Yes! Decades is a great educational experience rich in the history of computing, gaming, culture and artwork from the 1950s to present day. Nothing turns a kid on to STEM like seeing the inside of a pinball machine!
Options and Guidelines for Field Trips
For groups of 20 people or under (maximum 15 children and 5 chaperones) you are welcome to walk in for Public Hours if you prefer.
For groups over 20 people, please book a Private Event. If you would like to book a Private Event for your field trip on a weekday when we are not open to the Public and don’t see a time slot listed for the time you want please contact us to arrange a custom time slot.
All Regular Rules & Prices apply to school groups. Specific Points to Note:
Chaperone numbers
We require a ratio of 1 adult per 3 children at all times and events to ensure rule-following: no running, abusing games, hiding, eating food or candy, putting drinks on games, spilling drinks, or other misconduct. You as the adult chaperone are responsible for children’s actions in the arcade. For children 6 & under, we recommend 1 adult per 1 child as they require direct supervision.
Bags
We do not allow large bags or bookbags inside the arcade, and we do not allow any blocking of the floor or hallway with bags or other materials. We have an area at our entrance for hanging coats and storing bags, but if you’re a small group walking in for Public Hours, please be aware this area can accommodate no more than 10 bags. When booking a Private Event, or booking the Party Room during Public Hours, you may store bags and coats in the Party Room!
Food & Drink
We do not allow food or candy inside the arcade. If a meal is part of your trip, please book a Private Event or book the Party Room during Public Hours so you can use the Party Room for meals. Canned drinks, water bottles and other drinks with tops are allowed for hydration in the arcade – just make sure to sit them down in a cupholder or on the floor when playing a game!
Decades Arcade is a living museum, with most of our games aged at 30-70 years old. Thank you for helping us keep our collection in good shape so we can continue to educate our community on the history of computers, video games and pinball!
When booking your field trip, please note that you are a field trip in your booking notes, as we do our best to arrange for an experienced volunteer or employee to be present to do a short look-through of the inside of a pinball machine for you! Kids love to see the inside and touch the parts we let them touch. We also have some simple scavenger hunts that are based on artwork on the machines, geared towards ages 8 and up, if you would like to request those being available for your group. To request them, please email us to request them at least 7 days before your event and reference your booking information.