10 Delaware places with arcades, VR and laser tag to hit up this summer

From classic arcades to virtual reality experiences and intense arenas for laser tag, Delaware boasts diverse entertainment options for gaming enthusiasts and casual fans.

Here's a look at 10 places around the state where folks can enjoy VR, arcades, and laser tag this summer and beyond.

Zelky's, Rehoboth Beach

When folks on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk need to get their Skee-Ball fix, they usually hit up Zelky's.

This arcade also offers "The Walking Dead" sit-down game, "Jurassic Park," air hockey, pinball, skill cranes, bean bag toss and more.

Zelky's has two locations on the Rehoboth boardwalk, and a third location is nearby at Tanger Outlets. Unique to one location is their Ketchup Catcher game where people can use a claw to grab packets of the condiment. While it sounds quirky, this is a big deal since the arcade is located near the popular Thrasher's fries, which has a history of not offering ketchup to customers.

North location: 5 N. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach; (302) 227-1040

Tanger Outlets: 36706 Bayside Outlet Drive Suite 470, Rehoboth (302) 227-1043

South: 105 S. Boardwalk, Rehoboth; (302) 227-1044;

Hours of operation: The North and South locations open daily from 10 a.m. until "late," or until the boardwalk dies down; the Tanger location is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday. For more info, visit zelkys.com.

Ctrl V, Bear

Some people play video games, while others go in the video game. Ctrl V lets you do the latter. This virtual reality arcade gives everyone an opportunity to wear a HTC Vive headset and explore what it's like to be placed in a simulated 3D environment that feels real.

Ctrl V has over 50 games and experiences to choose from, including zombie games, boxing, mini golf, and even the cute phone app "Fruit Ninja" in VR. There's a selection of multiplayer games that you can also play with friends and family. This VR arcade has virtual escape rooms too. Ctrl V customers pay $29.99 per VR station per hour.

142 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear; open 1-7 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Visit ctrlvarcade.com or (302) 561-9040.

Diamond State Laser Tag, Dover

Picture an arena that's like a movie set where you get to star as John Wick. That's sort of the vibe Diamond State Laser Tag tries to give customers through its state-of-the-art Battle Company weapons. Join the red or blue team and have a shoot-out in the warehouse/lab. Customers will receive a one-hour experience that includes a brief overview on the rules, equipment, and each mission, which is six minutes long.

4621 N. Dupont Highway, Dover; open noon to 9 p.m., Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. $25 per person for one hour. Visit diamondstatelasertag.ourers.com or (302) 698-7014.

Funtivity, Newark

Bump watching "Fast and the Furious" films, when you can recreate that movie magic at Funtivity playing an arcade game inspired by the hit film franchise. The arcade has several machines, including other racing games and the throwback classic "Space Invaders." There's also a basketball machine for hoopers, Skee-Ball, ring toss, shuffleboard and more. If you need a snack, Funtivity offers candy, soda and other drinks. 

141 E. Main St., Newark; open 2 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. Visit funtivity.net.

Captain's Quarters Arcade

This gem in lower Delaware has enough games to keep young and old pirates smiling. Captain's Quarters Arcade has a mix of fun from old-school shooters to crane games and Skee-Ball; and patrons have many prizes to win. Snack options also are on tap including pizza, chicken tenders, popcorn, pretzels, soda and bottled water. 

35291 Atlantic Ave., Millville; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Visit captainsquartersde.com or (302) 537-1329.

Main Event, Christiana

There are over 100 games to choose from at Main Event Newark. That's everything from racing to first-person shooters, puzzle games and even "Dance Dance Revolution." Retro gamers can feel the love while playing classics like "NBA Jam," "Donkey Kong" and "Pac-Man." Virtual reality games and laser tag are on tap, too. Patrons also can enjoy the food bar that offers nachos to pizza and wings.

2900 Fashion Center Blvd., Christiana; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday. Visit mainevent.com or (302) 722-9466.

Lefty's Alley & Eats, Lewes

Tons of gamers have played "Halo" on Xbox. But what about on an arcade machine? Lefty's has "Halo" and other popular video games in their arcade room. Folks also can show of their Kobe skills on the basketball machine. The menu at Lefty's includes pot stickers, grilled panini, pizza, burgers and lots of other nibbles.

36450 Plaza Blvd. Lewes; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Monday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday to Saturday. Visit iloveleftys.com or call (302) 864-6000

Mid County Lanes, Middletown

More than just a bowling alley, the Mid County Lanes also have an arena for laser tag, and an arcade. Through its "Family Fun Galaxy" initiative, customers pay $8 for laser tag, and $1 to 8 to experience the arcade. The menu also has fare like burgers, wings, cheesesteak, and fries. 

875 N. Broad St., Middletown; open 5-10 p.m., Friday; noon to 10 p.m., Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. Visit midcountylanes.com or call (302) 378-0677.

Hideout Arcade Bar, Rehoboth Beach

The Hideout Arcade Bar is brewing with nostalgia. This arcade has beloved games like "Tetris," "Star Wars Trilogy," "Arch Rivals," "Galaga" and "Golden Tee." There's also Skee-Ball and pinball options like "Terminator," "Avatar," baseball and soccer games. Their menu offers wings, cheesesteaks, burgers, hot dogs and more. 

18693 Coastal Highway Rehoboth Beach; open 4 p.m. to 11 a.m., Monday to Sunday. Visit hideoutarcadebar.com or call (302) 645-1985.

Chuck E. Cheese, Dover & Talleyville

One of the most famous arcades in the country is Chuck E. Cheese. This legendary place is known everywhere for its iconic rat, diverse selection of games, prizes and pizza. Delaware has a Chuck E. Cheese location in Talleyville and another in Dover.

Dove location: 1275 N. DuPont Highway, Dover; open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday; (302) 736-9881

Wilmington: 3601 Silverside Road, Talleyville; open same hours as Dover location; (302) 250-4683. Visit chuckecheese.com.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters. 

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware's arcades for VR, laser tag, Skee-Ball and more this summer