Step inside and it’s 1955 all over again.
At Funland Entertainment Center in Seaside, Oregon, the lights blink, the bells ding, and the scent of saltwater drifts in from the nearby boardwalk. Rows of classic arcade games hum with nostalgia, daring you to drop in one more coin and chase that high score like a kid on summer break.
Skee-ball lanes stretch out in perfect lines, their wooden ramps polished by decades of friendly competition. Pinball machines flash and clatter.
Prize counters glitter with small treasures that somehow feel like trophies from another era.
This isn’t just an arcade—it’s a time capsule wrapped in neon and laughter. Families crowd around machines, grandparents teach grandkids the perfect roll, and the simple joy of a ringing jackpot fills the room.
Ten reasons await inside, each one ready to pull you back to the golden age of boardwalk fun.
Classic Penny Arcade Row
Start where the time machine is loudest. The classic penny and nickel machines are lined like a living museum, buzzing with clinks and cheerful blips.
You can grab a handful of tokens and bounce from fortune tellers to peep show reels to quirky mechanical novelties that still hum with age. It is impossible not to grin when the reels spin and the lights flicker.
Stand near the token machine and listen. The soundscape is pure boardwalk nostalgia, a rhythm that repeats in your memory long after you leave.
A few of the cabinets show wear, but that patina is the charm. You will find tiny instruction plaques inviting you to slow down and savor each mechanism.
Check the lighting in the afternoon when the front windows glow. The brass and chrome pieces shine just enough to feel cinematic.
Kids move fast here, but you can claim a corner to watch and learn the beats. Take a moment before jumping to video games.
If you want a guaranteed crowd pleaser, head to the vintage baseball and strength testers. They are simple, satisfying, and wildly photogenic.
Keep tokens ready in a pocket for quick plays. Your best souvenir might be the memory of that clatter.
Skee Ball Alley Showdown
Nothing says boardwalk like a row of skee ball lanes begging for a friendly showdown. The balls are satisfyingly weighty, the ramps smooth, and the targets glow with that carnival halo.
You will quickly fall into a rhythm as the machine dings with each satisfying 50 or 100. Keep a casual stance, breathe, and let your wrist do the work.
These lanes feel timeless. The wood has that lived in polish, and the paper tickets tumble like confetti.
Go for a best of three with your crew and track scores on your phone for bragging rights. The crowd energy makes even a modest roll feel dramatic and fun.
Try a few techniques: arc the ball higher for the corners, or hug the rail for consistent 50s. If you are close to a prize threshold, feed in one last token for the win.
Kids learn fast here, so cheer them on and celebrate every ticket surge. Expect plenty of laughter.
Early evenings are golden, with space to practice and a warm glow across the lanes. Snap a quick photo of your highest score before the lights cycle.
Then trade those stacks of tickets for something silly. That is the whole point.
Vintage Pinball Corner
Pinball at Funland is a sensory rush that nods to decades of seaside play. You will find a tight cluster of machines, some modern, some beautifully old school, with score reels ticking and bumpers popping.
The chrome rails catch the neon and the ball zips like a comet. Lean in, nudge gently, and feel the cabinet chatter through your hands.
Pick a theme that makes you smile, then commit to a few warm up games. The flipper timing is everything, and the ramps reward patience.
Watch how the outlanes punish sloppy aim, then adjust. A few machines list rule cards that reveal secret combos and bonus multipliers.
It is loud, but in the best way, with bells that cut through the chatter of tickets. Folks gather to swap quick tips, and you might catch a mini tournament vibe.
When multiball hits, the room tightens and time blurs. That rush keeps you feeding tokens.
Do not forget to check for maintenance notes posted by staff. They keep the classics humming and respond fast if a tilt switch acts up.
Capture a short video of your best run. Later, the chimes will transport you right back.
Prize Counter Strategy Stop
The prize counter at Funland is half strategy, half temptation. You will see walls of plush mascots, mini gadgets, stickers, and those nostalgic novelties that look perfect on a dashboard.
Take a quick inventory before spending your tickets. Group smaller wins to stretch your haul, or save for a mid tier keepsake that will actually last.
Ask the attendant about daily specials or recently added items. Sometimes the rotating stock includes Seaside themed souvenirs or retro candy.
You can compare ticket values to find hidden deals. It feels like playing a game after the games, and that is the charm.
If visiting with kids, set a ticket goal before you start. It adds focus to the arcade spree and avoids last minute indecision.
Snap a photo of the dream prize to motivate bigger scores at skee ball or basketball. The psychological boost really helps.
Late afternoon is ideal, with fewer lines and fresh displays. Treat yourself to one small silly prize and one meaningful keepsake.
Tuck the receipt into your wallet as a tiny archive of the day. The counter light glows like a carnival promise fulfilled.
Retro Photo Booth Memories
Find the photo booth tucked near the arcade lanes and make it your time capsule. You slide in, pull the curtain, and the world outside goes muffled.
The flash pops, the strip whirs out, and you are holding something real. That small band of paper captures the boardwalk energy better than any filter.
Plan a quick pose sequence to maximize the four frames. Try one serious, one goofy, one candid, and one souvenir smile.
The booth height works for most folks, but scoot close to fit everyone. Keep a token ready because you will want a second strip.
Black and white is timeless, but color adds that arcade glow to cheeks and eyes. Tape the strip into a travel journal or slip it behind your phone case.
Later, it becomes evidence that you really felt the lights and laughter. Simple, affordable, perfect.
If lines form, swap pose ideas and make it a micro party. Ask staff if the booth restocks paper at set times, just in case.
Finish by snapping a matching digital shot beside the booth. Two formats, one memory anchored in place.
Basketball Hoops Challenge
The hoops game draws you in with a ticking clock and that satisfying nylon swish. Grab a ball, square your shoulders, and aim for a gentle arc.
The rim is a tad unforgiving, so soft touch beats brute force. As the timer drops, the game speeds up and your focus narrows beautifully.
Start with steady twos, then ramp to rapid fire as the bonus round hits. You can sync breath to shots and find a smooth cadence.
Friends will shout the countdown, adding pressure that somehow helps. It becomes a mini spectacle, especially during busy evenings.
Try different lanes to see which rim feels friendliest. Some machines calibrate slightly tighter or looser.
Compete for the daily high score and snap a photo if you claim it. Those bragging rights last all weekend on the coast.
Between rounds, stretch wrists and shoulders to avoid fatigue. If visiting with kids, lower lanes might be available, so ask kindly.
Trade your tickets and move on before you tilt into frustration. The goal is pure fun, just like an old boardwalk midway.
Air Hockey Frost Zone
Air hockey at Funland is a crisp blast of speed and reflex. The table hums, the puck floats, and your mallet becomes an extension of instinct.
Keep elbows loose and play angles off the rails. A clean bank shot can surprise even a sharp opponent and feel wildly satisfying.
First to seven is perfect for quick rematches. Track scores openly and keep the puck in motion to control tempo.
Watch for that sneaky corner trap lurking near the goal slot. Defense matters as much as offense when the puck is feather light.
Couples and friends end up laughing through sudden reversals. The neon glow paints everything with that retro arcade romance.
If you feel tilt creeping in, pause for a breath and reset stance. Winning here often comes from patience and clean contacts.
Ask staff for a fresh puck if edges chip. Smooth gear keeps matches fair and fast.
Celebrate with a dramatic final save and a ticket cash in. Then cool down with a slow walk past the vintage machines, listening to the hum.
Racing Cabinets Time Trial
The racing section feels like engines revving under a neon sky. Slide into a bucket seat, grip the wheel, and let the countdown pulse through your ribs.
You will find both classic drift heavy titles and newer racers with buttery frames. Each cabinet has its own sweet spot for steering sensitivity.
Link play turns strangers into rivals in seconds. Pick a coastal track to match the Seaside vibe and lean into the corners.
Feather the throttle on exits and you will shave seconds. Your inner teenager will fist pump at every clean lap.
Seats adjust, so take ten seconds to dial the pedals. Some cabinets offer manual mode for extra control, but auto keeps it simple.
Keep a towel or sleeve ready for the wheel grip on busy days. The intensity sneaks up fast and feels electric.
When you set a personal best, snap the screen and note the cabinet number. Come back later to defend it.
If you lose, laugh, rematch, and embrace the boardwalk spirit. The goal is flow, not perfection.
Claw Machines and Quick Wins
Claw machines flirt with luck and skill, and Funland has a tempting lineup. Scan for plush packed loosely with clear gaps around limbs.
That small detail boosts your odds more than you think. Angle your view from the side to align the drop perfectly.
Use the test swing trick: nudge the claw slightly to read momentum, then commit on the next token. Time matters because some machines loosen grip after a second.
Watch other players for patterns and pounce when you spot a reset. Tiny advantages stack into wins.
Set a budget so the thrill stays lighthearted. Celebrate micro victories like solid lifts, even if they slip at the lip.
Kids love the suspense, so narrate the play and keep it upbeat. A single plush win can power smiles all afternoon.
Ask which machines are freshly stocked, since new loads can be friendlier. Take a victory photo beside the glass for that pure boardwalk look.
Then pivot to a sure thing like skee ball to refill the win column. Balance luck with skill for perfect arcade equilibrium.
Plan Your Visit Like a Local
Funland lives at 201 Broadway St in Seaside, right off the action of the promenade. Hours run most days from morning to 10 PM, stretching to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Aim for opening time if you want calm aisles and quick access to favorites. The energy ramps beautifully through afternoon and early evening.
Bring a light jacket for ocean breezes and pockets for tokens. Split your visit into sprints so attention stays fresh.
Hydrate, take snack breaks, and rotate games to avoid fatigue. You will leave happier if you pace the fun thoughtfully.
Check the website for any seasonal updates or machine highlights. Staff here keep things humming, and the 4.4 star buzz feels earned.
If something jams, flag it quickly and they will sort you out. The vibe is friendly and hands on.
Pair your arcade time with a beach stroll at sunset for the full boardwalk echo. Snap photos outside under the marquee before crowds swell.
End with a final round of skee ball to seal the day. That is the Seaside way.