Arcade & Prize Insider: How to Max Tickets (Without Meltdowns)

If your family loves the arcade at The Fun Lab in Blaine, MN, you know the joy of swiping a card, watching those lights spin, and hearing the ticket counter climb! But let’s be real, between excited kids and shiny prizes, things can get a little chaotic. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s your ultimate parent-friendly guide to winning big, having fun, and avoiding meltdowns at The Fun Lab’s prize arcade. 

1. Start Smart: Load & Plan Before You Play 

Before you dive into the flashing lights and ringing bells, grab or reload your game card. 

Pro Tip: one card per child helps prevent confusion and sibling “ownership disputes.” 

2. Crowd Favorites & Classics 

From nostalgic arcade hits to cutting-edge racing simulators, our arcade has something for everyone—parents, teens, kiddos, and everyone in between! 

3. Budget the Fun (and the Time) 

Whether you’re spending $10 or $100, setting expectations early makes a huge difference. 

Try setting a “play budget” and decide when you’ll hit the Prize Counter. Once you’re done, it’s easier to wrap things up with smiles instead of tears. 

Weekday Hack: Visit Monday–Thursday for lighter crowds. 

4. Turn Ticket Math Into a Win 

Parents know the real fun is at the Prize Counter, where tickets turn into treasures. 

Encourage your kids to combine their tickets for a bigger prize or save them for the next visit (they stay stored on your card!). 

Best-Value Prizes: Look for classic faves like glow toys, plushies, fidget items, and candy bundles. All perfect ways to wrap up a day of play without breaking the bank. 

5. Keep the Focus on Fun 

At the end of the day, it’s not about how many tickets you win, it’s about the laughs, the smiles, and those “did you see that?!” moments. 

Make it a tradition to play together, parents vs. kids, siblings vs. Siblings, and celebrate the wins big and small. 

And when everyone’s ready to recharge, head to The Food Lab Café for pizza, wings, and a drink before one last round of fun.