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Let’s Go Out! 6 Fun Things to Do in Vancouver at Night That Aren’t Drinking or Dancing

Pinball tournaments, ping pong battles and nostalgic arcade games—here's where to play in Vancouver after dark.

By Kerri Donaldson /

Arcade Fun at Rec Room

Grab a wristband and get lost in gameplay—or blow all your tokens on the claw machine; you’re bound to hit the jackpot eventually. It’s a nostalgia-fuelled barcade perfect for settling longstanding scores with your most competitive friends (like, who’s the ultimate Skee-Ball champ). 855 Granville St., therecroom.com

Mini Golf at Par-Tee Putt

Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf meets quirky pop-culture nostalgia where the bar is the course. Swing through 18 holes that include a Pac-Man maze, Skee-Ball (but make it golf) and an array of tiny Vancouver landmarks. 670 Smithe St.; parteeputt.com

READ MORE: The Best Places to Go Dancing in Vancouver

Pinball at Slice of Life

The just-off-Commercial Drive indie art studio plays host to a weekly Thursday-night pinball tournament—one that’s friendly to first-timers and seasoned flippers alike. Bring your own bevvys and your best reflexes, and tilt responsibly. 1636 Venables St., slicevancouver.ca

Ping Pong at Back and Forth Bar

Rent a ping-pong table by the hour (from $10 to $25 on weekends) and expect nightly battles, happy-hour deals and plenty of good-natured smack talk. If ping pong’s not your thing, hit up the air hockey table, two Pop-A-Shot basketball machines or Buckhunter—plus stacks of board games behind the bar. 303 Columbia St., backandforthbar.com

Roller Skating at Rolla Skate Club

Roll back to retro roller-skating vibes every weekend for public roller-rink sessions in the newly re-designed Rollerland building on the grounds of the PNE—think 20,000 square feet of neon-lit fun, DJs spinning all night and themed skate sessions (Glam Retro, Soul Skate, disco nights). 2901 E Hastings St., rollaskateclub.com

READ MORE: Itinerary for a Night Out With Your Coolest DJ Friend

Bowling at Grandview Lanes

You’ll never strike out on fun at this Commercial Drive treasure: play classic five- or 10-pin in the charmingly vintage space or brave the glow bowling space upstairs. Parties welcome, matching uniforms strongly encouraged. 2195 Commercial Dr., grandviewbowling.com

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson is an assistant editor for Vancouver magazine (and sister mag Western Living) and covers arts and culture, including VanMag’s So Fun City. She’s also a comedian and will proudly overthink almost everything for your benefit. Send her pitches or riff bits at [email protected]