To all reviewers who gave a one star review just because of the size of the arcade. In my opinion, size should never be a factor in a review. My wife and I go there as often as we can and enjoy it very much. As far as size , we've been to the arcade at The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It is larger, but with the size comes a great lack of personal attention. I will stay with Oscar's. read more

Great hidden gem . It's on 3rd floor Nice little arcade to earn points and redeem rewards. Skiball . Basketball . Claw machines . Pinball machines . Sitting and laughing area . Food and snacks . Well maintained and clean . Good customer service . 4/5 read more

We did innocence with Sydney at oscars arcade. Sydney was fantastic. They kept up with us and helped us figure out the clues that we were completely missing. The clues were clear in hindsight but took a lot of brain power. I would recommend strongly read more

First escape room and it was so much fun. Sydney was so great!! Helped us out with clues as needed and did a great job setting the whole thing up. Loved it!!! read more

This arcade is great and is a fun outing for the kids. I think this is a nice affordable arcade at Cannery Row. Its medium sized and has a good amount of arcade games for the kids like Jurassic Park gun games, Halo Reach gun games, Minecraft top down, basketball, and those gambling games where you know its a scam but the kids still wana try (claw game, etc.). There's like soda and chips you can buy for the kids. There's pinball machines. I think the best part of this spot is the couches near the entrance. I took my godson here and when my cousins came to check on us, I was like coo, Ima chill here. And I straight up KNOCKED out hahaha. There's a bean bag. Its great. There's also an escape room nearby that you can do. The cost is like $50 bought me like an hour and a half for one kid. That's pretty good to keep them satisfied. You can honestly go cheaper but I was just thinking that my godson finna cash out here so he can go balls out here. Overall, a nice arcade for the kids to do when at Cannery Row. It's also at the top floor (Level 3) so find your way up. We took the stairs all the way up. I honestly don't know where the elevator is at and the escalators were busted when we were there. That's not a down grade but just pointing it out for folks coming here. read more

Oscars Playground - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

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The young lady that helped us tonight with our jail break (I think she said her name was Sydney) was great. She was friendly, helpful, had jokes, and gave us the correct amount of clues when we needed (only three by the way and done with 14 mins to spare- a personal best... however this could be because one of us had done it before and actually remembered some stuff- we later found out- such a brat), but Sydney was even kind enough to offer to use her personal extra credits on one of the claw machines in the Game Center as a happy birthday gift if we didn't have a game card. So sweet! I can't remember where she said she's originally from, but she told us she had done ever escape room in the state- so she's got the knowledge of what people really need when asking for hints! Thanks Sydney- you rock! I would love to see Escape 831 get some rooms like they have in Scottsdale, AZ if possible... Their rooms have mini theme rides in them, like big foot attacking... I don't want to spoil it, but ask for the "peach cobbler" to enter the secret rooms behind the ice cream parlor! Please look into making this happen here somewhere, please oh please. read more

We booked a 10th birthday party for our son in August and unfortunately had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Months later, we returned to take our kids and visiting cousins there. Barry, the owner remembered our situation and gave us the credit to use from the birthday deposit we placed back in August. That says a lot about the owner of this establishment because I know most owners would not have done this. Thank you Barry and Christina for the generosity. We look forward to future visits. read more

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We did the prison break escape room and it was a blast. Our game master Sydney made it extra special and fun as well. I will be back !

We stopped in for my birthday and signed up for the Mystic Manor escape room. Had an absolutely phenomenal time! We even loaded up some cards and stayed to play arcade games. Fun puzzles, great for our group of 4. The highlight by far was our escape room host (helper? Babysitter?) Syd! They were excellent and entertaining in explaining the rules, confirmed if we had already solved a puzzle, and were so attentive even when we didn't need to ask for clues. 10/10 read more

Had my 7 year olds party here in October. Really reasonable and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Probably one of the easiest parties I have ever had. We did the earlier time slot and practically had the place to ourselves. Definitely gets busier later in the day but still not overwhelming. Large variety of game choices too read more

Very fun place. We did the escape room and our host Sydney was very nice. She was very helpful and awesome. Definitely recommend

Awesome place to let the kids have fun. Slower days my daughter can roam and enjoy her time and it feels safe and enclosed. There's only one way in and out of the place. Busier days..big pushy kids and some rude families make it hard to let my daughter roam..but she still has so much fun as long as I'm there to mama bear our way through. Great air hockey tables, some old school Pac-Man, a few pinball machines, basketball, ski ball, Minecraft, tons of easy fun games for the littles, and challenging ones for the bigs. It's an awesome place for all ages needless to say. Very clean, staff employees walk around and sanitize as they see the games open up. They have an area for parents to relax and watch sports on TV which is super nice. Been to two birthday parties here now and both were fantastic! If you need a party room, they've got a giant one that includes tables and chairs. read more

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Would give 0 stars if I could. We did an escape room and was curious about the arcade- the staffed yelled at us for a game card in the lobby. I do not appreciate being yelled at as well as being prevented from looking at the games to play with my family. Why would I spend money on a game card without seeing what to play? This has soured my experience with the company as a whole. I normally do not write reviews or write negative things but this was a terrible way to treat customers. I will not be supporting their escape rooms or other entertainment options in the future. EDIT: Owner responded trying to justify staff yelling at customers and children, which is never appropriate at a "family friendly establishment." I see other reviews here about staff being rude, so seems like it's not a one off. My first interaction was with a staff yelling at me, so what help would "slowing down and listening" do. read more

We absolutely love this little gem in Cannery Row. My family and I frequent Cannery Row from LA and this is a place that we always hit every time we come. We load my daughter's play pass up and let her have at it while I sit at the cafe area and veg for a bit. They also have another lounge area for parents in front of the place. Since this is so close to our hotel we always walk, but there are a lot of parking lots, parking structures, and metered street parking to park at. They also sell Monterey Bay FC merch here because the owner is a fan. My daughter loves the prize kiosk, they have a lot of cute stuff there. I know they also do birthday parties/escape room there too and they look like a lot of fun! read more

We had a wonderful time last night at Oscar's, celebrating my husband's 34th birthday! We went to the arcade side. They have an awesome variety of games and it's a big enough space that you don't feel cramped (and kids can run around, too). They have a bar and food area - so it's very well suited for an hour or two of fun for the whole family. Can't wait to return!! read more

Had a great time at Oscar's Playground during my family's visit to Monterey. The place is super clean, spacious, with an array of machines for kids (and adults) of all ages. This is a great place to bring your kids while strolling through Cannery Row. We loved how there was a seating area with couches to relax in, great for parents to just rest their feet while they have kids play around. There are pinball machines next to the couches, which was a nostalgia for us adults who grew up playing with pinballs. My family and I also booked an escape room...which was the highlight of our visit! It was so much fun and a must try. We're so glad we stumbled upon Oscar's Playground! We definitely recommend that you visit this place if you're ever in the area! read more

Super cute arcade with great hours. My two kids had fun while waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant. Seemed reasonably priced, clean, safe and all the machines are in working order. Hoping this place is around on our visit next year! read more

We had the best time at our wedding welcome party at Oscar's Playground event room! The entire staff is extremely helpful, provides so many resources to help make an input an event on, and even was checking in on us with the cleanup process. We are so thankful for the incredible hospitality, reasonably priced event venue that the Oscar's Playground offers it honestly is the best View from the third floor right on Cannery Row and we had 100 people all dressed in Waite going to explore the entire row after our event and we turned heads to the entire night. It was such an incredible evening incredible experience at Oscar's Playground and we definitely be back. We hosted 70 guests, held a magic show, TV Kahoot game, an audio guest book, music, hung an immersive flower wall, and raffled off game cards to the arcade at our event! Guests loved the bar within the arcade and ventured back to the event space. So grateful for Oscar!!! read more

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Nice little place on cannery row. Took my kid here for the first "locals night" and it was one of the best nights out she's ever had. Snacks and games and fun! Thank you for providing the locals night. I hope it is something you continue doing. read more

Oscars Playground - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

Such a fun place! They offer 2 types of game cards, (1) an unlimited game card per x hours (no ticket prize games, example claw machines). I really like this option because I love video games, but Im not that good so I die quite quickly. With the hour play card, I can keep continuing my game. (2) There is also an option for a dollar amount play card so my kids could play all the ticket games and redeem for prizes. They also have a really cool cotton candy machine that makes different shaped and colored cotton candy. They have other areas but this is what we did read more

Oscars Playground - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

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Hello I went to Oscars Playground with a group of college friends the other day to do an escape room and it was so cool!! We did the Mystical Manor and our room was very realistic and probably the best escape room I have done so far. The room was pretty challenging so we had to ask our helpful game master Tracy for hints. We completed the room with barely a minute left and had a great time solving our way out. We also got some drinks and did some arcade games to enjoy the rest of the evening. The other staff were very kind too. I definitely recommend checking this place out if you're a local or visiting Monterey! read more

Extremely clean, the staff were so friendly and let us walk around before purchasing anything. Very spacious and I love that kids cannot just be there without paid admission read more

Kids had a great time and our doggy was allowed! There are cool pricing options too. There is a nice couch area for the adults too. read more

Oscars Playground - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

We LOVED Oscar's playground! We played all three escape rooms here. I've played hundreds of escape rooms and these ones are top notch. The set design was immersive and highly impressive. These themes were well thought out and most importantly the puzzles were fun, unique, clever, and fair. The atmosphere here is one of excitement. They have fun arcade games, snacks and a party area. If I lived locally I'd have a birthday party here in a heartbeat. We completed the games over a two day period and everyone in the place was excited and amped up. I highly recommend this place for escape rooms, arcade, and a party spot. read more

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My husband and 1 yr old son came in because it looked fun! When entering they were approached by a employee letting them know that they needed a card to play. My husband let them know he wanted to look around first to see if my son was intrested. He then was approached again about buying a card. He told them he was waiting for me. 5 minutes go by and my son is playing on a bean bag chair and he sees the employees talking . A third employee approaches and she said that they really encourage a card to play games to be inside. My husband said okay and walked out. I completely understand if my son was trying to play the games but he was just being a boy and looking around. I don't think we will ever return to this place. read more

Oscars playground is new to cannery row , This spot used to be a bar/club but now it's a new spot which is part of the Escape room. They have Lots of arcade games and each are 1.50 You pay separately if you want to do one of their escape rooms. It's fun if you do it with a group. It's nice to bring the kiddos while you enjoy a local beer and sit at They're lounge area. The inside of this place is full of so much art from so many local artist! The hallway to the bathroom glows in the dark. Looks pretty cool. Love coming here, Will for sure be a regular lol read more

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This has quickly become a popular spot for kids' birthday parties. The unlimited play is brain candy. They made announcements for food and cake and there was always someone on staff nearby to ask if you needed something. There is a big, open room away from the arcade with a great view of the bay you can rent out and furnish to your liking (they also provide folding tables and chairs) and even helped us break down and carry things out to the car at the last party. Everyone on staff was helpful and seemed to want to make the stress of throwing a party a little less so. There's also a bar for the grown ups so you don't have to sneak your drinks in a cooler under a pile of ice like you would most places. All in all, they seem to know where their return customers are going to come from and do a good job taking care of them. I'm sure I'll be back for several more parties while my kids are young. read more

We did the Christmas Story escape room. We booked online and we had a great time. We did have to have clues but we got out! I would definitely book another room here in the future. Staff are very nice and helpful. read more

What a great place to throw a birthday party! They really take care of you and give you a beautiful, clean and spacious party room to set up a party in. There's tables and chairs and even had a Bluetooth speaker to play music through. I didn't even realize until the actual party day that there was a beautiful balcony/patio that overlooks Cannery Row and all the exciting action below. The giant room had windows and fresh air coming through and an awesome view from all sides. We got to set up the party and have banners with permission with approved tape. Shout out to Malcolm especially for being the initial person who drew me into wanting to have a party here and he answered all my questions with such patience. He gave me all the information I needed to call in and reserve a date. I spoke with the wonderful Christine and she is an absolute doll. She really worked with me on setting a date and explained everything thoroughly. It's a great deal for the room and game cards. When I invited my daughter's classmates, another mom had said they already had a party and loved it here.The arcade area is clean, and they even have a couple of old school games and carnival like games too. They have a great little bar that serves beer and seltzers and pizza. Just a note if you get certain cards, they don't always give out game tickets to win prizes but you can talk to the attendant about that before you purchase. Again all the staff were so courteous and so polite that we ended up feeding them pizzas and cupcakes and did I mention that they do the clean up for you? I hope they never get rid of the employees, especially Malcolm who is an asset to the business!!! And the great thing about this is you can have anybody cater the event or bring your own food in, or just order from Oscar's Playground. They also have a couple of escape rooms which I have yet to try but want to. All in all, this is a great place to come on any day to have fun and play video games, and also to throw a party, or just have a date night. read more

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It was so fun!!! Nice relaxing area as well with a bar! A lot of games that didn't seem to cost as much as other places. Friendly staff! Can't wait to go back! read more

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My daughter and I were looking to do an escape room! We ended up at this location on accident and I am SO GLAD WE DID. What we thought was going to be an hour trip turned into at least four. Scott, alyssa, and Malcolm were an absolute dream! We ended up staying to do two escape rooms instead of one and they were so accommodating. We played at the arcade and had some drinks and snacks!! My daughter kept referring to me as inmate mom (as our game master Scott called me in the game) the accident I thought I made in booking this location turned into something we will remember for a lifetime! Alyssa, Scott, and Malcolm were welcoming, kind, and an absolute blast! I will be coming back here and telling family and friends about it. Anywhere from great conversations, arcade help, escape room help, and drinks/snacks this team of employees made my daughter and I so happy! Overall experience 10/5 but unfortunately can't give more then five read more

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This arcade is really nice. I enjoyed playing most of the games with my husband. Everyone was really friendly, nice atmosphere, I am local & definitely will be back! read more

We had an amazing birthday party at Oschar 's playground. We rented the room and had a DJ, Taco Caterers, and piñata. Everything was so great and easy. We were able to bring in our decorations and drinks. We also bought game cards for all the kids that attended. The owners, Barrie and Christina and their son are very helpful and are easy to work with. This is a great addition to our community and we love going here. We also do the escape rooms often and those are very fun as well. read more

Oscars Playground - Night party in the party room - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

My group and I recently did the Mystical Manor escape room at Oscar's Playground and it was an amazing experience! Tracy, our game master, clearly explained the rules of the escape room with both precision and humor, and tremendously added to such a wonderful experience. The escape room was very well made, with so many clever puzzles and some crazy twists and turns. I would highly recommend it for any group, regardless of experience or age. I have never seen an escape room give such a beginner friendly experience while also adding a unique level of difficulty, making it equally hard for both experienced players and newcomers alike. Will absolutely be coming back to try the rest. Thank you for a great time! read more

We had my daughter's 7th birthday here and we were all absolutely blown away at how wonderful the staff at Oscar's playground made it for us! They were so communicative and helpful in every aspect and that resulted in an AMAZING party for our little girl. Our guests all commented on how wonderful the venue was (with an ocean view!) as well as how clean and FUN the games were. Our experience absolutely exceeded our expectations and we cannot thank the staff at Oscar's playground enough!!!! read more

Oscars Playground - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

We've had two birthday parties for our sons at Oscar's; last year's party was so fun that they wanted to do it again at Oscar's this year. The arcade is awesome.... so many different games to play that every boy at our party was happy. Then we did an escape room which is always a great time. We have nothing bad to say, only a rave review! The owners do whatever they can to make your party memorable. Highly recommend Oscar's for parties or just having fun afternoon. read more

Rude customer service. Came in to look and within 5 minutes of sitting down with my family someone told us we couldn't sit there unless we played on the arcade. Horrible way of making people feel welcome. Disappointed in this local business. Reply to business owner: It was a PacMan table in the corner. We sat down for just a minute and someone came and asked it we were going to play the machine or else we'd need to leave that machine open. There wasn't anyone around. Plus tbh I would have probably sat and played the machine if she would have been more polite. I was actually trying out how to play the machine when we sat down. read more

We went to the escape room over the weekend and had SO much fun. Scott was the highlight of it all and made the experience even better. He was so funny and we really enjoyed all of his clues he had to give us definitely recommend! read more

Oscars Playground - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

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This place is fantastic. It's the cleanest arcade I have ever been too. Having a child I go to arcades all over the country regularly. This arcade includes a clean hang out area for adults or younger children. You can play connect 4 with a beverage from the bar while looking at the ocean from the big windows. They also have an escape room. We had a great time and will definitely be back. read more

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This is a nice family friendly place to take the kids and allow parents to have a nice mini rest break from the hustle and bustle of Cannery Row. It is very spacious and is divided into multiple spaces. There is an arcade and gaming area, a food/drink/ snacks area, a comfy lounge / play area, and an whole escape room area. The owners and staff are very friendly . They were very patient and answered all of my son's ( who is on the autism spectrum and a retro arcade game enthusiast) questions. It wasn't too overwhelming and a great place to hang out ! read more

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