CHUCK E CHEESE
736 W SW loop 323
Tyler
75701
903 581 4550

ChuckECheese is a place dedicated for kid’s entertainment. It is located in central Tyler, not far from the mall (and nationally in over 500 locations!)

Even if you have never been there, you will probably recognize the mouse that is the trademark of ChuckECheese. Thanks to clever marketing and sponsorship of programs on PBS, my kids knew ChuckECheese way before we even went there and were begging me to take them.

I went somewhat unwillingly, but am glad I did as the kids had a whale of a time and I had a morning enjoying their enthusiasm and wonder. Luckily, it was a quiet day – I can’t imagine what it would be like on a Saturday morning or in the vacation time.

The main focus is arcade games. Some are modern ‘Sega’ style which encourage skill to play and are highly animated, others are more of a gamble and still others are like fairground games – ball toss etc. There are also ride on machines – for smaller children and a car where you can sit with a plastic ChuckECheese and have a photo taken.

As you enter you are stamped with a ‘magic’ UV number. This is for security so that they can monitor that the right children are leaving with the right adults etc. Then you need to buy tokens for the games and machines. There are deals which include food and drinks or you can just buy the tokens for the amusements. From there on, the fun starts and you are left in a whirlwind as your children take control and run around trying all the various games. Most of the games have a reward system which involves each machine spewing out paper tickets. The more points you score on the game, the more tickets you are given. Don’t lose these tickets – at the end of your playtime, you can trade them in for prizes.

Our kids had a blast at ChuckECheeses. It was quite an expensive morning but when the weather is not good for being outside it is a good option for a special treat. They serve pizza at ChuckECheese and we had a salad and drinks too which were fine – but the quality of the food is certainly not the main attraction.

Finally, a word of caution. Before you trade in your tickets, let your children know that the prizes are just little gimmicks and not to expect too much from just one day of gaming. The big prizes are for people that go there regularly and who are experts at the games. My friend’s toddler had a complete meltdown because the excitement had been so great all morning and she thought she had got so many tickets but when she came to redeem them for a prize she only had enough for a little plastic bracelet or some Tootsie Rolls, and that broke her heart!

Lastly, you can save a lot on the price of tickets by looking for coupons online (Google will find some). There is also a party package available for birthdays which is very popular. ChuckECheese is open every day from 9 am.