Experience · Aurora
Retro Arcade Date Night in City Center
Kick off your evening with classic arcade fun, challenging each other to games and reliving childhood memories. Afterward, settle into a cozy European-style bier garden for a hearty German dinner and a relaxing end to your date.
A 3.5-hour City Center evening plan for couples — Nickel-A-Play, Helga's Haus & Bier Garden: German Restaurant & Bier Garden & Deli.
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Cost
- $35–$90
- Stops
- 2 stops
- Area
- City Center
- Walking
- Moderate walking · Total 0.8-mile driving route
- Best time
- 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends · Adults · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1Nickel-A-Play(1 hr 30 min)→
- 2Helga's Haus & Bier Garden: German Restaurant & Bier Garden & Deli(2 hrs)
Why this plan works
Every stop sits in City Center, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Helga's Haus & Bier Garden: German Restaurant & Bier Garden & Deli is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. Best suited to couples, friends, adults, and solo who want a planned Aurora outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Kick off your evening with classic arcade fun, challenging each other to games and reliving childhood memories. Afterward, settle into a cozy European-style bier garden for a hearty German dinner and a relaxing end to your date.
The itinerary
2 stops, one great day
- 11h 30mNickel-A-Play
Family · City Center
Colorful arcade offering new & classic video games, Skee-Ball & prizes, plus kids' birthday parties.
What to do — Spend an hour and a half enjoying the various arcade games, from retro classics to modern video games. Keep score for a friendly competition!
Scout Side QuestPick an arcade game neither of you has ever played before and see who figures out the controls first.
0.8 mi · 16 min walk or 5 min drive
Then Take a short drive southwest on Mississippi Avenue to your dinner spot.
22 hrsHelga's Haus & Bier Garden: German Restaurant & Bier Garden & DeliNightlife · City Center
A European vibe mixes with classic German fare & plentiful beer at this longtime restaurant/deli.
What to do — Indulge in classic German dishes like schnitzel or sausages, paired with a bier from their extensive selection. Enjoy the cozy ambiance for a relaxing dinner.
Book it · Helga's Haus & Bier Garden: German Restaurant & Bier Garden & Deli
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Aurora itinerary for couples?
- Yes. It's built for couples, friends, adults, and solo and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 2 stops, starting at Nickel-A-Play.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Aurora itinerary cost?
- Roughly $35–$90 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.8 miles of walking in total.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.