Fat Daddy's Arcade

Fat Daddy's Arcade is a video arcade and restaurant combination at Destin's Emerald Coast Pkwy, making it one of the area's go-to indoor rainy-day activities when beach weather turns sour. The arcade has a good selection of both classic games and modern ticket-redemption machines, plus an on-site restaurant so you don't need to leave to feed hungry kids.

The prize redemption store is a major motivation for kids — they'll spend the visit hunting tickets with the determination of a stockbroker watching the market. The restaurant makes Fat Daddy's a complete activity rather than just an arcade stop, with the ability to eat and continue playing in one location.

However, there is one critical piece of information every visitor must know: Fat Daddy's Arcade at this Emerald Coast Pkwy location is CLOSED on Thursdays and Fridays. This catches an enormous number of vacationers off guard — there's nothing worse than loading up the kids and driving over to find the doors locked on a Friday afternoon. Always verify hours before visiting.

On the days it is open (Monday-Wednesday 1-7PM, Saturday-Sunday 11AM-8PM), it's a solid indoor option. The 4.2-star rating from over 1,000 reviews reflects generally positive experiences, with the caveat that the limited hours frustrate some visitors. For Destin families looking for an afternoon of arcade fun on the right day, Fat Daddy's delivers.