Nickel City, Northbrook

Nickel City Games boasts a miniature metropolis of more than 100 video arcade games and redemption games, which require not tokens or quarters but mere nickels to play. Players compete for prize bounties at redemption games such as skee-ball and basketball, which dispense tickets to be exchanged for hundreds of family-friendly baubles. Elsewhere, visitors play classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Contra, and Street Fighter free of charge. Staffers at an expansive snack bar serve hearty pizzas and fries, and a customizable party room hosts themed celebrations for children and round-table negotiations between rival Mortal Kombat characters.