My kids really like the arcade at
Pizza Ranch in Ankeny. I think there's too many games that involve one button push to win tickets and are over in 5 seconds, but that being said, a $10 game card lasts quite awhile and the employees behind the prize counter are helpful, unlike other arcades we've been to. You don't need to purchase food in order to play in the arcade, just tell the cashier you're there for the arcade.
