The Rec Room

The Rec Room is a massive entertainment venue that combines a full-service restaurant with over 120 arcade and video games, bowling lanes, and other activities in the heart of Toronto's entertainment district. Located in the historic Roundhouse building at 255 Bremner Boulevard — steps from the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, and Rogers Centre — it is one of the most convenient rainy-day or evening entertainment options for families visiting downtown Toronto.

The game floor is the main draw. Over 120 games cover everything from retro arcade classics (Pac-Man, Galaga, Space Invaders) to modern racing simulators, basketball shootouts, claw machines, air hockey, and augmented reality experiences. Games run on a loadable card system, with each game costing between $2-5 per play.

Kids load up a card, tap to play, and work their way through the floor. For families, the variety means there is something for every age — younger kids gravitate toward the claw machines and simpler games, while older kids and teens head for the simulators and competitive games.

Beyond the arcade, The Rec Room offers bowling, ping pong, and pool tables as premium activities. These work well for families because they are cooperative rather than individual, giving parents and kids something to do together. The bowling lanes are full-size with bumper options for younger bowlers.

The restaurant component serves pub-style food — burgers, pizza, wings, nachos, fish and chips — with a dedicated kids menu. The food is solid if not exceptional, and the convenience of eating and playing in the same venue is a major plus for families. Draft beer and cocktails are available for parents.

A few things to know: The Rec Room is family-friendly during daytime and early evening hours, but the atmosphere shifts toward an adult bar and club vibe after 9PM, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. For the most relaxed family experience, visit during weekday lunch hours (11:30AM-2PM) when the venue is quietest. Weekend afternoons work well too, but expect more noise and larger crowds.

Budget note: The Rec Room has no admission fee — you only pay for games and food. However, the game card system makes it easy to overspend, especially with excited kids tapping their card at every machine. A practical approach is to load a single card with a set budget and have kids share it and take turns.

The Roundhouse Park location makes it easy to pair with several major family attractions. The Toronto Railway Museum, CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, and Steam Whistle Brewing are all within a 5-minute walk. For families with a downtown hotel or Airbnb, The Rec Room is an excellent after-dinner entertainment option that keeps everyone happy.