Fun-N-Games Arcade

One of the enjoyable places for kids and young adults to spend time is the Fun-N-Games Arcade in Smith Mountain Lake. Located in the Bridgewater Plaza shopping mall off the Booker T. Washington Highway, it offers plenty of fun and games, just like its name promises.

Now, this is not the place to come to relax and kick back. It’s noisy and busy, even on “slow” days. Once you walk in you are inundated with stimulus. From the dings and pings to the bright lights flashing everywhere, this place spells action.

The Fun-N-Games Arcade has actually been around for 30 decades. It opened all the way back in 1992 Thankfully the owners have obviously adopted a policy of putting profits back into the place to maintain and upgrade it along the way. It does not feel like a 30-year old arcade place at all. But it’s kind if fun to see adults come in to spend time here with there kids when you think that they probably used to enjoy the arcade as kids themselves.

Those who are used to the ticket-style arcade games might be a little disappointed. But fear not, you can still win prizes. Instead of collecting tickets, you receive a card that tracks your winnings, and then bring it to the cashier for a payout.

But there are lots of fun little prizes to be won, ranging from candies to board games to mugs to plush toys. Even if you come away with as few as ten points, you can still choose something from the prize counter.

Fun-N-Games Arcade: Fun Facts & Cool Features

This attraction features more than 65 well-maintained games. Let's explore some of the favorites.

The claw machine is a classic that challenges skill and patience. While it’s near impossible to get a prize out, it has been done!

In my day, we had to stand in front of a machine to play Space Invaders. But Fun-N-Games Arcade has Space Invaders on steroids (or should I say “asteroids”!). It’s a two-person, sit-down game with a giant screen.

They also have a dual motorcycle riding racing arcade game. It's a blast for kids who haven't yet gotten a driver's license and adults who want the thrill of riding a motorcycle. There’s also the classic whack-a-mole game and several basketball-type games, to mention a few.

If you have a birthday boy or girl, this is a fun place to host their birthday party. The Fun-N-Games Arcade provides the tables, chairs and tablecloths and then the whole party group can sit outside on the covered deck. If it’s too cold, the party can be held indoors, too. They give the birthday child the equivalent of  1,000 tickets on a card to play games, as well. All you have to do is bring the cake, snacks and drinks. They don’t even charge extra for this service!

There are five restaurants nearby in the Bridgewater Plaza; you don’t even have to drive to get there. It’s an entire little walkable area. If you want to switch to something a little bit more physical, try the Harbortown Mini Golf, just a stone’s throw away, behind the arcade.