Best date night spots to have a little friendly competition with your partner
Elevate an ordinary date night by exploring exciting new ways to play games with your partner in Las Vegas (and we don’t mean the slots, but that’s fun, too).
Games are a great way to connect with your significant other. A study conducted by the University of Oxford found that couples who actively play games together are about 67 percent more likely to stay together. Even introverted couples who game at home need to get up, get out and stretch their legs on occasion.
Ranging from geek-friendly video game bars to lively indoor karting, here are 15 date night ideas for gamers in Las Vegas.
Date Nights Ideas For Game Lovers On A Budget
Player 1 Vegas Video Game Bar
2797 S Maryland Pkwy #24, Las Vegas, NV
Player 1 Vegas Video Game Bar is no noob to the gaming scene. Locals receive a discount on the cover charge to gain unlimited access to a rotating selection of classic arcade games, including an impressive collection of consoles from all eras. This is a geek-friendly hangout that welcomes cosplay and hosts weekly special themed nights, including Mashing Buttons Mondays, Turbo Tuesdays, and Weeb Wednesdays.
Drink craft brews, cocktails, or artisan sodas while playing your favorite games with your partner. The bar offers 50 beers on tap, 150 bottled beers, and cocktails. Plus, most draft beer samples are free. If you are extending your alcohol-free Dry January, order a draft root beer to quench your thirst. Player 1 also serves “Movie Theatre Style” snacks if you work up an appetite.
Twilight Zone Mini Golf
3645 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (Inside Bally’s)
Strut your putt game at a delightfully eerie attraction, The Twilight Zone by Monster Mini Golf. Inside Bally’s Hotel and Casino, The Twilight Zone by Monster Mini Golf is outfitted with an 18-hole miniature indoor golf course. This unique golf course is decked out with glow-in-the-dark decor, quirky props, mesmerizing artwork, and a live DJ. This date night activity only costs $12.95 per person with no entry fees.
Additionally, the luminous playground features arcade games and bowling lanes for gamers who want to keep playing. For more details, spiral down the SyFy mini golf website.
Pinball Hall of Fame
4925 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
For nostalgic gamers, the Pinball Hall of Fame is the best spot for revisiting vintage arcade games. Bust out the quarters for this game gallery. With pinball machines ranging from the 1950s to modern ones like “Game of Thrones,” the 25,000-square-foot pinball museum features a variety of games for couples to play.
All fun and games aside, this museum is also a non-profit that counts on all the locals and visitors who support it. In addition, every quarter guests slip into their candy vending machine is donated to The Salvation Army.
Griff’s Bar and Billiards
3650 S Decatur #12 Las Vegas, NV 89103
There are plenty of places to shoot pool in Las Vegas, but Griff’s Bar and Billiards is arguably one of the best. Griff’s is a non-smoking outlet with dart boards, a full restaurant, and a bar. The hangout’s sleek contemporary style is comparable to any chic nightclub in town.
Monday through Friday, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and between midnight and 3 a.m. During the 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. social hour, Griff’s serves half-priced appetizers and discounted adult beverages. The venue is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Battle Blast Laser Tag
8125 W. Sahara Suite #200, Las Vegas, NV 89117
Set in a 5,800-square-foot multi-level arena, Battle Blast Laser Tag is like experiencing a live-action video game in real life. With cutting-edge computer technology, this laser tag experience blends childhood classics like “hide and seek,” “tag,” and “capture the flag.” Laser tag games run every 20 minutes. The venue also has an arcade and snack bar.
For one game per person, it only costs $9 per player. Gamer couples that want to play more may opt for the “All You Can Play” laser tag special. “All You Can Play” runs Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $25 per person.
Trivia at Back to 80s Cafe and More
4755 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89119
There is a rad diner called Back to the 80s Cafe that not enough people talk about. The diner is decked out in 80s memorabilia, and there’s even a replica of the Ghostbuster vehicle parked out front. Bring coins to play Pac-Man and order the Tetris tater tots to nibble on with your sweetheart. Visit the retro café on trivia night to show off all your 80s pop culture knowledge.
Trivia nights are hosted every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, starting at 9 p.m. Couples may also brave the mic after some “liquid courage” to belt iconic 80s ballads like “Endless Love.”
Pro Tip: For a delightful surprise, ask the friendly bartender, Luke, about the pesky ghost lurking behind his bar.
Impact Archery
6323 Dean Martin Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89118
What do Katniss Everdeen, Legolas, and Hawkeye all have in common? All three characters are pros with a bow and arrow.
It’s likely that most gamers have picked up a bow and arrow virtually, so why not give it a shot in real life? Enter Impact Archery.
Nothing compares to the satisfaction of hitting your first target. Impact Archery is a 3,300-square-foot archery range here in Las Vegas. Certified professionals teach newcomers and refresh professionals in a safe environment. All the equipment is readily available for archers, and clear instructions are provided. Guests may shoot at a target set in a five- to 20-yard range.
Pro Tip: With equipment included, this activity is only $30 per hour, but sometimes Groupon offers it for just $23 per hour.
Round1
4000 Meadows Lane Ste. #100, Las Vegas, NV 89107 (Inside Meadows Mall)
Round 1 will be a hit with gamer couples. This gaming hub features a vibrant arcade, bowling, billiards, karaoke, ping pong and darts. Recently, the venue added another experience, Spark bowling, which features a selection of mini bowling games utilizing augmented reality.
Similar to chains like Dave and Busters, this venue also serves snacks and drinks. If you have kids, then this is also a great place to consider going for a fun family night out.
Splurge-Worthy Date Nights Ideas For Gamers
HyperX Arena
3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (Inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino)
HyperX Arena is designed to be a gamer’s paradise. Tucked away inside the Luxor, HyperX bills itself as the “ultimate destination for daily video game play, high-stakes competitive esports and tournaments, and gaming-related experiences.” No entry fee is required, but there are hourly fees for gamers who want to play. This gaming mecca is for players of all ages and skill levels.
Whether you love to play Fortnite or Mario Kart, this attraction has a variety of weekly tournaments that you and your partner may enter. Some of them even offer monetary prizes to winners, which raises the stakes for gamers looking to score more than just bragging rights.
Pro Tip: With a valid ID, locals receive double time, and military and first responders receive a 15 percent discount.
Flight Club Social Darts
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109 (Inside the Venetian)
This isn’t your average dart experience. Flight Club Social Darts inside the Venetian puts a luxurious spin on a classic barroom game. Personalize the game by adding your photos to the scoreboard and playing a variety of games. Players can choose a classic game of darts like Demolition or try something new like the Donkey Derby (a game where you hit your donkey’s number to move forward or hit another player’s number to move them backwards. The goal is to be the first to reach the finish line).
The semi-private playing areas, 27-seat carousel bar, and tasty refreshments create a charming yet eclectic ambiance that is perfect for a date night. Plus, there’s no parking fee.
Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Request a list of happy hour specials from the server to learn more about their unique offerings.
Pro Tip: If you want to splurge, then order some delicious refreshments. To drink, we recommend sipping on the Royal Lion, made with gunpowder green tea infused gin, English Breakfast Tea, thyme, East India Sherry and lemon. To eat, we recommend noshing on Steak Kushiyaka Skewers made with beef tenderloin, garlic ginger soy sauce, Kung Pao sauce, scallions, and fried rice noodles.
Virtualis VR
Suite 240 3215 S Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89102 (Inside AREA 15)
Not many virtual reality experiences offer two player games, but Virtualis VR does. The website defines Virtualis as “influenc[ed] by physical virtues or capabilities, effective with respect to inherent natural qualities. Being something in essence or effect, though not actually or in fact.” Equipped with high resolution headsets, VR backpacks, full body tracking, haptic weapons, and 4D effects, gamers play in one of the largest and most advanced free roam spaces.
In this immersive playground, the digital world and the real world collide. Games offered for two players include: Temple of the Diamond Skull (exploration game), Patient Zero (co-op shooter), Patient Zero Escape (co-op shooter), and Showdown (player versus player).
Pro Tip: If you want to stick around Area 15, order a night cap at their arcade bar, Emporium. The bar offers an outstanding beverage program, including craft beers and cocktails. This 21-and-up gaming establishment features pinball machines, billiards, and vintage video games. Art enthusiasts will also dig Emporium’s striking murals with vibrant colors and quirky characters. Visit on Mondays and Tuesdays to catch deals for Industry Nights.
Axehole
450 Fremont Street Las Vegas, NV 89101
Located in Downtown Las Vegas, Axehole is where gamers “unleash their inner viking.” This local attraction features axe throwing and a smash room. Although this isn’t the only place to throw axes in town, it is the only axe-throwing venue in Las Vegas licensed to sell beer and coolers.
There’s more to Axehole than just axes. Players may also throw spears, tomahawks, shovels, ninja stars, metal throwing cards, and other items. The website says that over 200,000 guests have been safely trained and have enjoyed the thrill of hitting a bulls-eye at this attraction. For $38, one hour of basic axe throwing includes training, games, and trick shots.
Pro Tip: While you and your partner are downtown, grab a drink at Millennium Fandom Bar in the Arts District. This is the ultimate lounge for cosplayers who love to geek out. Dress up as your favorite character and attend one of their weekend cosplay shindigs. From sci-fi to superheroes, there’s a fandom for every kind of nerd. Plan to come when they are hosting fandom karaoke, trivia or movie nights.
Spark Bowling Red Rock
Located inside the Red Rock Resort, cosmic bowling meets augmented reality to deliver the “Spark Light It Up” luxury bowling experience.
The popular video game franchise Angry Birds is now part of an all-new collection of mini bowling games inside Red Rock Resort. Roll the ball down the lane and hit the pins marked with Angry Bird characters to score more points. You and your partner can now compete against one another in six different augmented reality bowling experiences.
Red Rock Lanes, like many other attractions on this list, provides delicious pizza and beer, as well as savory snacks like nachos, fries, and hot dogs. Pepperoni and cheese pizza are their bestsellers.
Pro Tip: To strike a deal, plan your date night during Spark Happy Hour on Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is usually priced at $50 per hour for up to five people, but during happy hour, it’s only $35 per hour, and shoe rentals are just $5.
K1 Speed
4175 S. Arville St, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you! K1 Speed is an indoor electric karting facility that caters to your need for speed.
Unlike other go kart tracks, this karting experience is completely self-contained and allows drivers to race every day of the year, no matter the weather. All the karts are 100 percent electric with zero emissions. This means they are quieter, better for the environment, and some say easier to drive. The karts produce a maximum torque that prevents engine stalling and other mishaps occurring on other tracks. Drivers can go as fast as 45 mph on the course.
According to their website, the Speedpass is their best seller. This pass includes two races, a t-shirt and a membership for $64. For couples who only want to participate in one race, it’s $27.95 per person.
Top Golf
4627 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (Inside the MGM Grand)
For golf enthusiasts seeking a luxury gaming experience, Top Golf is the answer. This popular entertainment venue inside the MGM Grand features a high-tech driving range and an opulent lounge serving refreshments. Top Golf offers many amenities to easily elevate a date night.
Some of the perks of golfing here include: climate-controlled bays, a 48-foot video wall, free on-site parking, Topracer games, Callaway club fitting, lessons with PGA teaching pros, five unique bars, and two swimming pools (currently closed).
Pro Tip: Top Golf’s Heroes Program offers discounts for military (active duty and veterans), police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, healthcare workers and teachers. Heroes receive 10 percent off game play, 10 percent off event game play and room rentals, and 20 percent off select subscription memberships.
BONUS: Game Nest
4525 W. Spring Mountain Rd. Suite 112, Las Vegas, NV 89103
For just $10, players get an hour of unlimited game play at Game Nest. This lesser-known hotspot in Chinatown features both offbeat Japanese and classic American arcade games.
Fit for all ages, Game Nest provides a variety of rhythm games that correspond with goals displayed on the screen. For instance, Cho Chabudai Gaeshi, a game developed and created by Taito, prompts players to pound their hands to flip the game’s small plastic table to score points. This arcade offers a unique video game collection that is unmatched by any other arcade in the area.
