A Mum’s Day Out at Retro Station Halifax: Where Nostalgia Meets Family Fun
Last weekend, I decided to treat my 10-year-old son, Jamie, to something a bit different. We’d heard about Retro Station Halifax—a retro gaming arcade that promised fun for all ages—so we packed our snacks, hopped in the car, and set off for a day of pixel-powered adventure.
I can’t tell you how thrilled Jamie was as soon as we walked in. The lights, the sounds, the colours—it was like stepping into another world. For me, it was like taking a little trip back in time to my own childhood. And for Jamie, it was like discovering treasure.
First Impressions Count
The place itself was bright, clean, and surprisingly spacious. The vibe was super friendly, and we were greeted by a staff member who explained how everything worked. One price for unlimited play—no tokens, no time limits. Jamie was already tugging at my sleeve, desperate to get stuck in. I could tell right away that we were in for a good time.
Wall-to-Wall Games
The sheer variety of games was impressive. From old-school classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to more modern hits like Mario Kart and Dance Dance Revolution, there was something for everyone. Jamie made a beeline for a racing game straight away, while I wandered over to a pinball machine that looked exactly like the one I used to play as a teenager. We ended up challenging each other to all sorts of games—he beat me at air hockey, I beat him at Street Fighter. Fair’s fair.
One of our favourite parts was the co-op games. Jamie and I spent ages on one of those shoot-‘em-ups where you work together—lots of laughs, lots of shouting, and lots of accidental button mashing. It was brilliant.
Great Value for Families
What really stood out to me as a parent was the value. Entry for Jamie was £10, and I paid £15 for myself. That gave us access to every machine in the place for as long as we wanted to stay. We arrived just after lunch and didn’t leave until nearly closing. No extra charges, no queues for tokens, no worries. Compared to a day at the cinema or a trip to a theme park, this felt like a total bargain.
A Proper Family Vibe
What I really appreciated was how inclusive the atmosphere was. This wasn’t a teenager’s hangout or an adults-only nostalgia fest—it was for everyone. There were toddlers playing on simple platformers with their parents, teenagers locked in fierce battles over fighting games, and even a couple of grandparents having a go at Space Invaders.
Jamie loved being able to run around and try new games without feeling rushed or pressured. I loved watching him light up with excitement every time he discovered something new. It’s rare to find a place where the kids are totally entertained and the adults are having just as much fun.
Tasty, Affordable Food
After a couple of hours of intense gaming, we were both ready for a break and a bite to eat. Thankfully, Retro Station has a café area serving snacks and drinks. We shared a freshly made pizza and grabbed some drinks, and it didn’t cost the earth. It was great to see that the food was affordable and tasty—perfect for a full day out with the kids.
Final Thoughts
Our day at Retro Station Halifax was one of those lovely, unexpected gems of a family day out. It was easy-going, full of laughs, and gave Jamie and me a chance to connect over games both new and old. If you’re looking for an affordable, exciting, and family-friendly activity in Halifax, I couldn’t recommend it more. Whether you’re a gamer or just looking for a new way to entertain the kids, Retro Station ticks all the boxes.
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