Retro Fun in Franklin & Williamson County, TN: Bowling, Roller Skating, Mini Golf, and Arcades
Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee, are packed with classic entertainment spots that never go out of style. From bowling in Franklin and roller skating in Brentwood to mini golf courses and arcades in Williamson County, these destinations offer the same timeless fun people have enjoyed for decades. And these retro favorites aren’t just about nostalgia; they remain some of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day or night out.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, or a group gathering, Franklin and the surrounding area have plenty of places where you can bowl a perfect frame, glide around a skating rink, sink a tricky putt, or chase a high score on your favorite arcade game.
Bowling in Franklin, TN
Bowling has been a social pastime for decades, and the atmosphere hasn’t changed much from its heyday: groups gathered around score tables, cheers when someone nails a strike, and friendly teasing when a ball ends up in the gutter. The combination of casual competition, food, and a fun setting makes bowling a go-to for families, friends, and coworkers.
In Franklin, bowling fans can choose between a traditional alley with updated features and a contemporary venue that combines the sport with arcade games, dining, and live entertainment.
Franklin Family Entertainment Center
• 1200 Lakeview Drive, Franklin | (615) 790-2695 •
Franklin Family Entertainment Center keeps the classic bowling alley experience alive. The facility offers 24 full-size lanes plus six “Highway 66” mini-bowling lanes, perfect for younger kids or groups wanting a shorter game. For a change of pace, cosmic bowling nights transform the lanes with black lights, glowing pins, and upbeat music while an arcade offers games for those who want a break from bowling.
A full-service snack bar and the on-site J’s Sports Grill offer casual meals, a full bar, and three full-size Olhausen billiard tables in a smoke-free environment. The venue also hosts bowling leagues and is a popular choice for parties, company and group events, and school outings.
Kings Dining & Entertainment
• 1910 Galleria Blvd., Suite 120, Franklin | (844) 683-4500 •
Kings Dining & Entertainment delivers an elevated gaming and dining experience in a sleek retro-inspired setting. Guests can enjoy 10-pin bowling on interactive lanes with themed animations and unique game modes. Each lane accommodates up to six players, with full-service dining available right at the lanes.
The fun extends beyond bowling with an arcade, billiards, and over 50 HDTVs and projection screens to ensure you can catch the big game. Kings offers a fun spot for birthday parties and corporate gatherings with delicious food, cocktails, and an extensive beer selection. The venue also features the Whiskey Room Live for music and karaoke.
Roller Skating in Brentwood, TN
Before streaming and smartphones, weekends often meant lacing up a pair of skates and hitting the roller rink with friends. The beat of the music, colorful lights bouncing off the disco ball, and the rhythm of wheels on the floor created a scene that felt like a party in motion. Skating still delivers that same mix of energy and nostalgia today, part exercise, part social hangout, and all-around good time.
Brentwood Skate Center
• 402 Wilson Pike Circle, Brentwood | (615) 373-4413 •
Brentwood Skate Center keeps the retro spirit alive with its wooden floor, fun lighting, and lively playlists. From family-friendly afternoon skates to teen nights and adult-only evenings, there’s a session for just about every crowd. The rink features rental skates for those who don’t have their own, plus an arcade zone for a break between laps.
The venue is popular for birthday parties and group events, even offering private rentals for those who want the whole space to themselves. It’s a spot where skaters of all ages can share the same timeless fun.
Mini Golf in Franklin, TN
Mini golf is one of those games that’s as much about laughter and friendly rivalry as it is about keeping score. The quirky course designs, themed obstacles, and just-right level of challenge make it appealing for all ages. It’s an activity that has been a go-to for family vacations, date nights, and summer afternoons for decades. Whether you call it miniature golf or putt-putt, this classic game still offers plenty of fun for everyone.
SOAR Adventure Tower
• 3794 Carothers Parkway, Franklin | (615) 721-5103 •
SOAR Adventure Tower is an outdoor activity destination offering a four-level ropes course, climbing elements, and other challenges designed for all skill levels. In addition to the tower, SOAR features an 18-hole miniature golf course with a musical twist. More than 10 custom-designed, music-themed holes make it unlike any other course in the area.
Both the ropes course and mini golf are open to individuals, families, and groups. In addition, SOAR offers birthday party packages and event rentals, providing space and activities for celebrations, team-building, and other gatherings.
Arcades in Franklin and Williamson County, TN
Arcades have been a staple of entertainment for years, and Franklin and Williamson County are home to several spots where you can relive the excitement. The flashing lights, lively sounds, and friendly competition of arcade games appeal to all ages. Whether you’re chasing a high score, playing vintage pinball, or trying the latest immersive games, these local arcades in Franklin, Spring Hill, and Nolensville offer plenty of ways to play in person and enjoy gaming together.
Joyfull Arcade
• 2001 Campbell Station Parkway, Suite A‑4, Spring Hill | (615) 266‑0700 •
Step into Joyfull Arcade and relive the golden age of arcades, remixed for today’s gamers. The arcade includes thousands of titles, such as Pac-Man and Galaga, along with multiplayer virtual reality setups, racing simulators, and flight simulators. Games are available across traditional arcade cabinets, console stations, and immersive simulation experiences.
Birthday parties, corporate team-building sessions, and group outings can be booked in advance, with access to a private celebration room. For those planning off-site entertainment, the Joyfull to Go mobile service brings a gaming trailer equipped with multiple large screens, top gaming consoles, and a retro arcade collection. The trailer is climate-controlled and set up for multiple players at once, making it a fun option for festivals, private parties, and community events.
From nostalgic favorites to cutting-edge gaming, Joyfull Arcade delivers a mix of entertainment that appeals to all ages.
Pixel Planet Arcade
• 7240 Nolensville Rd, Suite 311, Nolensville | (615) 776‑7575 •
Pixel Planet Arcade revives the old-school arcade with no quarters required. Located in Nolensville Town Center, this family-friendly hangout offers roughly 50 classic and contemporary games on free play with paid admission.
Inside, you’ll find a lineup of retro favorites like Ms. Pac‑Man, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Daytona USA, NFL Blitz, and more, alongside pinball tables, skee‑ball, air hockey, and redemption games like Deal or No Deal and Hoop Fever.
Parents and toy collectors will also appreciate the merchandise selection, featuring Squishmallows, Funko Pops, and Pokémon cards. You can redeem tickets for prizes or purchase them outright.
Beyond the games, Pixel Planet offers a party room that seats up to 24 guests and is perfect for birthdays or small group celebrations. The space is available per hour and welcomes BYO food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Quarter Bandits Arcade
• 4910 Main Street, Suite 118, Spring Hill | (615) 787-7077 •
Quarter Bandits Arcade in Spring Hill offers unlimited play on all games with the purchase of an arcade pass, making it easy to enjoy as many rounds as you like without the need for quarters. The game floor features more than 30 arcade, racing, and pinball titles, including classics like Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., Dig Dug, and Golden Axe, as well as pinball machines such as The Beatles, Foo Fighters, and Space Shuttle.
Guests can take advantage of the “Last Call” pass, which offers discounted admission for the final two hours of the day, or book one of the arcade’s party packages designed for groups of various sizes. Outside food is permitted for private events, and snacks are available for purchase on-site, making it a great choice for birthdays, casual gatherings, or just a few hours of gaming fun.
Chuck E. Cheese
• 3073 Mallory Ln, Franklin, TN 37067 | (615) 771-0708 •
Chuck E. Cheese in Franklin offers a lively arcade packed with family-friendly games, from racing and basketball to puzzles, classics, and toddler-friendly options. Players use a Play Pass or Play Band to tap and play, earning E-Tickets redeemable for prizes at the prize counter. Beyond the arcade, guests can explore the Adventure Zone’s climbing walls, tunnels, slides, and balance beams, or let younger kids enjoy the dedicated trampoline area.
The menu at Chuck E. Cheese centers on pizza but also includes wings, salads, Dippin’ Dots, cookies, and cupcakes. Birthday party packages include unlimited gameplay, tickets, décor, and extras like the Ticket Blaster and a Play Band for the Birthday Star. Safety is a priority, with all minors required to be accompanied by an adult.
Plan Your Retro Outing in Franklin and Williamson County
A retro day in Franklin and Williamson County could start with an afternoon of mini golf in Franklin, followed by dinner and bowling in Cool Springs. Or, lace up your skates for a themed roller night in Brentwood and then head to an arcade in Spring Hill for some friendly high-score competition. No matter the combination, these Middle Tennessee activities offer a break from screens and a chance to enjoy some classic fun.
