono, ME 04473
Just a short 15-minute drive north of Bangor is the Orono Arcade. This spot is a masterpiece of nostalgia, focusing on the pure joy of gaming rather than ticket redemption. It’s located in the downtown Orono area, and the two-story layout is packed with character.
The Vibe: Retro-cool and authentic. They use physical tokens instead of digital cards, which adds a tactile, old-school feel to the experience.
The Games: They have a dedicated “Wall of Retro Games” (Frogger, Asteroids, etc.) that only cost one token to play. Their pinball collection is massive, featuring titles like Labyrinth (complete with a David Bowie performance on the screen), John Wick, Harry Potter, and Marvel.
Budget Tip: If you’re a high-score chaser, look for the “Beat the Owner” board. Topping the owner’s score can win you a giant bag of tokens for free!
Inside Scoop: Want to know more about the blacklight mini-golf or our tips for success at this Orono Arcade? See our complete Orono Arcade guide here.
3. The Sports Arena
1640 Hammond St, Bangor, ME 04401
If you want the “all-in-one” entertainment experience, head to The Sports Arena on Hammond Street. This is a massive 30,000-square-foot complex that is perfect for groups who can’t decide what they want to do.
The Vibe: Lively and multi-functional. It’s part bowling alley, part sports bar, and part redemption arcade.
Budget Tip: Don’t just load $5 or $10 at a time. If you’re with a group, go in together on a $50 or $100 Playcard. You’ll score up to $40 in “Free Arcade Cash,” which essentially pays for your lunch or a few extra rounds of Skee-Ball.
Value Add: At $7.50 for 18 holes of outdoor mini-golf, it’s a great way to pivot if the arcade floor gets too crowded during the warmer months.
4. Hollywood Casino Bangor
500 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
For the 21+ crowd, the Hollywood Casino offers a different kind of “arcade” experience. While it’s primarily a casino, the floor is packed with over 700 of the latest video slots and video poker machines that feel very much like high-stakes arcade gaming.
The Vibe: Vegas-style excitement right outside the downtown area.
The Games: Beyond the traditional slots, you’ll find video roulette and electronic table games.
Budget Tip: If you aren’t looking to gamble, the casino often hosts live music and events that are free to attend, making it a great spot for cheap evening entertainment after the kids have gone to bed.
Budget Tips Beyond the Arcade Bangor, Maine Guide
There are multiple restaurants in Bangor that offer deals throughout the week for kids to eat free when dining out with adults. Check out our map of all these locations to find a dining option that can help you save money for your next family outing.