Inspire More Joy: Arcade Nights at Home
My friend threw her son the ultimate DIY arcade birthday, complete with tabletop games, tickets, prizes—the works! My kids and I loved it so much, we decided to create our own family arcade setup, and let’s just say…we’re a little obsessed! Now I’m a thrifter, always on the hunt for quirky prizes and fun games to keep our arcade stash stocked.
We’ve hosted four arcade nights for family, friends, and cousins, and every one has been fun and engaging! Want to get in on the action?
Here’s how to start your own DIY arcade:
Games: Tabletop games are perfect. Try your luck at thrift stores, check places like Marshalls, or start this list here from Amazon. Collect a variety of games for all ages!
Prizes: I keep a prize bin with everything from thrifted finds under $5 to goodies from Five Below—think candy, toys, and arts and crafts. Add in a few extra treats for good measure like these which our are favorites.
Raffle Tickets: Grab a roll online here, or recycle tickets from past events to cut down on waste!
Set-up and hosting tips:
I use two folding tables—one for games and one for prizes. Cover tables with Kraft paper, then use chalk to write how many tickets each prize costs. Base the ticket amounts on prize value; if a big prize is 10 tickets, then set games to earn 1-3 tickets to keep things balanced.
To keep things fun and social, have the kids rotate partners for each game, so they’re mixing it up and connecting with everyone. Let the games begin!
We’ve been reaching for our tabletop games more often than the TV lately, and it’s been such a fun change! These smaller, easy-to-play games bring everyone together, making them perfect for your DIY arcade nights or a cozy evening in with family or friends.
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with joy,
Aneta - Founder of GWJ
