Arcade Party Ideas: How to throw the Ultimate Arcade Party -

How to Throw the Ultimate Arcade Party (With Rentals, Games, and Nonstop Fun) If you want a party that kids will talk about long after the lights turn off, an arcade party at home is the way to go. We recently hosted the most fun, high-energy party by transforming our space into an arcade — and it was next level.

From real arcade game rentals to inflatable axe throwing, marquee lights, candy stations, and a saran wrap ball finale, this party had something for everyone. If you’re planning a birthday party, teen hangout, or family game night, here’s how to recreate this unforgettable arcade party.

Every party starts with an invite, here is the one we did!

Step 1: Rent Real Arcade Games

The star of the night was without a doubt the arcade machines we rented from Hardware Sales. The moment guests walked in and heard the game sounds and saw the glowing screens, it felt like stepping into a real arcade. I will say some kids were wondering how we were going to have an “arcade” and were a bit skeptical.

We rented a variety of machines so there was something for everyone:

Simpsons
Golfing
Pacman
Mortal Combat and another one that had SO many games
Pinball

It instantly turned our hangout space into endless fun and kept everyone entertained all night.

The best part is how easy it all was – Hardware Sales delivered it all, and offered setup and they came and picked up! It was literally the best part of the party and they even had more options than what we got! The Axe throwing was seriously so fun to watch everyone do! It does have a velcro top but we left it off since we did inside and wanted it more open. The arcades, the kids didn’t want to stop playing! The simpson game and surprisingly golf were the biggest hits! Now we can’t wait to rent more things from Hardware Sales!

Step 2: Add Inflatable Axe Throwing

For a fun (and safe!) competitive twist, we also rented an inflatable axe throwing game. This was such a hit — everyone wanted to try it, and it added that carnival-style excitement to the party.

It’s a great option if you want something unique that still feels high-energy and interactive. It is HUGE and worked in our house, but we want to rent it for an outside party next!

Step 3: Set the Mood With Marquee Lights

Lighting changes everything, and the marquee lights made the whole space feel like a real event instead of just a party at home. We did do two parties, one 11 & 13 but the kids were on different levels of the house and we switched the numbers when they moved it worked out so great and was a house full!

We used light-up letters and glowing accents around the game area to give it that classic arcade vibe. It instantly elevated the room and made everything feel extra special.

Step 4: Create a Candy + Soda Bar

What’s an arcade party without snacks?

We set up fun candy and numbered charcuterie candy, along with a table of bottled sodas so guests could grab drinks while playing games. It was simple, colorful, and kept the energy going all night. We had pizza and fruits and veggies to – dont worry!

What was decor was fun treats along with take home goodie bags for the kids!

Step 5: Set Up a Photo Booth

A photo booth is a must for any party. It gave everyone a chance to take fun photos together and capture memories from the night.

We added:

Props
Fun backdrops

Step 6: End With a Saran Wrap Ball Game

To wrap up the night (literally), we played the saran wrap ball game, and it was such a fun way to end everything.

If you’ve never played:

Wrap small prizes, candy, and money, gift cards/lotto tickets into a giant ball of plastic wrap
Guests take turns unwrapping while another person rolls dice – we like to wear oven mitts it adds a level of more fun!
When the dice hit doubles, the ball passes

Since we had two parties going on for this last part we had everyone join and it was chaotic, funny, and the perfect finale.

This arcade party was one of the most fun nights we’ve hosted. Between the real arcade rentals from Hardware Sales, inflatable axe throwing, marquee lights, candy, sodas, photo booth fun, and the saran wrap ball game, it felt like a full-on event — not just a party.