Big Top Arcade

Big Top Arcade in Pigeon Forge is part of the Face Amusement Group's portfolio of Parkway entertainment venues, and the circus theme here is executed well enough to be worth mentioning. The games, decor, and prize counter all fit the big-top motif — this is a designed experience, not just a collection of machines.

The game mix covers the classic arcade categories: ticket-earning games (skee-ball, basketball, claw machines, redemption games), skill games, and some video-based options for older players. The ticket economy is the throughline that keeps kids invested for a full visit — accumulating tickets across an hour of play and then getting to choose a prize at the end is a reward cycle that works reliably for the 5-10 age group in particular.

For families visiting multiple Face Amusement Group venues (which also includes 7D Dark Ride Adventure and Arcade City in Pigeon Forge), the combo ticket is worth examining. The network of venues makes it practical to bundle and reduce the per-attraction cost by 15-20%.

The indoor format and game-based content make this a genuine rainy day option. The engagement is self-directed — kids don't need to wait in line or follow a schedule, they just play. This flexibility is useful on a vacation day when the schedule has already gone sideways due to weather or earlier-than-expected fatigue at outdoor venues.

Budget note: arcades are open-ended spending environments. Set a card budget before entering and communicate it clearly to kids before they see the games. The 'just one more' escalation is universal and predictable.