Why Pinball Is the Answer This School Holidays
- Ashley Burke
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
School holidays crept up on you? Running out of ideas already?
Sure, you could head to the movies. You could visit Te Papa. If the weather decides to behave itself, maybe even the zoo.
Or... you could come and play pinball.
I know, I'm biased. I work at Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe after all. But after watching thousands of people walk through our doors over the years, I've noticed something.
Parents usually buy a handful of tokens for the kids. And by the end of the visit, it's Mum or Dad buying another round because they want "just one more game".
It happens all the time.
Most Kids Have Never Played Pinball
There was a time when pinball machines were everywhere. You'd find them in fish and chip shops, cinemas, bowling alleys and pubs.
As home entertainment became more popular through the 2000s, those machines slowly disappeared. For many kids today, walking into Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe is the first time they've ever seen a real pinball machine - let alone played one. In fact, Wellington is still the only city in New Zealand with a dedicated pinball arcade.
Watching them discover it is one of my favourite parts of the job.
No Tickets. No Prizes. Just Fun.
Before giant redemption machines and endless prize tickets, arcades were filled with games that existed for one reason: they were fun to play.
Pinball is still exactly that.
It's One of the Few Activities You'll Enjoy Too
Let's be honest. Finding something to do with the kids is one thing.
Finding something that you'll actually enjoy is another.
The best thing about pinball is that you're not sitting on the sidelines watching. You're playing alongside your kids.
You don't need any experience, either.
We've got more than 20 pinball machines on the floor, featuring everything from Jim Henson's Labyrinth and Metallica to dinosaurs, dragons, and classic arcade favourites. Every game is different, so finding your family's favourite is half the fun. See our full list of pinball machines.
Don't just take my word for it...
Mike Graham⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place is brilliant! Very well done. I'm enjoying my beer while the teenagers are playing Pinball. How the whole thing is executed is just smart. Very impressed.
Wellington Weather Doesn't Matter
Planning outdoor activities in Wellington can be a gamble.
Pinball doesn't care whether it's raining sideways or the sun's finally decided to make an appearance.
It's warm, indoors, and ready whenever you are.
That's exactly why we see so many families through the doors during the school holidays.
Take it From me
I've been playing pinball since I was tall enough to reach both flipper buttons.
Growing up my Dad had a few pinball machines in the garage, and the three of us spent countless hours playing together.
We would've loved having somewhere like this to visit during the school holidays.
These days you'll find us competing in local tournaments.
I hope families discover that same hobby these school holidays.
Come and See What the Fuss Is About
If you're looking for something different to do with the kids these school holidays, drop into Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe on Bond Street.
Bring the family and find out who's the real pinball wizard.
No booking required. Just turn up and play.
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