Roanoke Pinball Museum

This place was such a fun and unique experience! The Roanoke Pinball Museum is packed with an incredible variety of pinball machines from vintage classics to modern designs. It’s both nostalgic and educational. I visited with my three young kids, and even they had a blast! The museum provides stools and step stools so younger visitors can reach and enjoy the games, which was such a thoughtful touch. It made the experience accessible and fun for the whole family. One of the coolest parts was seeing a few machines being repaired or worked on, which gave us a peek inside how these machines function something you don’t usually get to see! It’s a hands-on museum where you can actually play everything, and the atmosphere is welcoming and exciting. A must visit if you're in Roanoke, whether you’re a lifelong pinball fan or just looking for a fun and different way to spend an hour or two.

Visiting Roanoke, first time here, with my daughter. We met up with her college friend. We were walking downtown and saw a sign about the Pinball Museum. We definitely had to check it out! We walked inside the building and went to the front desk. Gloria, who was very nice, friendly and helpful, explained about the cost of the Pinball Museum as well as the Starcade Video Arcade, the Living Reef Aquarium and The Candy Store. We chose to do the Pinball Museum. It's worth the $15 per person! The Living Reef Aquarium was free . We really loved looking the Aquarium. We went up to the Pinball Museum. OMG, WOW pinball machines galore!!! Seeing all of the pinball machines brought me back to my childhood! I now want several pinball machines in my house! My favorites were Gilligan's Island, Addams Family, The Beatles, Elton John, Indiana Jones and the list could go forever! We had an awesome time there. I wish we could've been there all day! We will definitely come back!!! If you're visiting Roanoke, definitely stop in here!!!

Wicked cool place! Wide variety of games from antiques to modern. I’d guess there were fifty or more? Had a blast, played till my wrist hurt! Would defo recommend!

I LOVE this place! Its the best arcade bargain ever if you like pinball machines AND they have themes from everyone's memories. I've donated my grandfather's machine to this place to let the world experience more gaming history. I won't spoil which one until it's done but I'm proud to be a part of such a wonderful experience. There's hardly a wait to play your favorite machine because everyone is so courteous in a museum free play setting instead of a competitive "it's my quarter" arcade setting. "The Shadow" and the older 60's machines are my personal favorites and I hope you find your favorite here too

If you are itching to play some pinball this place can scratch that itch. You play a flat rate and can play all day. The machines are set on free play. The selection of pinball machines were impressive. They had machines that I use to love playing thirty years ago. The only downside is the parking in this area. (Not their fault). If you like pinball then you should check it out.

Came from out of town, this swiftly became the highlight of our visit to roanoke- originally i was just happy my boyfriend was was happy to go since piballs are his thing, but after being in there for a few minutes grew to find that we could have spent most of out day there. Family friendly, I'd highly recommend checking it out. Each ticket gets you in for the whole day.

So much fun! Kids and adults can enjoy this place. It's $15/person with unlimited play.

$15 dollars to come in and play all you want. Talk about stress reliever! Play machines from early days until today. Any theme that you can think of. There are also annual passes. This is on the second floor of the building. Go before or after dinner and enjoy the smile on your family members’ faces.

Nothing better than pinball! Pay one low price ($15) and play all day. Fabulous variety of machines to choose from. All set to 'free play'. Their incredible collection spans decades. The machines are all extremely well maintained and cared for. There are multiple attractions in the building and a rooftop deck with fabulous views. Check it out. It was worth the trip.

We were coming to town and I researched ahead of time for things to do. When I read about the pinball museum I knew we'd have to visit! It was all we were hoping for and more! You can buy a ticket just for the pinball museum or for a little more get a combo ticket to go to the old arcade up the hall too. We did the combo and honestly, next time we'd just do the pinball museum as we easily spent nearly a couple hours there playing. The arcade up the hall is old school arcade games, which are fun too. The man at the desk warmly greeted everyone coming through the door to play pinball and was always at the ready to answer any question, even after he explained how each machine works (no money needed as the ticket price covers it.). They even have beverages for sale and cup holders attached to the pinball machines. If you play long enough you will build up a sweat and a thirst! They also sell t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs. It's really a great place to have fun!

Great out-of-the-box date night! I planned a date night suprise for Hubby and we had the best time.

How cool is this place! I didn't know this existed in any area. There are games from old-time pinball to mid old school. I'm not sure if very modern pinball games are in existence, but they aren't in this museum. You pay one set price (which is an all day pass), and the games are on free mode. My favorite was the Indiana Jones themed one.

Me and my husband tried out the pinball museum during a trip to Roanoke. We had so much fun with the variety of pinball machines. We didn't have enough time to try everything! Only note is to be cautious downtown as there is a high drug population that will stop you as you walk to the museum.

In the pandemic days, how do you deal with a business that's all about touching and can't really clean in between each use? You do it like this and that's okay! First off, you purchase your ticket online (or at the box office) for a scheduled appointment. Arrive on time where they've spent the last 15 minutes cleaning and disinfecting. Play unlimited pinball for TWO HOURS. Yes, two hours. And then at the end of the time, everyone leaves and the attendant cleans the machines before the next appointment arrives. On top of that, I wore gloves and no one seemed to mind. If you have extras, bring them with you. Oh, and the ventilation was excellent with a strong cross breeze through the museum. All sorts of machines. Modern. Classic. Some that had no electronics at all. Multiple balls. Multiple levels. Multiple flippers. Was it the Munster Family machine that had a pinball machine *inside* the pinball machine? I had a terrific time and the Roanoke Pinball Museum is truly "As good as it gets!" Stop by and check them out! [Review 13759 overall, 1080 of 2020, number 1194 in Virginia.]

This place was really fun, in a building with similar interesting exhibits, museums and shops. It was really neat to not just see the visual art on the machines, but the mechanics of something designed just for fun makes me happy. I do wish they had a little more information on dates of the machines, major innovations, maybe a primer on how the levers and features really work. Really good couple hour detour, with a fun cross-section of society

Super fun time. $20ish bucks get you unlimited play on all the machines. They have some way-back nostalgic pinball mixed with some new computer high-tech and everything in between.

I could have stayed here all day. The rain cancelled my hiking plans so I came to this museum between dinner and a show at The Spot on Kirk. I only left because I ran out of time. I can't explain how much fun it was. There are so many games! Some were out of service but I played every one at least once. I spent about 2 hours going from game to game. I'm sensitive to/overwhelmed by noise so I wore earplugs to dim it a bit and it made the experience much better for me.

Awesome experience and more fun than one deserves. Like going back in time to the old guys version of today's video games but so much better. I would say the price is a great deal to get in but I won't because I don't want them to raise it.

What a random, yet fun little gem we found in downtown Roanoke! While figuring out what to do on our day of exploration, My boyfriends family from the area kept bringing up the Pinball museum. we instantly perked up, as this sounded like a pretty fun thing to do. First of all, it's not really a museum. It's pretty much an arcade room with a bunch of pinball machines. However, a lot of the machines have signs above them with the year they were made and who they were made by....there were even some vintage ones from around 60 years ago.They also have some other arcade games, including some classic video games like Super Mario Bros and Frogger. It's only $12 to get in, and you get to play all of the games for free, which in my opinion is a hell of a deal. They've got a concession stand where you can purchase popcorn, drinks, candy, etc. They've even got a high score board where they will post your photo! Honestly, I think this place is fun for those of all ages. My boyfriend's mom didn't seem like she wanted to go at first but she ended up having a blast afterwords! Definitely a stop that you must see!

Really didn't know what we were getting when we booked this one in September, but glad we did. Lots of open pinball machines to play, and they even had some modern arcade and console games if that's more your thing. Basically, your own private arcade on free play.

Good variety of pinball machines from basic to advanced, old and new. Located on the 2nd floor of the Square Center building. The gamer bundle is a great pair to see the museum and Starcade, both with unlimited play entrance. Very nostalgic feel and also has a few video games too.

I hosted a family get together in Roanoke this weekend. We took a group of 16 to the Roanoke Pinball Museum. The ages ranged from 6 YO to 90 YO. All enjoyed themselves. Each adult paid $12.50 for unlimited play on the roughly 60 pinball machines.

This place is epically awesome. Reasonable cover charge and you get unlimited play. And they have a lot of machines with very few Out-of-Orders. Some cool historic machines. Great modern selection too. Such a fun time! This place needs to stick around forever.

This place might be the sole reason I go back to Roanoke. I had so much fun here and not enough time. We stayed overnight in Roanoke on our way to Savannah and were wandering around the small downtown area. At the candy shop, I was looking around the building and noticed there might new shops on the second floor. We went up and to my delight was a pinball museum. The owner told us we could play all of the machines for $12 and leave and come back as much as we want. We had a half hour waiting for a restaurant so we played (and returned back after dinner). In addition to pinball, there were some regular arcade games. But the true stars were the pinball machines. He had so many including ones before the 70s. I really enjoyed playing the oldest ones, originally $0.25 for 3 plays, listening to the old "pings" when the balls hit and watching the non digital scores increase. The games made in the 80s/90s were cool too. There were so many, I couldn't play them all but I tried! My husband, daughter and I had a blast. I was literally the last person still playing as the owner was turning off the machines around me. I felt like a kid and loved every minute of it.

Didn't have to ask us twice to visit this place! Online tickets got us 2 hours of the most family fun! We played everything that was offered. Old and new games- each difficult in their way. Our hands and fingers are tired but what a pleasant experience! The staff were awesome and friendly! Can't wait to come back again! Thank

Roanoke Pinball Museum was ok. It was not what I expected for $12. I expected it to be more of an educational experience about pin ball machines rather than a straight up pin ball arcade. The arcade was fun but I came out without a takeaway. There were little signs to identify each of the pin ball machines but that was about it. The space was small and only accommodated a certain number of people. It was a Saturday afternoon so it was a bit packed, although there were enough machines for everyone. I would suggest calling it an all you can play "arcade" rather than a "museum". It's a bit misleading.

This is the coolest place. Unlimited play on so many pinball machines. If you're an aficionado like my husband, you'll love all the machines from various decades. If you're someone who is terrible at pinball and going through all their quarters, then the unlimited play will speak to you. Staff was great!

Best. Date. Night. Ever. We spent two hours here, but could have been there are day! Huge variety of machines from numerous decades, and other great games to play! The guys that work there were great too. I can't wait to go back!

So much fun! Came here for the first time in October and brought kids back to experience it in December. Loved the variety of games to play. Ages 13 to 48, and we all had a good time. Covid regulations were nice in that it wasn't crowded and plenty of ability to social distance. Sanitizer provided. Masks required. We walked through and checked out the video game museum. Will likely try it on a future trip.

Great games I love mario. I like Luigi who is marios brother. Yordle Fondinglius approved.

Best date place in Roanoke. I can't believe I spent 4 hours in here. . It was really fun. Almost like gambling.

Great place to have some fun, all machines set to freeplay and very inexpensive. Over 60 that are well maintained and they hold league and tournaments.

$12 for all day play? What more could you ask for. Always plenty of variety. Being that it is a pinball machine a couple machines don't work at ant given time but that's the nature of the game, (PUN intended!). I have raved about this place ever since we went over Christmas break.

This was absolutely worth the visit. I can't say enough about how much my entire family loved this place! We got the combo tickets to include the arcade and went back and forth during an entire day of our vacation! The employees are very kind and the facility is kept clean! Definitely recommend this place :)

I have been to a few places around the country like this and was not sure what to expect in Roanoke but I must say this place was top notch! I managed to kill a few hours here while my wife was attending a conference and had a blast. Great selection of pinball machines including some of my teenage favorites. Also would like to give credit for these machines being in perfect working order.

This museum is a real find in downtown Roanoke. It's on the second floor of the city squat building, right above the candy store. It has an amazing selection of Pinball machines. From 1932 first generation to current models. The museum is well organized and throughout the surrounding there're are posters explaining the background of the machines. The staff is friendly and helpful. The price of admission is a steal for what they offer!! If you are anywhere near the Roanoke downtown area this is WITHOUT A DOUBT a must visit!

If you're a pinball wizard or just a fan of these machines, this museum if the place for you! For an entrance fee of $12.95 you can play to your heart's content. Hub and I spent a morning here recently and will most assuredly return next time we go through Roanoke. Heck, we might make a trip to Roanoke just to visit the Pinball Museum again. Tons of fun!

I was a little unsure as we arrived here since it was nearly 7PM, and it looked like the main areas of this building were already closed. However, the front doors were open, a security guard was at the welcome desk, and we headed right up to the second floor. We got a bit of a discount arriving so close to closing time. The name "Pinball Museum" is a bit misleading since it really is just a ton of pinball machines in what looks like a converted office space. There isn't really anything in the way of detailing the history of pinball or any information about the manufacturers or the industry or pinball technology. However, there are plenty of games to keep you busy. True, a few of the machines are out of order or being repaired, and the ones that do work may or may not keep proper score. It was a neat place to spend the rest of the evening, and my partner certainly enjoyed the games; however, I expected a little more from a "museum."

We took two of my nieces here last Friday. For the most part, they had fun as did the 3 adults however, we were a little disappointed that so many of the machines were not working or not working correctly. I had heard of this place before arriving in Virginia and was looking forward to going. My thought was there would be a number of machines from the "prime" arcade game era, late 70's-80's but the majority of the working machines were from an earlier time. Most had mechanical rotating scores instead of LED or lit numbers and were slow. I pointed out a few machines that either had a ball stuck or wasn't operating correctly and the clerk fixed them and reset them. Upon playing them, the balls got stuck again so we gave up on those. I heard there was a recent tournament and some of the machines suffered from the constant play. Don't get me wrong...we did play for about 2 hours, left and had lunch and then came back for another hour. The girls had a great time and my wrists are still sore from those flippers!! Hopefully those few silent machines will soon be in operation again. I may stop by again the next time I'm in Roanoke again.

We were visiting from NJ & stopped here. Super fun place, unlimited play for $12.50 per person. Mostly pinball machines but a few games as well. Lots of cool machines both vintage & modern. I spent about 2 hours here but could have easily stayed longer. You can leave & come back (get your hand stamped). I had my 2 sons with me (ages 4 & 12). They have stepping stools for the little ones to play. My little one got bored pretty quickly but my 12 year old could have moved in! Definitely worth checking out if you are into games.

Not so much of museum as an opportunity to play some of the classic pinball machines. Pay one price and play unlimited number of games (until they close...). Everything from one of the original pinball games (shooting wooden balls but no flippers) to early games with flippers to classic machines (e.g., Pinball Wizard) to some modern titles to a couple of arcade video games. The hard part about this place is having the discipline to leave at some point....

Wow! Talk about generational fun! Kids (10 & 14) thought I was nuts to drive them to a Pinball Museum; SEVEN hours later I had to drag them out to a local hockey game! By the way, they chose to forgo eating vs heading out with a promised return after consuming mass quantities!

Really good array of pinball machines from the very early designs to the more modern. Clean but a bit cramped. It is not a museum but an arcade parlor. Nonetheless, the variety of machines is awesome. Pricing a bit on steep side but worth checking out anyhow.

Great place for a date night! You can play all the pinball machines as well as the other games they have available. I like the history they have above some of the machines! The staff was very friendly! It does get a little load so I'd recommend going during the week when fewer people are there.

Who ever said the perfect game doesn't exist has clearly never played pinball..... We took our annual, fall hiking trip and this year the destination was Roanoke. (I just recently discovered the feature where you can make lists from your Yelp bookmarks)....so naturally I made a list for Roanoke! We weren't too sure what to expect because it is located inside of the Science Museum of Western Virginia. Upon arrival, you pay a one time fee at the front desk and make your way upstairs to the holy grail of pinball.... Inside there are over 25+ machines and unlimited play, from open to close. Yes! There are old and new machines alike. I literally played only two games the whole time: Ghost Busters and my favorite, The Wizard of Oz. (I think I bogarted this machine the entire time...) I didn't want to leave and my BF worked muscles in his wrists that he didn't know existed. Since visiting I have found a new passion for pinball and want to get my own Oz machine, only they cost $8,000, bummer! If you ever get the pleasure of visiting, make sure to check out the roof top deck for an added bonus! I can't wait to return!

I loved this place! We were in the Roanoke area and I asked on Facebook for places to see and this was recommended. I'm so glad it was! I loved all the vintage machines and the ability to play as much as I wanted. We were limited by the 1 hour street parking but we were told that we could come back on the same admission that day. Unfortunately we could not, but will go back when we're in the area again. So fun!

My husband and I went there to play like we were kids again. Lots of fun! It was great to try different kinds of machines and not have to feed each machine.

This is my happy place in Roanoke! Start talking to Nick and he is a fount of knowledge about each game and the history of pinball. He even taught me the intricacies of a particular pinball machine from the '70's, and then we played a 2 player game of it! The staff here is great. Very friendly. Spent two days here this weekend playing. Last time I was here was back in 2016, and there are at least 15 new pinball machines. The inexpensive entrance fee for the ability to free play is amazing! Very excited to hear about their expansion!

So many great games I have never seen before, and I seek out tables across the country. Incredibly friendly staff and owner. Cute merch - left with a t-shirt and a nitelight bumper. Tables in superb shape.

Awesome! What more can you say about all you can play pinball! It's super affordable and so easy to get lost in. So many options. They even have Super Smash Bros!

Great collection of machines-both pinball and other arcade games. It was a fun night out and you can't beat 10 dollars for unlimited playing and drinks available for purchase. It was a nice atmosphere with the lights turned down and the pinball machines glowing up the room. Will definitely come back to check out some of the machines I didn't get to.

Was in town visiting for business and happen to see a sign near the museum for all you can play pinball for admission price. Sign me up! It was great and could have been there all night if possible.

WELL worth the price of admission! My dad and I spent a solid four hours at this place, and still didn't get anywhere near playing every game they had available. If you've got a free afternoon, or you have friends/family coming in town and want to find something fun and out of the ordinary to do, the Pinball Museum is a pretty great choice.

We had fun here. Found on trip advisor for a top thing to do while in town. Good value to play many and neat to see very old pinball games.

This place is AWESOME! Love that you pay one fee and can play all you want, all day. Will definitely visit again soon!

I understand that Pinball Machines are mechanical devices and are prone to failure but at least 10 of the tables were completely broken (i.e. you could not even launch a ball). That is roughly 20% of the tables completely out of commission (with no signs indicating such). Unfortunately that is not my biggest complaint. The biggest problem by far is that even the working tables were completely unlevel rendering the playing experience a disaster. Balls would float right or left and even the front to back levels were way off (a normal pinball table should be included back to front seven degrees). Many of them were almost flat. I can understand a table being broken. Parts are expensive and folks lack repair experience. However it's inexcusable that they cannot grab a level and spend three minutes leveling the tables properly once a week.

What an amazing little place. Talked with Nick the entire time we spent there who was a superb gentleman and very knowledgeable. Plenty of machines to choose from, new and old, and all in great condition. Hard to believe you are technically in a museum. Everything is touchable and playable and has some kind of little story behind it if you ask the gentlemen there about it. Nick even helped us out while playing the games, telling us what to aim for and how to achieve special bonuses making it a joy to play there even without knowing about each of the games. If you have even the smallest interest in pinball, it's definitely worth dropping by if you are in Roanoke. I would also like to note that most reviews from prior to 2018 could be considered very outdated as, according to Nick, they have done a lot of TLC and acquiring of machines in the last few months. Everything we spent playing in our short amount of time there was in great condition!