Arcade on Wheels brings fun to your door
Updated Mar 25, 2019; Posted Jun 20, 2011
By Kyle Newcombe, The Republican Intern
Staff photo by Michael S. GordonGary A. Kaplan, left, and Glen T. Kaplan, right, inside the Arcade on Wheels.
Want a party guaranteed to offer fun, excitement, and no mess? Then you might consider hiring Arcade on Wheels, a 36' X 8', 250 game mini-fair that will come right to your front door.
Arcade on Wheels is just that — a mobile video arcade complete with both classic and newer games.
Housed in an impossible-to-miss black trailer, the climate controlled arcade can be rented for any event; children's birthday parties being the most popular.
Since the 1990s, video arcades have disappeared rapidly, leaving many children unfamiliar with them.
"This really gives kids a new thrill," said part-owner Gary Kaplan. "It's a totally different experience from a modern game console."
Arcade on Wheels began a year ago with appearances at area fairs.
Soon, owners Gary Kaplan, his brother Glen, and father Robert were receiving many requests from parents to appear at their children's birthday parties. The popularity of the arcade really took off this past winter.
Since that time, the arcade has appeared at fund-raising events, a Boy Scouts of America event, and at several local schools, for which there is a special price rate.
"We've even done a Sweet Sixteen," said Kaplan.
Arcade on Wheels is based in East Longmeadow. The trailer will travel anywhere within a two hour drive from Springfield.
Emily Medina of Hartford heard about Arcade on Wheels while listening to WMAS 94.7.
The station has been active in promoting the business. She decided to bring the arcade to her home for her son's 12th birthday party last August. The party went well so she brought the arcade back for her daughter's 8th birthday party this February.
"The kids loved it," Medina said. "An arcade was definitely a new thing for them."
For many children, the arcade is a brand new from of gameplay. But adults will see these games as a blast from the past.
The arcade has been a nostalgia trip for grown-ups. If you grew up going to arcades, Arcade on Wheels has the games you remember. Inside, you can play Frogger, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders and many more.
"When the adults went inside, it brought back a lot of memories. Everyone was excited to see Pac-Man," said Medina.
Besides being mobile, there is another difference from traditional arcades. Since the trailer is hired for a lump sum there is no need for quarters. No begging mom for one last play.
Among the most popular games are the Ferrari simulator, the flight simulator, and Six Gun Select.
Staff photo by Michael S. GordonGary A. Kaplan, left, and Glen T. Kaplan, right, outside the Arcade on Wheels.
The demand for the arcade has been great enough that a second mobile arcade is now under construction. The new trailer will be ready in two to three months, and will include Ultra Pinball and the "hologram" game Time Traveler.
The price of a two hour party is $299.00. Each additional hour after that is $99.00.
To book the Arcade on Wheels mobile arcade for a party or event call 413-525-6666 or toll free 1-855-ARCADE-5. For more information visit www.arcadeonwheels.com.