Are you a child of the 90s (or just feeling nostalgic for the era)? Playback96 is a 90s-themed games venue at Chadstone’s Social Quarter, with nine physical challenge games, a licensed bar, and an 8pm cut-off for anyone under 18.
Think video store shelves stacked with VHS tapes, a wall of retro brick phones, and a giant Etch A Sketch you play against your kids. It’s from the team behind Hijinx Hotel Chadstone, so we already know the games-and-cocktails format works well for a family day out.
Playback96: What to Expect
Playback96 sits on Level 1 of Chadstone, in the Social Quarter, right next to Hijinx Hotel Chadstone.
You check in at the “Walkman” Radio Wall to grab your game card, then move freely between nine physical challenges for an hour of unlimited play. There’s no set order and no queueing, although you can’t play the same game twice in a row (so everyone gets to have a go!).
The whole place is dressed for the decade: cult movie posters, a stand-up N64 console, glowing Furbys, dial-up modem phones and life-size 90s movie cutouts. There’s even a retro hairdresser-themed corner called Shazza’s, where you try to name 90s songs playing through the hair dryers.
The bar serves food and drinks throughout, so you’re welcome to eat and drink while you play. There’s not a full themed menu, but you can order their homage to ‘Sex on the Beach’ cocktail that comes with a take-home Tamagochi!
Highlights for Kids
Playback96 ‘s games are built around 90s pop culture and reflex challenges rather than anything too complicated. Most primary-school-aged kids should be able to jump in without much explanation, though they will probably not get the 90s references unless they’re big fans of the music, games and icons of the era. For adults the best fun is in recognising all your childhood favourites!
Standouts include:
- Total Recall โ a memory game built around 90s pop culture trivia.
- Stop Hammer Time โ a reaction game for the fastest hands in the group.
- The retro phone wall โ guests race to match patterns on a bank of old-school brick phones.
- Pong Time โ an arcade-style twist on beer pong, played without the beer.
- Line Master โ an oversized Etch A Sketch-style draw-and-guess game.
- Ready Player Run โ a dodge-the-pendulums challenge through a tunnel.
We recommend groups of three or four players for the best experience, though you can play with more if you book a bigger group. Some of the games are one-person only.
What Parents Need to Know
Pricing: Adult tickets are $29 per person, and kids’ tickets are $22 per person, for an hour of unlimited play across all nine games.
Age policy: Under-18s are welcome during the day, but Playback96 becomes an 18+ venue after 8pm. If you’re planning an early dinner-and-games outing, you’ll have plenty of time; if you’re thinking of a later session, check the cut-off before you book.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 9:30am to 10pm. Friday and Saturday, 9:30am to 11pm.
Booking: Bookings are recommended, as walk-in spots are limited. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your session for a briefing on the games, or earlier if you want time to grab a drink first.
Food and drink: The venue is licensed, and food and drinks are available to enjoy while you play โ worth knowing if you’re after an easy dinner-and-entertainment combo rather than a quick side activity.
Getting there: Playback96 is in the Social Quarter on Level 1 of Chadstone, with the closest parking at Carpark B, and a direct Uber drop-off point at the centre.
Is It Worth Visiting With Kids?
Playback96 is a better fit for families with older primary-school kids, tweens and teens than for toddlers or preschoolers. The games rely on reflexes, pattern recognition and pop culture knowledge, and the venue is a licensed bar. There are a couple of button-mashing opportunities for younger kids, but they won’t actually be able to play the games properly to win.
For a family who are already fans of Hijinx Hotel Chadstone or Archie Brothers, Playback96 slots in as another hour-long activity to pair with a Chadstone day out. The 90s theme gives parents just as much to enjoy as the kids, which isn’t always the case with kids’ entertainment venues.
More to Explore at Chadstone
Playback96 is one of several family-friendly stops in and around Chadstone worth building into a bigger day out:
- Hijinx Hotel Chadstone โ challenge rooms in the same Social Quarter.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne โ indoor LEGO-themed play, ideal for younger kids.
- ImaginationNation Chadstone โ hands-on discovery play for littler ones.
- Chadstone Hotel โ a place to stay if you’re making a full weekend of it.
FAQs
How much does Playback96 cost?
Adult tickets are $29 per person and kids’ tickets are $22 per person, which includes an hour of unlimited play across all nine games.
Can kids go to Playback96 at any time?
Under-18s are permitted during the day, but the venue is 18+ only after 8pm.
Where is Playback96 located?
It’s on Level 1 of Chadstone Shopping Centre, in the Social Quarter, next to Hijinx Hotel Chadstone.
Do you need to book ahead?
Yes, booking is recommended. Walk-ins are only available in limited numbers, and sessions can sell out.
