Looking for a fun weekend activity in Zurich for the whole family? GamePlaza, the interactive video game museum in Zurich Altstetten, turns family time into an unforgettable gaming adventure. With two hours of unlimited play on arcade machines, consoles, PC games, and virtual reality experiences, it is the perfect indoor activity for families, especially on rainy weekends.
Children discover classic games for the first time, while parents rediscover the titles they grew up with. The result is a shared experience that combines fun, nostalgia, and learning.
Why GamePlaza is Perfect for Family Weekends in Zurich
Zurich offers many family activities, from lakeside walks to visits to the zoo. But when the weather turns rainy or cold, GamePlaza provides one of the most unique indoor experiences in the city. Unlike traditional museums, everything here is fully interactive. Visitors can explore gaming history from the early arcade era to modern consoles and virtual reality, all while playing the games themselves.
QR codes placed throughout the museum provide short stories and fun facts about the history of video games, allowing families to learn while playing. From younger children discovering simple classics like Pong to teenagers competing in Street Fighter, GamePlaza offers something for every generation.
The museum showcases systems from Atari and Nintendo to PlayStation, Xbox, and modern gaming platforms, all playable during your visit. Two hour play sessions are ideal for families, giving plenty of time to explore without feeling overwhelming.
Arcade Fun for All Ages
Start your visit at Badenerstrasse 569 in Zurich Altstetten, easily reachable from Altstetten station by tram or train. Doors open at 10:00 on Saturdays, making it a great start to the weekend.
Tickets can be booked online in advance:
- Adults: 22 CHF
- Kids (6–15): 19 CHF
- Kids (5): 5 CHF
- Kids under 4: Free
Once inside, many families head straight to the arcade machines. Popular cabinets include classics such as:
- Donkey Kong
- Asteroids
- NBA Jam
- Point Blank
- Time Crisis
Children often enjoy the light gun games, while parents love revisiting arcade hits from the 1980s and 1990s. Cooperative games like NBA Jam are especially fun for families playing together.
Consoles, PC Games, and Virtual Reality
After exploring the arcade area, families can move on to the console gaming zone. Here visitors can play across several generations of gaming history, from Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Mega Drive to modern consoles like PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Younger visitors often enjoy handheld systems such as the Nintendo 2DS, while PC gaming stations provide access to classic computer games.
For families looking for something more immersive, the virtual reality section offers a completely different experience. VR games allow players to step directly into digital worlds and interact with the environment around them. Throughout the museum, QR codes provide interesting insights about the games and consoles on display.
Events and Activities for Families
GamePlaza also hosts a variety of family friendly events and activities, including:
- Birthday parties
- Guided tours through gaming history
- Friendly competitions on games like Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution
These activities make the museum not only a place to visit, but also a lively hub for the gaming community in Zurich.
A Sample Family Weekend Plan
Here is a simple way to structure a family visit to GamePlaza.
Saturday
- 10:00 – Arrive at GamePlaza and explore the arcade machines
- 11:00 – Continue with consoles and virtual reality experiences
- 12:00 – Lunch break at nearby restaurants or cafés in Altstetten
After your visit, families can continue their day with other Zurich activities, such as a trip to Uetliberg for beautiful views over the city.
Why Families Love GamePlaza
Many visitors describe GamePlaza as one of Zurich’s most enjoyable indoor activities for families. Parents appreciate that it offers a break from passive screen time at home. Instead of watching or scrolling, families play together, compete, and celebrate high scores. Visitors often highlight:
- The wide selection of playable games
- The friendly atmosphere
- The educational elements explaining gaming history
It is a place where nostalgia meets discovery, and where families can share experiences across generations.
A Unique Family Experience in Zurich
GamePlaza transforms gaming from a solo activity into a shared family adventure. From retro arcade cabinets to modern PlayStation 5 experiences, visitors explore the evolution of video games while having fun together. Whether you are planning a rainy day activity, a birthday celebration, or simply a unique weekend outing, GamePlaza offers one of the most memorable family experiences in Zurich. GamePlaza – where families level up together.
