Imagine your kid sinking a putt under blacklights, then running straight to an air hockey table—while you sit back with a taco and an IPA. That’s the magic of eatertainment: a mash-up of food + games that’s actually fun for both grown-ups and kids. And here on the Eastside, arcades are booming.
Arcades aren’t just sticky-floored timekillers anymore. Today’s spots offer indoor mini golf, bowling lounges, board game bistros, and high-speed go-karts—all with menus worth showing up hungry for. It’s the new go-to for family nights, rainy-day escapes, and “we can’t do another mall lap” Saturdays.
But here’s the gotcha no one warns you about: many of these venues switch to 21+ only at night. Some as early as 7pm. One minute you’re mid-game, the next there’s a bouncer telling you your crew can’t come in. (Been there. It’s awkward.)
So here’s your solution: plan earlier on weekends, especially if you’re bringing kids under 12. And use this guide as your cheat sheet. It’s designed to help you figure out where to go, when to go, and which spots work best for your family’s unique mix of ages, noise tolerance, and snack needs.
Let’s get you from “wait, are kids allowed here?” to “we’re doing that again next weekend.”
Table of Contents
Quick Picks by Kid Age
You’ve got one kid who melts down if they lose, another who only wants “fast stuff,” and maybe a grandparent along for the ride. Welcome to family planning on expert mode.
Here’s the deal: no single eatertainment venue fits every age. But there are solid bets depending on the kind of kid you’ve got and how long they’ll last before asking for a snack or a screen.
Here’s the shortcut version—because you don’t always have time to scroll Yelp reviews while someone’s hangry.
Toddlers / Preschoolers (Low Frustration, Easy Exits)
Let’s be honest: your goal here is mostly survival. You want places where you can bail early without guilt, avoid sensory overload, and grab a juice box if needed.
- 🌀 Monster Mini Golf (Redmond): Yes, it’s glow-in-the-dark, but it’s manageable in size and super walkable. Toddlers may not play golf, but they’ll love the lights and music.
- 🎲 Mox Boarding House (Bellevue): Quiet, seated, and game-curious. You can grab a booth and borrow a board game while food comes out fast.
- ⛳ Flatstick Pub (Kirkland/Redmond): Hear me out—if you go early (like 4pm), it’s calm, short-course mini golf. Skip it on weekends or post-dinner hours.
🛑 Watch for: Loud music, steep stairs, long wait times, and places with “no re-entry” once you’re in.
👶 Parent tip: Call ahead and ask if bathrooms have changing tables. Many don’t—and that’s a dealbreaker when you’ve got a diaper bag and no backup pants.
Elementary Ages (Best “Activity Density”)
These kids are built for action. You want high payoff, low downtime, and some kind of reward system (like tickets or point cards).
- 🎮 Dave & Buster’s (Bellevue): Games everywhere, decent food, and you can usually trade in a $20 card for a solid hour of entertainment.
- 🏎️ K1 Speed (Redmond): This one’s for the 7–10 crowd who just hit the height mark. Fast, competitive, and full of “I beat you!” bragging rights.
- 👾 Monster Mini Golf: Still fun for this age. They start to get the hang of real play and can take it a little more seriously.
💥 Look for: Dense arcade layouts (less walking, more play), game variety, and venues with clear rules posted upfront.
🎒 Parent tip: Bring a lightweight backpack for snacks and water. Some places don’t allow outside food, but you’ll want it anyway.
Tweens / Teens (High Energy, Bigger Payoff)
Now you’re planning for mood swings, group texts, and the constant need for “cool.” Pick venues that let them roam a bit without making you hover.
- 🏎️ K1 Speed (Redmond): Absolutely a hit for teens who love adrenaline. They’ll race, compare lap times, and post it on Snapchat.
- 🌌 Forum Social House (Bellevue): This spot feels upscale—indoor golf, cool lighting, and food that isn’t chicken nuggets.
- 🎳 Lucky Strike (Bellevue): Bowling, arcade, loud music, and a vibe that doesn’t scream “kid place.” Just arrive before 8pm or it flips to 21+.
📱 Watch for: Curfews. Many spots go 21+ after a certain time—even if the group’s already inside.
🤳 Parent tip: Let them bring a friend or two. These spots are better with social energy and way more fun when they can compete.
Mixed Ages (Grandparents + Kids + Teens)
You’re juggling walkers and walkers. These venues work when you need seating, visual games, and the flexibility to tap out early.
- 🎲 Mox Boarding House: Truly the MVP for cross-generational groups. Grandparents can play cards or chill with tea while kids go wild over Uno or Connect 4.
- ⛳ Flatstick Kirkland: Earlier hours only. Fun for younger kids, chill for adults, and low-stakes golf that doesn’t need explaining.
- 🌀 Monster Mini Golf: Surprisingly fun for grandparents! It’s indoors, easy to follow, and doesn’t require physical effort.
💡 Look for: Places with real food options, good seating, and entertainment you can spectate or join in on.
🪑 Parent tip: Ask where the “quiet” zones or lounge areas are. They matter when someone needs a break—or a bench.
The “Age Cutoff” Cheat Sheet for Eastside Arcades
So you’ve wrangled the kids, found parking, ordered drinks—and then a staffer drops the dreaded phrase: “Sorry, we’re 21+ now.”
It happens way more than you’d think. Many Eastside venues shift into grown-up mode at night—even if you’re already inside. That means you could be mid-arcade run or finishing a round of mini golf when the rules suddenly change.
This table helps you avoid the awkward exits. Check cutoff times before heading out, especially on weekends and holidays.
| Venue | Minors Allowed Until | Hard 21+ Cutoff Time |
|---|
| Flatstick Pub Kirkland | 7:00 PM | 7:01 PM sharp |
| Flatstick Pub Redmond | 8:00 PM | 8:01 PM sharp |
| Forum Social House | 10:00 PM (Fri/Sat) | 10:01 PM (Fri/Sat) |
| Lucky Strike Bellevue | 8:00 PM | 8:01 PM sharp |
| Dave & Buster’s | Varies — usually 10:00 PM | Call ahead to confirm |
| K1 Speed Redmond | No hard cutoff | Calmer after 9:00 PM |
| Mox Boarding House | No age restrictions | Family-friendly all hours |
| Monster Mini Golf | No age restrictions | Open to all during hours |
🕓 Plan to arrive 90+ minutes before the cutoff to enjoy full access without rushing.
📞 Call ahead for one-off events (New Year’s, playoff games, etc.). Some places tighten rules for crowd control or private parties.
💡 Parent tip: Some venues require everyone in the group to leave at the cutoff—even if just one person is underage.
Venue-by-Venue Guide For Eastside Arcades
Every family is different—so we built these mini “cards” to make choosing the right spot as easy as scanning your snack drawer. Each one follows the same layout so you can compare quickly: best age group, what you’ll actually do there, age rules, budget ballpark, tips for avoiding waits, and a few honest parent notes.
🎯 Monster Mini Golf (Redmond)
- Best for: All ages, especially 3–10.
- What you’ll do: Play glow-in-the-dark mini golf in a music-pumping, monster-themed space. Small arcade on-site.
- Age rules: All ages welcome any time during open hours.
- Cost anchor: ~$12–15 per golfer; arcade games around $0.50–$1.
- Booking + wait-time tips: Walk-ins okay on weekdays. Weekends fill fast—book online if you’re aiming for mid-afternoon.
- Parent notes: Can be overstimulating for sensory-sensitive kids. Bathrooms are stroller-friendly. No food, but dessert options (like Molly Moon’s) nearby. Great for short bursts of energy!
🎲 Mox Boarding House (Bellevue)
- Best for: Mixed-age families, quiet game lovers.
- What you’ll do: Browse and borrow board games, order full meals from the restaurant, and play at your table. Shop is huge and fun to explore.
- Age rules: All ages welcome; no time cutoffs.
- Cost anchor: Free to play with a food order; meals ~$15–20.
- Booking + wait-time tips: Book a table during dinner hours or on weekends. Game library is first-come.
- Parent notes: Low noise. Helpful staff will suggest games based on your kid’s age. Great for grandparents + kids outings. Bring your own fidget toys for younger ones between turns.
⛳ Flatstick Pub (Kirkland & Redmond)
- Best for: Ages 5–12 (before curfew).
- What you’ll do: Putt around a quirky, short-hole indoor mini golf course. Tabletop games available. Casual food menu.
- Age rules:
- Kirkland: Kids allowed until 7:00 PM.
- Redmond: Kids allowed until 8:00 PM.
- Cost anchor: $8–10 for mini golf. Appetizers and snacks ~$8–12.
- Booking + wait-time tips: Weekdays are easiest. Go early on weekends to beat the 21+ flip.
- Parent notes: Not stroller-friendly. Tables fill fast. Lighting is dim and the vibe can be a little rowdy after 6pm. Bring wipes and a backup plan if your kid’s not into golf.
🏁 K1 Speed (Redmond)
- Best for: Tweens, teens, and adrenaline-loving 7–10s who meet height minimums.
- What you’ll do: Race indoor electric go-karts around a real track. Small arcade area nearby.
- Age rules: Kids must be 48” tall to race. Junior and adult karts are separate.
- Cost anchor: ~$25–30 per race. Annual race license (~$7) required.
- Booking + wait-time tips: Book online, especially for birthdays or weekend afternoons. Expect downtime between races.
- Parent notes: Loud and fast-paced. Limited food options (vending-style). Not stroller-accessible. Not ideal for mixed-age groups unless non-racers are happy spectating.
🎮 Dave & Buster’s (Bellevue)
- Best for: Elementary to teens, large friend groups.
- What you’ll do: Huge arcade with every kind of game imaginable + full-service dining.
- Age rules: Under 18 must be with a guardian. Age rules vary by night—some nights flip to 21+ after 10pm.
- Cost anchor: Game cards start around $20. Meal + drink ~$15–20.
- Booking + wait-time tips: No need to book for games, but do reserve a table if you’re eating. Load cards online to skip lines.
- Parent notes: Can get wild on Friday/Saturday nights. Noise level is high. Consider noise-canceling headphones for kids who need them. Great winter or rainy-day option.
🕹️ Forum Social House (Bellevue)
- Best for: Tweens, teens, cool-parent outings.
- What you’ll do: Indoor mini golf with glowing art walls, lounge seating, and upscale food. Topgolf Swing Suite also available.
- Age rules: All ages welcome until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Cost anchor: ~$12–18 for golf; food and drinks are higher-end.
- Booking + wait-time tips: Reserve golf online—especially weekends. Walk-in dining is limited.
- Parent notes: Feels more like a trendy lounge than a kid zone. Older kids love it. Not toddler-friendly. Fun for parents too if you’re staying for dinner and drinks before the age cutoff.
🎳 Lucky Strike (Bellevue)
- Best for: Bowling-loving kids, teens, and group hangs.
- What you’ll do: Classic bowling lanes + arcade + upscale bar menu.
- Age rules: Under 21 allowed only until 8pm.
- Cost anchor: ~$10/game per person; shoe rental ~$5. Arcade prices vary.
- Booking + wait-time tips: Must reserve lanes in advance on weekends. Arcade access doesn’t require booking.
- Parent notes: Loud music, flashy lighting. Not built for little ones, but teens feel like it’s “cool.” Skip food if your kids are picky. Not stroller-friendly.
Build Your Family Night At Eastside Arcades
Even the best venues can flop if you misjudge your family’s timing, energy, or snack needs. These pre-built plans are designed to take the guesswork out of it. Whether you’ve got 90 minutes before meltdown, need a rainy-day escape, or you’re organizing a tween birthday with “nothing cringey,” there’s something here.
🧃 90-Minute Win (Ages 4–10)
Activity + Quick Food + Dessert Stop
- 4:30 PM: Arrive at Monster Mini Golf (Bellevue)
30–40 minutes of low-stakes golf + arcade - 5:15 PM: Walk or drive 3 min to MOD Pizza or Red Robin near by
- 6:00 PM: Treat stop at Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
📌 This is the “we need to get out of the house” plan that doesn’t require reservations. Keeps everyone fed and entertained with no overstimulation.
🌧️ 2–3 Hour Rainy Day Plan
Two Activities in One Area
- 2:00 PM: Start at K1 Speed (Redmond) for junior kart races
Book in advance and check height rules - 3:30 PM: Head to Flatstick Pub (Redmond)
Mini golf and snacks for the rest of the crew
Optional: Grab cookies at Crumbl nearby or pick up takeout for home.
📌 Great for bigger age spreads. Teens race, younger kids do mini golf. All indoors, all in the same complex.
🎂 Teen Birthday Plan
High Energy + Food + Chill Zone
- 4:00 PM: K1 Speed (Redmond) races — book 2+ back-to-back
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at Forum Social House — cool vibe, seated food
- 6:30 PM: End with arcade time at Lucky Strike (Bellevue)
Be out before the 8:00 PM age cutoff!
📌 This hits the teen trifecta: food, competition, and a place that feels “older” without being too adult. You’ll need adult chaperones—venue rules require it.
FAQ (Answers That Won’t Go Stale)
Even after reading reviews and checking the website, you still end up asking the same five questions every time. We’ve got you. These are the evergreen answers parents need before heading out.
Q: What places are still family-friendly after dinner?
A: Your safest bet is Mox Boarding House — it’s welcoming to all ages and open later without flipping to 21+. Dave & Buster’s often stays family-friendly until 10pm, but it varies by day and season. Always call ahead on weekends. Forum Social House allows minors until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, while Flatstick and Lucky Strike are stricter: 21+ after 7pm or 8pm.
Q: Which venues have hard height or age requirements?
A:
- Flatstick: Strict age cutoffs — 7 PM (Kirkland) and 8 PM (Redmond).
- K1 Speed: Drivers must be at least 48″ tall to race — no exceptions.
- Dave & Buster’s: Anyone under 18 must be with a parent or guardian; check for day-specific curfews.
- Lucky Strike: No kids after 8:00 PM, even if they’ve already started a game.
Q: Do we need reservations?
A: Yes — for mini golf, go-karts, and sit-down meals, reserving ahead will save your sanity. Especially true on Fridays, Saturdays, or school breaks. For arcade access alone (like at Dave & Buster’s or Lucky Strike), you can usually just walk in, but you might face long waits or standing room only.
Q: What’s best for a group of 8–12 kids?
A:
- Dave & Buster’s is ideal: game variety, big booths, and flexible dining.
- K1 Speed offers birthday packages and can race larger groups if booked early.
- Mox Boarding House is great if the kids are into board games and can sit and snack while playing.
Whatever you choose, book it — walk-in groups that size almost always get split or stuck waiting.
The Eastside has seriously stepped up its game when it comes to family-friendly fun. Whether you’re chasing a preschooler through glow-in-the-dark golf or trying to impress a group of teens with go-karts and loaded nachos, there’s a spot here that fits your family’s chaos level and attention span.
Just remember — timing is everything.
Plan around those 21+ cutoffs, book ahead when you can, and always pack a snack backup (because fries don’t always come fast enough).
These eatertainment spots are perfect for rainy days, birthdays, or when your crew just isn’t in the mood for another park loop. But when the sun does come back out? Pair this guide with our Eastside waterfall hikes and you’ve got the ultimate activity lineup — one for indoor energy burn, one for fresh air and forest magic.