Saturday Free Play at Royce’s Arcade Warehouse in Chatsworth

Tucked away in an industrial warehouse in Chatsworth is Royce’s Arcade Warehouse – home to vintage arcade games, pinball machines, sit and drive or ride games, and more! Saturday afternoons at Royce’s Arcade Warehouse is a place I could have only dreamed about as a kid because between 10am and 3pm, every working game on their floor (including skeeball and air hockey) is available to play

Royce D’Orazio, owner of Royce’s Arcade Warehouse, is an independent television and film producer whose vintage video game collecting hobby turned into a profitable business. “Saturday Free Play,” is the calling card for the main business, which is vintage arcade rentals to businesses, homes, and parties.

A drive up the 405 on a Saturday is much different from a weekday. It’s a picturesque drive with very little traffic. A trip to Royce’s Arcade Warehouse is definitely worth the drive, and this is why:

1. It’s a great place for parents to bond with their children

I was a child in the 80’s and 90’s and grew up playing video games. Practically all the video games at Royce’s Arcade Warehouse are familiar to me, so sharing this bit of nostalgia with my young daughter was wonderful. Because all the games are free to play, you won’t feel so bad if your child doesn’t share your passion for Donkey Kong and wants to move on to the next game.

2. It’s kid-friendly and caters to a wide range of ages

There’s a natural overlap between children and adults when it comes to games. We saw plenty of families and kids of all ages enjoying the vintage video games. From baby-wearing dads to teens and their moms, to grandparents, this family-friendly, multi-generational environment is a pleasant change from the ordinary.

3. It’s a good place to meet up for a play-date

Unlike home gaming consoles, where communication with other players is virtual or via headset, Royce’s Arcade Warehouse is a social environment. Here, children rarely experience the “tunnel vision” that normally occurs in  the home gaming environment. Between the clicks of the pinball games to shifting your virtual car in the next gear, there is plenty to see, hear, and do. Royce’s Arcade Warehouse is a great place to socialize, hang out, and get a tasty bite to eat. They recently announced a partnership with Mini’s Croissants & Boba, which is also known for amazing cupcakes, crepes, and other baked goods. Here, parents have just as much fun on play-dates as the kids! Groups are welcome.

4. It provides hours of entertainment

As simple as vintage games may seem, they don’t fail to entertain. One of the things Royce loves to see is a parent or grandparent introducing a child to pinball. We spent a good hour and a half there, mainly because my daughter is so young (she didn’t grasp the concept, but loved to push buttons and ride on some of the games) and we had to get lunch. My husband and I could have spent all day there if it were just us!

5. They rent games out to parties, homes and offices

Similar to Netflix, Royce’s Arcade Warehouse offers a subscription program. You can rent out a machine for three months or longer, and change it out for another game within the allotted time frame. They also rent out and deliver games to your party location or you can host your own private video game party in their garage, complete with tables and catering! Psst: they also rent games out to offices with free delivery within a 30 mile radius and include repairs, so that “dream game/break room” is no longer out of reach!

Tips for your visit

• Even though “Saturday Free Play” is called free, there it is $3 per person donation when you arrive and sign in.
• There is plenty of free parking, and the entrance is on the side of the building. Keep an eye out for signs that point you in the right direction.
• Kids over the age of five will enjoy Royce’s Arcade Warehouse the most!
• Part of what makes it family-friendly is politeness and turn-taking. Don’t be a game-hog. Allow others to play after your turn is over if there someone waiting.
• Children aged 15 and under must be supervised by a guardian at all times
• Be sure to read and follow the rules for Saturday Free Play
• Open on Saturdays but check their Facebook Page or call their phone number about holiday hours

For More Information

Royce’s Arcade Warehouse
21817-A Plummer St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 850 9256