Ketchup catcher machine at Zelkey’s Beach Arcade on the Rehoboth Boardwalk
Matt Weiner, owner of Zelky’s Beach Arcade, shares the story behind the Ketchup Crane machine, which lets you play the “Ketchup Game” for 50 cents.
Benjamin Chambers, Delaware News Journal
From classic arcades to virtual reality experiences to intense laser tag arenas, Delaware boasts a diverse array of entertainment options for gaming enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
Here are 10 places around the state where you can enjoy VR, arcades and laser tag this summer and beyond.
Zelkies, Rehoboth Beach
People who want to play Skee-Ball on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk usually go to Zelky’s.
The arcade also features “Walking Dead” sit-down games, “Jurassic Park,” air hockey, pinball, skill cranes and bean bag toss.
Zelky’s has two locations on the Rehoboth Boardwalk and three near the Tanger Outlets. One unique feature at the store is a ketchup catcher game, where you use your claws to grab packets of the condiment. While that sounds quirky, it’s a big deal since the arcade is near the popular Thrashers Fries, which has a history of not offering ketchup to customers.
North Side: 5 N. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach; (302) 227-1040
Tanger Outlets: 36706 Bayside Outlet Drive Suite 470, Rehoboth (302) 227-1043
South: 105 S. Boardwalk, Rehoboth; (302) 227-1044;
Hours: The North and South stores are open daily from 10am to “midnight” or until the boardwalk is not too crowded. The Tanger store is open Friday and Saturday from 10am to 9pm, Sunday from 10am to 7pm, and Monday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm. For more information, visit zelkys.com.
Ctrl + V, Bear
Some people play video games, others get inside them, and with Ctrl + V you can do the latter. This virtual reality arcade lets anyone put on an HTC Vive headset and try out what it’s like to immerse themselves in a simulated 3D environment that feels real.
Ctrl V has over 50 games and experiences, including zombie games, boxing, mini golf, and even a cute phone app in VR called “Fruit Ninja.” There are also plenty of multiplayer games to play with friends and family. This VR arcade also has a virtual escape room. Ctrl V customers pay $29.99 per hour per VR station.
142 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear. Open Sunday 1 to 7 p.m. Closed Monday through Thursday. Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Visit ctrlvarcade.com or (302) 561-9040.
Diamond State Laser Tag, Dover
Imagine taking on the role of John Wick in an arena that looks just like a movie set. Diamond State Laser Tag aims to give you that exact atmosphere with state-of-the-art Battle Company weaponry. Join the Red or Blue team and engage in a gunfight in the warehouse/lab. You will enjoy a one-hour experience that includes rules, equipment, and a brief six-minute overview of each mission.
4621 North Dupont Highway, Dover. Open Saturday noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. $25 per person per hour. Visit diamondstatelasertag.ourers.com or (302) 698-7014.
Fantivity, Newark
At Funtivity, you can relive the magic of the Fast and Furious movies with arcade games inspired by the hit film series. The arcade has a variety of machines, including other racing games and the classic Space Invaders. The basketball machine offers basketball, skee-ball, quoits, shuffleboard and more. If you need a snack, Funtivity offers candy, sodas and other beverages for purchase.
141 E. Main St., Newark. Open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visit funtivity.net.
Captain’s Quarters Arcade
This southern Delaware gem has games to keep pirates young and old smiling. Captain’s Quarters Arcade features a variety of games, from old-fashioned shooters to claw machines and skee-ball, where patrons can win lots of prizes. There’s also a selection of snacks on offer, including pizza, chicken tenders, popcorn, pretzels, sodas, and bottled water.
35291 Atlantic Ave., Millville. Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit captainsquartersde.com or call (302) 537-1329.
Main Event Newark
Main Event Newark offers over 100 games to choose from, with everything from racing to first-person shooters, puzzle games and even Dance Dance Revolution. Retro gamers can get their love in while playing classics like NBA Jam, Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. Virtual reality games and laser tag are also available. Patrons can also enjoy a food bar with everything from nachos to pizza and wings.
2900 Fashion Center Blvd., Newark. Monday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Visit mainevent.com or call (302) 722-9466.
Lefty’s Alley & Eats, Louis
Many gamers have played “Halo” on their Xbox. But what about arcade machines? Lefty’s arcade room has “Halo” and other popular video games. You can even show off your Kobe skills on the basketball machine. Lefty’s menu features dumplings, grilled paninis, pizza, burgers and many other snacks.
36450 Plaza Blvd. Lewes; open Sunday-Monday 11am-9pm, Tuesday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm. Visit iloveleftys.com or call (302) 864-6000.
Mid County Lanes, Middletown
Mid County Lanes is not only a bowling alley, but also features a laser tag arena and an arcade. Through an initiative called “Family Fun Galaxy,” customers pay $8 for laser tag and $1-8 to experience the arcade. The menu also features food like burgers, wings, cheesesteaks, and fries.
875 N. Broad St., Middletown. Open Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Visit midcountylanes.com or call (302) 378-0677.
Hideout Arcade Bar, Rehoboth Beach
The Hideout Arcade Bar is a space steeped in nostalgia. The arcade features popular games such as “Tetris,” “Star Wars Trilogy,” “Arch Rivals,” “Galaga,” and “Golden Tee.” There are also skee-ball, pinball, baseball, and football games, including “Terminator” and “Avatar.” The menu includes wings, cheesesteaks, burgers, and hot dogs.
18693 Coastal Highway Rehoboth Beach. Open Monday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 11 a.m. Visit hideoutarcadebar.com or call (302) 645-1985.
Chuck E. Cheese, Dover & Tullyville
One of the most famous arcades in the country is Chuck E. Cheese. This legendary place is widely known for its iconic mouse, variety of games, prizes, and pizza. In Delaware, there are Chuck E. Cheese locations in Tullyville and Dover.
Dove’s location: 1275 N. DuPont Highway, Dover. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm. (302) 736-9881.
Wilmington: 3601 Silverside Road, Talleyville. Same hours as Dover. (302) 250-4683. Visit chuckecheese.com.
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