Review: Playdium Arcade, Mississauga

The Bottom Line

Fun play area for teenagers and adults alike. 

Overall rating

• Overall rating: 4/5

Time to Spend

• Budget 2 hours

Recommended Activities

• Batting cage (>16 years old)
• Redemption games - ski ball, down the clown
• Arcade games - driving games

Playdium Mississauga

At dinner on a Saturday evening, as I sat watching two 10 year old boys on the adjacent table playing Mario Kart on their Nintendo DS. It made me realize how much I miss arcades and video games. After dinner, I headed to Playdium in Mississauga to satisfy my arcade craving. 

We arrived late, at 10:30pm, and weaved our way in the parking lot amongst anxious parents waiting to pick up their kids, ready for bed time. There is a March Break promotion, so we opted for the $31+tax for 225 credits over the unlimited play.

Once inside, I felt as if I've stepped into a teenage happy land. The arcade is relatively low lit, except for flashing video game signs, casino-like lighting. I particularly appreciated the high open ceiling, it made an otherwise cramped place seem much more spacious. 

Playdium is divided into three sections. The arcade, redemption ticket generating games, and a sports zone with bumper cars and a batting cage. 

Playdium offers unlimited 2 or 3 hour arcade game cards, but I don't generally recommend going for it as they are limited to arcade games, and there are many fun redemption games. Plus, unlike you're an avid gamer, 2 hours is long.

I knew that being in my early 30s also means a gradual slowing of reflexes. I did not realize it was that apparent until I was playing Down the Clown, and could only get half the clowns before the timer runs out. Then a couple of teenage boys took their turn, and their movement was so fast I realized I'm really not in my 20s anymore!  It was a bit of a sad revelation, but I suppose one can only accept that and try to "age with grace", right? 

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