"Stranger Things" in Seattle Southside

Arcades, Ice Cream, and Other "Stranger Things" in Seattle Southside

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Feeling nostalgic? Take a trip back to the ’80s and find a hint of Hawkins in Seattle Southside.

With Stranger Things finally wrapping up, it's the perfect time to dive back into the lore and live out your own retro dreams. Conjure the vibe with these vintage venues.

Play Retro Arcade Games

Get Your Mall Rat On

Escape a Crisis With Your Crew

Play a Round of D&D

Nostalgia, Games, and Pinball at Waterland Arcade

Nothing says the '80s like a retro arcade. At Waterland Arcade in Des Moines, you'll find a massive selection of both video game cabinets and pinball to bring out your inner kid (and entertain actual kids, if you've got 'em). This locally owned spot leans heavily into nostalgia, offering a wide array of gear, memorabilia, and toys from pop culture icons like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, and more. They even carry real VHS tapes, so you can pretend to be at Family Video in Hawkins! While this spot is all ages, there's a variety of craft beer and cider to sip on while you play. Want to bring a whole crew? You can reserve a table or book out the entire venue and throw an epic Stranger Things-themed party!

Watch the video below to get a sneak peek at what's in store. (Note: the event schedule mentioned in the video may have changed, but you can follow Waterland Arcade on Instagram for current events).

Get Your Mall Rat On

Starcourt Mall looms large in Seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things. So, of course, you're going to have to head to Westfield Southcenter. (Don't worry, no Mind Flayer here). There are many stores at this mall to get you in the spirit of Stranger Things. Look for movie and pop culture collectibles at BoxLunch, and shop for video games and gear at GameStop. While there, you could catch a movie at AMC Southcenter or stop by the food court and grab burgers and fries at Shake Shack.

A Dessert Worthy of a Dungeons & Dragons Fan

Remember Scoops Ahoy, the ice cream shop that Steve and Robin work at in Season 3? We may not have one of those, but Westfield Southcenter is home to several ice cream spots.

At the top of your list should be Dragon's Breath Creamery, where you can find a truly fantastical dessert. This spot specializes in "rolled" ice cream, which is what it sounds like—thin, flat strips of ice cream that's rolled up into pinwheel shapes, giving them a satisfying texture.

What makes this treat the strangest of them all are the nitrogen-infused puffs, which are filled with fog and make it look like you've got ACTUAL DRAGON'S BREATH. (No, really). Order these smoky, crunchy treats as a topping for your ice cream and watch the fog roll out from between your lips. Can't get any more D&D than that!

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Work as a Team to Escape a Crisis

At its core, Stranger Things is about friendship, loyalty, and working together. Get your close friends together for a session at The Escape Game, which is also conveniently located inside Westfield Southcenter. Just like in the show, players must work together under pressure, follow clues, and think creatively to solve a mysterious scenario before time runs out. The immersive sets and story-driven challenges feel like stepping into your own adventure, making it an exciting way to channel the suspense, camaraderie, and “save the day” energy that fans of the series love. Choose from several themed adventures (our favorite is the Cosmic Escape) and solve the puzzle in 60 minutes or less! Your crew will be stronger for it.

Bike Through the Woods at North SeaTac Park

We can't promise you an epic chase complete with telekinesis, but you can get the experience of racing through the woods on your bike at North SeaTac Park, where trails specifically designed for off-road biking wind through the trees. Ride through beautiful trails, taking in the wooded scenery, and imagine you're on your way to Fort Byers in the woods. You'll have to provide your own Ghostbusters costume, though!

Play a Round of D&D in a Fantasy-Inspired Setting

It may not feel like the 1980s inside Tukwila's Oppegaard Meadery, but this fantasy-inspired mead hall is a known gathering spot for raucous games of Dungeons & Dragons. Post up at one of the tables with a round of locally made honey wine and play to your heart's content. It's the ideal spot to wrap up a day of Stranger Things shenanigans.