Win or lose, it’s all about how you play the game. In California, families have myriad ways to play, from board game cafes with tables for Yahtzee and Catan to vintage video arcades featuring Pac-Man and pinball. Whether you have 30 minutes or three hours to fill on your itinerary, game parlors can boost the spirits of even your hardest-to-please travel companions. Some may serve coffee and snacks, others are BYOB, but all provide a dedicated space to connect, unwind, and play. Here’s a look at eight family-friendly spots up and down the state where you can get your game on, listed north to south.
There and Back Cafe
At this fantasy-themed board game cafe in downtown Sacramento, you can find fun, fellowship, and a menu of treats fit for a feast in the Shire. The cafe’s name is a nod to The Hobbit, but games inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien are just the beginning (although there is an international Middle-earth Collectible Card Game tournament taking place in November). Patrons can help themselves to an array of games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Unstable Unicorns, and many more. Gameplay is free during the day and $5 after 5 p.m. on theme nights when the cafe is open late. Kids will love specialty drinks like the color-changing Polyjuice Potion (lemonade), while adults can savor elevated breakfast bites that lean into fantasy fun such as Smeagol’s smoked salmon avocado toast.
Victory Point Cafe
Berkeley’s North Shattuck neighborhood is home to a light and bright community space that has all the hallmarks of a corner coffee shop, plus wall-to-wall shelves of 800 or so board games of every imaginable level. For $8 per person, you can play all day, choosing from classics or newer options like the Disney Lorcana trading card game and Ark Nova, where you plan and build your own zoo with cards and tiles. If your crew needs a little extra help getting started, there are experts on staff who will set up your game and explain the rules. Don’t let your appetite slow you down—there’s a menu of pizzas, sandwiches, and ice cream, plus locally roasted coffee drinks, draft beer, and wine.
The Game Parlour
The first board game cafe in San Francisco opened in the Sunset District in 2018, providing access to hundreds of games for a $7 fee. The catalog is always growing, ranging from classics such as the hostile real-estate takeover game Acquire to party favorites like Codenames and Wavelength. Advance reservations are available for $10 per person if you want guaranteed seating; kids 4 and under play for free. A highlight of this gaming spot is the menu, which is entirely gluten-free and features waffle-themed specialties like savory sandwiches and fries, as well as Japanese-inspired sides like fried mochiko chicken bites.
Hyperspace Los Altos
Retro gaming meets modern tech at this Los Altos center in Silicon Valley, which is ideal for teens who prefer digital play. The first-floor arcade is filled with pay-per-play vintage gems including Pac-Man, newer games like Plinko, and themed pinball machines featuring the Avengers and more. The VR library allows kids to get lost in another world by kayaking through Antarctica or stepping into the shoes of a world-class athlete. Younger players may enjoy familiar games including Fruit Ninja and Angry Birds. Families can also sink into a leather couch in the gaming lounge for some Fortnite, Super Smash Bros., or Mario Kart, booked in 30-minute increments. There are no food or drink options here unless you book a private party room, but State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria is just around the corner.
High Scores Arcade
Parents will love the nostalgia at this new Monterey gaming center, while kids will enjoy exploring a curated throwback collection that includes Donkey Kong, Frogger, and Tron. Like High Scores Arcade’s flagship in the East Bay, the Central Coast location is known for a rotating selection of popular 1980s-era titles along with some notable standouts, such as Atari’s first rhythm-based prototype, Beat Head. Unlimited gaming wristbands are $22 for all-day play, with in-and-out privileges that allow you to walk down to Old Fisherman’s Wharf to grab a bite to eat.
Geeky Teas & Games
Inside this Burbank game shop, an otherworldly experience awaits families. Hundreds of tabletop games can be played in a variety of themed areas adjacent to the retail section, including one that recreates the Stranger Things living room. You can BYO (nonalcoholic) beverage and purchase packaged British snacks like Rooibos Shortbread onsite while playing unlimited games for $5. The woman-owned, LGBTQ-friendly game den also has a soft spot for felines and donates its space to a local rescue—keep your eyes peeled for roaming shop cats! Before you head off to your next adventure, snap a group pic in front of the bright blue TARDIS outside the shop.
Game N' Grounds
Play any game on the shelf for free at this cafe in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. There’s a substantial selection, including fandom favorites like Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle, fast-paced, family-friendly card games such as Exploding Kittens, and multi-hour strategy games like Scythe and the Lost Ruins of Arnak. Adults can fuel up with Stumptown Coffee powering the specialty drinks. A fan favorite is the Queen’s Lavender, which pairs well with an all-day breakfast menu. Paninis are popular too, and there’s even a menu for little ones with crowd-pleasers like quesadillas and flavored milk steamers.
Meeples Family
If your crew needs a break from exploring Disneyland Resort, head across the street to Anaheim GardenWalk. This Anaheim board game cafe and shop has a staggering library of more than 2,000 games to rent, making it easy to find a new favorite. You can browse sections including party games, strategy, family games, and more for free, but you need to book a private space by the hour to play. Groups are hosted in private tents set up throughout the café and can accommodate up to six people at $3 per person, reserved in one-hour time blocks. Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks are available to purchase, or you can pay an additional fee to bring in outside food.