Nashville's Ultimate Adult Playgrounds: 12 Must-Visit Spots for Food, Drink & Fun

Arcades in Nashville: A Grown-Up Playground

Nashville is a city that knows how to have fun, and for adults looking for a mix of entertainment, food, and drink, the city offers a variety of arcade-style venues. These spots are perfect for date nights, group outings, or simply unwinding after work. From classic pinball machines to modern gaming setups, these places provide an engaging experience that goes beyond just playing games.

Game Terminal

Located in South Nashville, Game Terminal is a haven for arcade and pinball enthusiasts. The venue features pop culture-themed pinball machines, as well as classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and even a champagne tower at the bar. When hunger strikes, there’s a menu of Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, burgers, and crispy chicken tenders to satisfy any appetite.

Tip: While some games are free to play, tokens are required for pinball and select games.

No Quarter

In East Nashville, No Quarter is a no-frills spot focused on pinball. The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails, while guests can grab food from the Brave Idiot food truck parked outside. The menu includes a classic burger and a fresh take on the tomato sandwich, making it a great place to unwind with friends.

Up-Down

Also in East Nashville, Up-Down offers a wide range of games, including Skee-Ball, Mario Kart, Dance Dance Revolution, and various pinball machines. After purchasing tokens, guests can order craft cocktails and beer from the bar. For a quick bite, the pizza window provides slices that are perfect for snacking between games.

Competitive Social Games

For those who enjoy more interactive experiences, Nashville has several venues that combine competition with socializing.

Play Playground

Play Playground, located in downtown Nashville, is an immersive indoor playground designed for adults. The 20,000-square-foot space features larger-than-life games, obstacle courses, and ball pits. It also includes a full bar and light bites such as pimento cheese dip, hushpuppies, and fried buffalo cauliflower. General admission costs $37 per day and includes 135 game credits, which equates to about 90 minutes of gameplay.

Tip: While the venue is 21+ in the evenings, guests aged 13 and up can visit before 7 p.m.

Bad Axe Throwing

Downtown’s Bad Axe Throwing offers 14 indoor lanes, an outdoor patio, and private bar tops at each lane. Before or after a throwing session, guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, Blu Ox Restaurant & Bar. The Northwoods-inspired menu includes hearty sandwiches, nachos, tater tots, cocktails, and local drafts. Reservations are recommended for special occasions.

Bowling and Beyond

Nashville also has several spots that combine traditional bowling with other forms of entertainment.

16-Bit & Pins Mechanical

Located under the same roof, 16-Bit Bar & Arcade and Pins Mechanical offer a mix of vintage arcade games, pinball, giant Jenga, and bocce ball. One of the biggest draws is duckpin bowling, a smaller and faster version of traditional bowling. The bar features cleverly named cocktails, and while there's no on-site kitchen, food trucks are often available.

Most games and pinball machines are free to play, while duckpin bowling costs $8 per person Monday through Thursday and $9 Friday through Sunday.

Tee Line

Tee Line in The Nations offers curling, bowling, and a full-service restaurant and bar. If you're new to curling, instructors are available to guide you through the basics. The venue also has TVs for watching sports, a menu of elevated bar food, and a solid drink list featuring beer, cocktails, and wine.

Pinewood Social

Tucked behind its dining room, Pinewood Social features six reclaimed wood bowling lanes that blend vintage charm with modern flair. Originally salvaged from a 1950s Bowl-O-Rama in Indiana, the lanes offer a nostalgic escape. The venue also serves a full food and drink menu delivered directly to your lane.

Brooklyn Bowl

Brooklyn Bowl in Germantown is a unique concert venue with 19 private bowling lanes. Each lane is equipped with high-definition projection screens so you won’t miss a second of the show below. Between turns, relax on the nearby couch while restaurant staff deliver food and drinks straight to your lane. Menu highlights include French bread pizza, fried chicken, and pulled pork sliders.

Eastside Bowl

Housed in a former Kmart, Eastside Bowl features 16 boutique bowling lanes, a music venue, an old-school diner, and an arcade. The venue also offers HyperBowling, a tech-savvy form of bowling with interactive challenges. Beyond the lanes, there's a full bar and food menu featuring comfort-food favorites like shepherd’s pie, burgers, and grown-up grilled cheese.

Golf Gaming

For those who love golf, Nashville has options that blend the sport with socializing.

Topgolf

Topgolf, located in downtown and South Nashville, offers a unique experience where players aim for large outfield targets using microchipped balls. The climate-controlled bays come with lounge seating, making it ideal for groups. The venue also boasts a full-service restaurant and bar, rooftop terrace, and live music on select nights.

Puttshack

Puttshack in The Gulch offers a fun and creative twist on mini-golf. The neon-lit atmosphere features tech-infused golf with automated scoring. Between rounds, guests can enjoy globally inspired bites and inventive cocktails at the full-service bar and restaurant. Standouts include poutine, Korean BBQ bao buns, and the cold brew espresso martini.

Whether you're into classic arcade games, competitive social games, or trying out new activities like curling or golf, Nashville has something for everyone. These spots are perfect for adults looking to have a good time while enjoying great food and drinks.