(There are multiple copies of some of the games.) In 1967, another, larger arcade building was built, and the “New” arcade moved next door, becoming the Half Moon Penny Arcade. Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, New Hampshire features old time arcades, shops, ice cream stands and restaurants for family fun or a break from the beach. With over sixty years of experience in the arcade business, you might imagine the variety of machines you will find in the Half Moon arcades. Bungee jumper trampoline, batting cages, miniature golf, and arcade. Quick View. ), In 1951, after two seasons in Weirs Beach, Mr. Ames purchased the Half Moon buildings and land from the local Postmaster, Howard Ballou. All right reserved. Take a scenic train tour or try the elegant Dinner Train. There is the infamous Penny arcade which includes over 120 games from pinball to whack a mole, and the Family Fun Center arcade that offers classics from Pac Man to Galaga. There are actually TWO arcades: a Penny Arcade and a Family Fun Center. Website by PCS Web Design. Largest Arcade In The World. GOOD VALUE. (There are multiple copies of some of the games.) Arcades and Games: There are two main arcades at Weirs Beach. G.P.S. These run on tokens. (This building currently houses the Half Moon Bumper Cars.) If the machine you love isn’t there, it’s probably because it’s been “retired”. Over the years, the arcade expanded tremendously in size. ), At the very center of Weirs Beach you’ll find the HALF MOON AMUSEMENT ARCADES. And within the premises be found the The American Classic Arcade Museum containing the world's largest collection of classic arcade games. Weirs Beach Laconia, NH (603) 455-7010. In the ads below, from programs for the annual NH veterans reunions in Weirs Beach, notice the usage of the word “Amusement” in 1907, the word “Penny”, Accommodations On Weirs Boulevard (Route 3 South), Accommodations On Endicott Street North (Route 3 North). Dine on the Mount Washington Cruise Ship watching the sun slip into the lake. To the right is a full listing of all the games, sorted by category. New Hampshire's arcade entertainment in the lakes region. The prize assortment is, in fact, one of the largest you will find anywhere! Swimming, boating, golf, arcades, fireworks, horseback riding, hiking trails, tax-free shopping, wonderful restaurants, and even a drive-in theater! PHOTOS. With an unusual density of arcades, it’s also an exceptional place to bring the kids. Hands down the most popular and well known beach in the Lakes Region, Weirs Beach lies in the northern corner of Laconia on Lake Winnipesaukee. Summer: Open Daily 10am-11pm, Spring & Fall: Weekends. More than 250 classic arcade games! Website design and content ©2010 Weirs Sports Center. Weirs beach is the place to go in NH. That is, only the best of the best machines that make the grade will you find here! Quick View. The business was founded in 1949 by Sidney E. Ames, who rented a small space adjacent to the Half Moon Snack Bar for an arcade. (For more detail on Mr. Ames’s activities and family business during the 1940’s, click here.) The Weirs Action Committee has once again taken on the pleasure of coordinating the summer tradition of Fireworks at Weirs Beach.This has been an important catalyst for family enjoyment.Families arrive early to look for just the right spot to enjoy the display, or to anchor their boats to utilize a great view from the lake. Mr. Ames had a background in the arcade business. Fireworks, which are scheduled frequently throughout the summer are displayed from Weirs Beach. HOURS. Mr. Ames was active in the business until the age of 92. The Pier Arcades at Weirs Beach, NH.http://www.weirsbeach.com Weirs Beach, New Hampshire, USA, is home to the largest games arcade in the world – Funspot. Templates by RSJoomla! The first penny arcade in Weirs Beach, the Wonderland Parlor, was opened in 1910! The Winnepiseogees, a native tribe lived in this area using the channel to Paugus Bay as a year round source of water. At the opposite end you’ll find the Weirs Beach Drive-in Theater, showing a double feature every night. He passed away on January 29, 2009. Weirs Beach has a century-plus tradition of arcades. All of the Games You Grew Up With right here at the American Classic Arcade Museum located at Funspot in Laconia NH. Why buy these items, when you can win them, and have fun at the same time! If you are interested in buying an old retired game, please contact us directly. CALL. "They play just like they played right out of the box, brand new," Cook said. ATTRACTIONS. The Winnepiseogees name eventually evolved into th… More Info. 2021 Hours. Weirs Beach has a century-plus tradition of arcades. 579 Endicott Street North Laconia, NH 03246. They are now known as the Half Moon Motel & Cottages. Posted In Uncategorized | No comments . Their name meant "a village at the lake in the vicinity of which there are other lakes and ponds." Visit Weirs Beach or walk along the boardwalk and pier. This business is also family owned by the same people who own the other arcades and clothing places and pizza and other eating places in Weirs Beach , NH . All right reserved. MAP. The first penny arcade in Weirs Beach, the Wonderland Parlor, was opened in 1910! Weirs Beach Today. There are over 120 different games in the Half Moon Penny Arcade! Location American Classic Arcade Museum. For more info about the history of the Half Moon, click here.). Welcome to the Winnipesaukee Pier! Funspot Family Entertainment Center (or simply Funspot) is an arcade which features one of the largest collections of late-1970s to mid-1980s games in the world. In 1934 and 1935, when he was just a teenager, Mr. Ames had traveled on the carnival and fair circuit with some of the first pinball machines ever to be made. In the ads below, from programs for the annual NH veterans reunions in Weirs Beach, notice the usage of the word “Amusement” in 1907, the word “Penny” in 1908, and the word “Fun” in 1921. There’s only so much room! There are over 1000 items in stock at any one time, and the prizes not only include items to please children, but also items for the discerning adult: electronics, NH souvenirs, housewares, beach items, and gifts. Play hundreds of coin-operated arcade games, learn video game history, and more. Weirs Beach has a century-plus tradition of arcades. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Weirs Beach. In 1948, Mr. Ames visited Weirs Beach, saw the potential of the area, and came back the following season to start the business. The beach is very clean, and provides spectacular views of the mountains, and the many boats that travel on the lake. Around 1980, the original arcade, which had existed continuously in the same location for 30 years, quadrupled in capacity, when it incorporated the location of the former bowling alley and became the Half Moon Family Fun Center. Located along the boardwalk is Half Moon Amusement Arcades there are actually two gaming areas within this location. Weirs Beach is an area within the northern part of the city of Laconia in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States.It is located on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.The cruise ship Mount Washington terminates there. (The Half Moon Cabins, on a separate parcel of land, were purchased by Mr. Ames from Mr. Ballou on December 14, 1956. In 1957, the business doubled to become TWO arcades, when a new arcade building was built. It’s not just a beach but a focal point of activities, recreation, and where many attractions are located. While staying at Half Moon cottages, my family visited the Weirs Beach. As of 12 January 2016, it had 581 classic and new games over three floors, and was founded in … Both arcades feature a large variety of video games, including the latest simulators; flashy pinball machines; antique games which you can play for a dime; and a tremendous assortment of prizes, which you can win by playing Skeeball, Skil-O-Bingos, and other redemption games. The Mount Washington offers dinner cruises and a full guided tour of beautiful, Lake Winnipesaukee. There are over 140 different games in the Half Moon Family Fun Center! The bumper cars are full size and can carry a grown-up and a child in the same car. It has a long history dating back to the Native Americans. David Cook was busy Monday getting the games up and running at a popular Weirs Beach arcade. 1 2 3. In 1948, Mr. Ames visited Weirs Beach, saw the potential of the area, and came back the following season to start the business. weirs beach arcade hours. From 1936-1950, his family owned and operated an arcade in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Adjoining the Penny Arcade you’ll find the HALF MOON BUMPER CARS. (For more detail on Mr. Ames’s activities and family business during the 1940’s, click here. Weirs Beach: Weirs Beach Penny Arcade - See 298 traveler reviews, 63 candid photos, and great deals for Weirs Beach, NH, at Tripadvisor. Funspot has the usual quantity of pinballs, about 35. Unlike the bumper cars you might be used to, these modern cars pick up their energy from the floor, and don’t have unsightly rods extending to the ceiling. To the right is a full listing of all the games, sorted by category. Walk to Weirs Beach boulevard which hosts shops, restaurants, and arcades. But to win lots of the games there are sometimes 1&1,000,000,000 shot to do . Funspot: 1980's a Arcade the biggest in the USA - See 540 traveler reviews, 189 candid photos, and great deals for Weirs Beach, NH, at Tripadvisor. We're CLOSED for the remainder of the 2020 Season (603) 455-7010. Daytona Fun Park at Weirs Beach, ... We have Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, an Outdoor High Ropes Adventure Course, Mini-Golf, Batting Cages, Classic Arcade Games, and much more. Weirs Beach has miniature golf courses, Daytona Fun Park, Weirs Beach Go-Kart Track, The Weirs Beach Drive-In Theater which opened in 1949 and has four screens. Wouldn’t you love to have a classic pinball or video in your basement? We are still receiving inquiries about these games which are long gone. Browse our site to see the list of family-friendly amenities we offer on Weirs Beach. They have Eldorado, Top Score, Soccer, and Abracadabra (all Gottlieb). There are six in the Funspot proper, and the rest (including the 3 EMs) are in the Museum zone. The beach is well maintained, and it is a perfect place for a picnic. There are two arcades: The Penny Arcade and the Family Fun Center. Prev Next. (In the year 2000, the Half Moon arcades had a one-time auction on a Games For Sale web page. Joomla! There are actually TWO arcades: a Penny Arcade and a Family Fun Center. In the ads below, from programs for the annual NH veterans reunions in Weirs Beach, notice the usage of the word “Amusement” in 1907, the word “Penny” in 1908, and the word “Fun” in 1921. Today, Weirs Beach is once again a dominant vacation destination drawing visitors from throughout the Northeast and around the world! At the very center of Weirs Beach you’ll find the HALF MOON AMUSEMENT ARCADES. From 1936-1950, his family owned and operated an arcade in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.