Nickel! Nickel! 5 Cent Games – Our cheap Playful Date Day

By: Nadia Sry

If you’re searching for a unique, budget-friendly date day idea in Orange County, look no further than Nickel! Nickel! 5 Cent Games in Garden Grove. This spot is perfect for couples, friends, or anyone craving a little nostalgia and good-natured competition. We spent the afternoon battling it out on classic arcade games. Curious if it’s worth a visit? Here’s our full review!

Why We Recommend It

We personally checked out Nickel! Nickel! 5 Cent Games, and trust us—it’s just as fun as it sounds! The throwback vibe, rows of retro machines, and super affordable pricing make it a standout for date days or casual outings. Games range from 5 cents to 30 cents a play. You can also win tickets for prizes and who doesn’t love that. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or a Pac-Man novice, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the friendly competition makes for plenty of laughs and memorable moments.

What to Know Before You Go

📍 Location: Nickel! Nickel! 5 Cent Games, Garden Grove, CA

🔸 Pricing:

  • Admission: $2 per person

    Games: Most use actual nickels ranging from 5 cents to 30 cents (bring your own, grab a bag at the counter or use their coin machine)

🔸 Play Time: No time limit—play as long as you want during open hours.

🔸 Parking: Free lot on-site with plenty of space.

🔸 Hours:

  • Mon–Thurs: open until 10pm

    Fri–Sun: open until 11pm

🔸 Reservations:

  • No reservations needed—walk-ins welcome!

💡Pro Tips

  • Bring your own nickels for the best value (or buy a bag there if you forget).

  • Weekdays are quieter if you want to avoid crowds.

  • Wear comfy shoes—standing and game-hopping adds up!

  • Set a game budget - decide how many nickels you want to use before you start

Our Experience

Armed with a bag of nickels, we dove into the rows of classic arcade cabinets—everything from air hockey and skee-ball, one of my favorites, to old-school racing games and pinball machines.

The vibe is super casual and friendly—no pressure, just pure fun. We challenged each other to Dance Dance Revolution, and laughed way too hard during the air hockey smackdown. The staff is welcoming, and the whole place has a nostalgic, upbeat energy that instantly puts you in a good mood.

If you grew up playing arcade games, you’ll love reliving those memories—and if you’re new to it, it’s a blast discovering which games you’re secretly amazing at.