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    Funspot

    4.2 (298 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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    Kiddie rides
    Matthew L.

    Funspot is a classic amusement arcade that opened in Laconia, New Hampshire in June 1952. It was founded by American businessman and politician Robert M. Lawton. As recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, Funspot is the LARGEST arcade in the world. Originally opened as the Weirs Sports Center, then 21-year-old Lawton opened it as an indoor miniature golf course and penny arcade with $750 borrowed from his grandmother. It was originally located in the top floor of Tarlson's Arcade building across from the Weirs Beach boardwalk. In 1964, Lawton purchased 21 acres of land nearby and relocated his business there. At this time, it was renamed "Funspot". By the 1980s, arcade cabinets and pinball machines had become the most popular attractions at Funspot. The business soon switched from quarters to tokens. Lawton continued to expand the business and even opened six satellite locations, but they all closed down by the late 1990s. Funspot was heavily featured in the 2007 film "The King of Kong": a universally-acclaimed documentary about competitive arcade gaming. Today Funspot has over 600 video games (both retro and modern), pinball machines, ticket redemption machines, an indoor miniature golf course, 20-lane ten-pin and candlepin bowling, cash bingo, a restaurant, a tavern, an ice cream stand, kiddie rides and several other attractions on its grounds. It is also home to the American Classic Arcade Museum. My extended family and I visited Funspot this past summer while we were spending the week in Maine. On one day in particular, it was a little too rainy to go to the beach. Funspot was just an hour drive from where we were staying, so we made the trip and arrived in time for the opening. I have wanted to visit Funspot ever since I saw the film "The King of Kong"; it had been on my bucket list for a while. This place is HUGE; they have so many classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines from the golden age of arcade games (roughly late 1970s to early 1980s). "Donkey Kong", "Pac-Man", "Galaga", "Frogger", you name it and they had it. My wife and I had so much fun taking turns on all of the various arcade cabinets and pinball machines. I especially enjoyed playing "JAWS" pinball in a shark cage of all places. Our two sons especially enjoyed all of the various driving games as well as all of the vintage kiddie rides. My family also enjoyed a few rounds of skee-ball and air hockey. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun; I never wanted to leave. If you are a fan of classic arcades then you simply must make the pilgrimage to Funspot!

    Vintage games
    Serena S.

    Pretty much the best arcade anywhere! I played a few nights here and one night at the Weirs arcades and your coins go further at Funspot for sure! There are so many games to play and of all kinds. I usually try to go later in the evening on random weekdays as it can get packed here during rainy days, weekends and early evenings. The things to keep an eye on are games out of order, coins being eaten and tickets running empty before the machine spits all that you earned out to you. But you can almost always find someone who works there and they are good about making it right.

    Chicken tenders and fries
    King B.

    D.A. Long Tavern served is up a pretty good order of cheese pizza and chicken tenders and fries the other night. Playboy pinball and the twilight Zone pinball were my favorites in there. Also had beerTapper the arcade. Fun lil spot to escape fun spot for a bit. Funspot itself is awesome, most arcades are still a quarter. Bowling is supposed to go until 10pm but they wouldn't let us reserve a lane a few minutes after 9pm. Buddy even offered 100$ tip.

    Kate P.

    We've been going here for years! My kids loved it and now my grandson is enjoying it as well! Lots of old and newer games, mini golf, bowling, and just so much fun! Kids and adults all can find something to do! Great place to spend an hour or two or more!

    Ken A.

    Well, let me say that it was a nice drive thru the country to get here. Lot of smaller local roads, but the GPS was right on target. Parking was very plentiful and the place was easily recognizable. Small bowling alley served its purpose as a played a game. There was a choice between regular or the smaller ball style bowling, not sure what it was called but it is one the same lanes just using a hand sized ball. Mini golf indoors was in a rather large room and a little cramped, but still fun. Our first stop was at the restaurant as we needed to fuel up before hitting the games. Prices were reasonable and food was good. Would be nice if they put an arcade map on their brochure as there were multiple levels with all different style games. Older arcade games, games with tickets etc. Have to include a picture of one where I was able win 1000 tickets!

    Gabrielle V.

    The greatest and Largest Arcade in the world!!! They restore incredible Nintendo and Atari, Sega and all the classic games- from pinball, skeeball to newer games of Nerf, Star Wars, Jurassic park games. Absolutely LOVED playing here and you will win so many tickets after spending $5-20! They have physical tickets and coins to pay for everything- just like the good old days! They have game, rides, candle pin bowling, bumper cars and mini golf! They even have a restaurant. They have the world's largest pin ball game called Hercules!! That was SO MUCH FUN! Fun and games for the whole family! You'll love it here! If you want to play Bingo that is also next door and race go carts across the street. Best place to hang out with your entire family! Enjoy! Game On!!

    Newer pinball machines
    Stan H.

    Unbelievable variety. A bit overwhelming. Fun except when some machines don't work. Must be never ending for the repairman here. Quite a few kids here during the day- too young for school, vacationing maybe, or maybe even homeschooled? There is a bingo hall in another building, ice cream stand in a 3rd building, bowling, putt putt golf, and maybe something else are offered in the main building at a separate charge too. Concentration on older games mostly. Tickets can be counted fast with ticket counter machine but it appears that it doesn't count past 99. Interesting place to make a stop over.

    Joe S.

    An amazing experience if you love classic video games, pinball, or just having FUN! My advice to owners / management. Maybe have a way for people to "adopt" broken machines to get them up and running. A lot of us video game enthusiasts care about these old machines and would likely contribute towards their preservation. The gofundme and current donation methods are not working. You could put a sign on top of the machines stating that the following individuals have adopted this machine to ensure its ongoing operation and upkeep with the names listed. Then manage a program where people can continue to adopt specific machines for a small contribution ($20 and up). If the machine goes down, an email is generated to the members requesting support. Make it fun and it could be a win win for everyone. The biggest bummer of Funspot is the number of classic arcade game that are not functioning or in poor working order on any given day. Some machines are either completely broken or in desperate need of monitor recapping, coin slot issues, control problems, etc. Other games are in amazing / fully restored condition. The Robotron 2084 looked like brand new. I would love to see more effort put into getting as many classic arcade machines fully restored. However this costs money. I travelled from out of state with my cousin. We are both Gen Xers who grew up in the arcades in the 70's/80's/90's. Funspot had been on our bucket list for a while. We had a wonderful time and despite many games being down or not in great condition, I would estimate approximately 75% of them were in good to great condition and we have literally hours of fun playing them. For $20 you get enough tokens to basically play all day. We had a blast. The pinball machines downstairs were also amazing, especially the newer ones like JAWS and Stranger Things. The JAWS pinball is incredible, housed in a metal shark cage with underwater images projected on the wall. Super cool!! The have a nice bar downstairs if you want a beer/cocktail. I also love how arcade and pinball machines are spread all throughout the building. The video game museum part of the complex is also wonderful and I look forwarded to seeing the collection grow in size. Thank you, Funspot, for a wonderful road trip and experience.

    Rugs and tape.

    Fun for the kids and the nostalgia; however the carpets look maybe original, and covered in tape. 1/3 of the machines were either out of order or would just take your tokens and not work or not give tickets. Kids got frustrated at that. If you're going to be a POI and the worlds biggest... you need to maintain your amenities.

    Mini-golf at at Funspot, Laconia

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    13 years ago

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    Love New England style bowling!! So much fun with the family. Lots of game soft the kids. Very clean

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    Page 3 of 8

    Ask the Community - Funspot

    Havent been for a couple of years. Has there been a renovation? The alley was getting prettty run down.

    Hi Mary Anne, Yes, we renovated our bowling center last September with new lanes, new ball… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Funspot

    The American Classic Arcade Museum is just a part of the whole facility and the main reason I decided to visit Funspot.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Smitty's GameLAB

    Smitty's GameLAB

    4.5(2 reviews)
    38.9 mi

    Zap! Zap! Pow! Pow! Click! Click! Clank! Clank! Beep! Beeeep! Do you like arcade games? If yes,…read moreSmitty's GameLAB is a great establishment that is loaded with arcade games -- lots & lots of them. Yep, whack-a-mole is on-site -- plus, that game where you sit on a small, stationary motorcycle & do things like lean & turn on it, etc. You know the one...yep, it's on-site too. VROOOM!!! Skee-Ball + the claw machine will leave you wanting more & more tries! GameLAB is connected to Smitty's legendary dine-in movie theater -- where you can feast on an entire chicken dinner while watching one of today's top flicks. The atmosphere at GameLAB is electric & loud (like, very loud -- so fyi, if you hate noise). Flashing lights, kids running amuck & the sound of laughter will surround your being. GameLAB has bowling! A restaurant! A big ole bar! And prizes! We ordered wings & beer & a buffalo chicken wrap w/ fries -- all of which were comforting & executed to dining satisfaction. I ate all of my fries. Oops, burp. I didn't try a slice, but their pizza looked amazing too -- the pie had favorable elements on it like cheese & a crust. Iconic. Waitstaff was friendly. I liked them. They were juggling a lot but checked in with us frequently. That was kind.

    GameLab is a great place to go for a date, family get together, or to hangout with friends. Bowling…read moreis fun, the bar has ample options along with several TVs for sports, and a good size arcade. Check out their happy hour and deals on their website. Have always been happy with their service - definitely check it out!!

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    Smitty's GameLAB
    Smitty's GameLAB
    Smitty's GameLAB

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    Funspot - arcades - Updated June 2026

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