The frequently asked question, “What do you want to do today?” There’s no shortage of things to do and places to see, yet sometimes, boredom still lurks. Luckily, there are some hidden gems to help fight the boredom, enjoy family fun, and relive some nostalgia with classic arcade machines. Wintrust Sports Complex is an arcade spot worth exploring.

Things to Do in Chicago
Family activities and outings are crucial for family bonding, child development, emotional support, and just simple enjoyment. The Chicago area is bustling with places to go and activities to enjoy. There are over fifty different museums in the Chicago area, ranging from art to science to children’s museums – and the niche surgical science museum. There’s the Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and Navy Pier. There are river tours, live music and art shows, theaters, and movies. There is, however, one often overlooked area of activity – arcades in Chicago.
Family entertainment centers range from trampoline parks, mini golf, bowling alleys, amusement parks, and arcade spots. There are a variety of family entertainment options in the Chicago area, but Wintrust Sports Complex stands out among them.
Why Visit an Arcade?
Looking for the “best arcade near me” is not just a solution for rainy, snowy, cold, or hot days. Nor is it just the solution for hosting your child’s next birthday party. Arcade machines and the general arcade environment are perfect for any day and have a variety of benefits.
Nostalgia
Arcades in Chicago provide enjoyment for folks of all ages. For those who grew up during the height of arcade popularity, there is a sense of nostalgia and reconnection to childhood. For younger players, there’s the feel that all things retro are cool again. Arcade machines range from the classics to the new, providing a variety of options for all ages. Chances are everyone in your family or your group will find a game to enjoy.
Cognitive Skills
Arcade games often involve strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. These can stimulate the brain and work to improve cognitive skills. The use of the controls and buttons can improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and reflexes.
Social Skills
Arcade games provide a space to practice social skills and social interaction. Practice with friendly competition, communication, and emotional regulation can benefit players’ overall social skills and mental health.
Stress Relief
Other mental health benefits from arcades include stress relief and relaxation. Shooting bad guys in an arcade game is a healthy way to relieve some built-up stress. Plus, the ability to temporarily escape into the game world can offer some relaxation from the stressors of the real world.

Arcade Spot in Chicago
If you live in the Chicago area, Wintrust Sports Complex is the best arcade near you. The variety of games, additional entertainment options, and onsite Station Grille restaurant make Wintrust an arcade spot you need to check out.
Convenient Location
Wintrust Sports Complex is located just about twenty minutes outside of downtown Chicago in the village of Bedford Park, right near Midway Airport. There’s plenty of free, on-site parking and lots to offer once you’re inside. Bedford Park is also home to fantastic restaurants and convenient hotels.
Our Facility
The Wintrust Sports Complex arcade is 4,000 square feet filled with arcade machines. Whether you’re a new gamer or a more seasoned one, we have games for everyone. You can spend hours practicing your skills or socializing with friends. We have space for arcade birthday parties and group events. Our refillable arcade play cards make it easy to start playing – and there’s no need to keep track of quarters or coins.
Wintrust is more than just an arcade. Our sports complex includes our Station Grille Restaurant, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat after an afternoon of play. If you want to venture into something different, we have an e-sports gaming lounge where you can put your computer gaming skills to use. Need to burn off some energy with something a little more active? Try our 2,000-square-foot laser tag arena.
Other Activities at Wintrust Sports Complex
Wintrust Sports Complex has something for everyone. Our entire space is 116,000 square feet, built to provide entertainment options for families, friends, and groups. Our facility includes basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts. There are open schedules, lessons, leagues, and camps to choose from.
Events
Wintrust Sports Complex is the perfect place for a birthday party, corporate event, or even a field trip. Our venue can hold from 100 to 2,000 people, and we offer packages that include catering from the Station Grille. Our team can work to customize our spaces to fit your event needs. We love to host birthday and corporate parties, team-building days, fundraisers, and field trips.
Food and Drink
The Station Grille has something for every set of taste buds. We have apps, sandwiches, salads, a kids’ menu, and a full bar menu. After a day of games, come relax and grab a bite.

Fun at Wintrust Sports Complex
There is no such thing as boredom at Wintrust Sports Complex. From our courts, laser tag, esports, and the arcade, there is something to enjoy all day long. If you’re looking for the best arcades, Wintrust is the spot to be. Looking for the best sport for an arcade birthday party? A crowd-pleasing venue for a corporate celebration? Or are you just looking to enjoy the benefits of family time and arcade machines? Wintrust is the spot for you!