The Rec Room Square One: Activities, Prices, and Reviews (2025 Guide)

There’s a special kind of buzz that comes from a place where you can bowl a strike, beat your friends at a retro arcade cabinet, and grab a craft beer all in the same evening—that’s exactly the vibe at The Rec Room Square One in Mississauga, a sprawling entertainment hub that’s become a favourite for families, date nights, and groups looking for a night out. We’ve dug through the official details and visitor feedback to give you the full picture, including what’s driving those occasional shutdown rumors you may have heard.

Address: 100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9 ·
Features: Arcade games, bowling, restaurant, bar, live entertainment ·
Atmosphere: Ultimate social playground for all ages

The Rec Room Square One packs a lot under one roof. Here’s a quick reference on the essentials.

What activities does The Rec Room Square One offer?

What arcade games are available?

The arcade at The Rec Room Square One is a mix of retro classics and modern hits. According to Tripadvisor reviews (guest experiences), the collection includes pinball machines, racing simulators, and some unique titles you won’t find at many other arcades. The venue operates on a pay-as-you-play model – you load credits onto a game band at a kiosk and scan it at any machine (The Rec Room games overview). This means you only pay for what you play, no all-day admission fee.

Is there bowling?

Yes, The Rec Room Square One features 16 bowling lanes, making it much more than a standard arcade (OpenTable amenities list). The lanes are suitable for both casual play and birthday parties, and the venue offers shoe rentals on-site.

Is there live entertainment?

A dedicated stage hosts live music and performances regularly. The official The Rec Room website lists a sports viewing area and a bar area where you can catch a game while you play. The combination of food, drinks, and entertainment makes it a true all-in-one night out.

How much do tickets and bowling cost at The Rec Room Square One?

Are there game card packages?

Arcade play uses a credit system. While exact pricing isn’t always public, Airial.Travel (travel summary site) estimates around $35 per person for a solid session covering arcade and activities like archery and axe throwing. Game cards can be loaded with amounts from $10 to $50.

What is the price per person for bowling?

Bowling is charged per game or per hour. Group packages and birthday party deals are available – it’s best to check the official site or OpenTable (reservations page) for current rates.

Are there any special deals or group rates?

The venue reportedly runs daily promos that can help manage costs, though details are not consistently published (Airial.Travel daily promos mention). Happy hour specials on food and drinks are another way to save.

Is The Rec Room Square One safe for kids and families?

What age is appropriate?

The venue is positioned as an all-ages destination (The Rec Room location page). Families with children as young as 5 can enjoy the arcade and bowling, while older kids and teens will also find plenty to do. The presence of a bar and some adult-oriented games (like axe throwing) is limited to supervised areas.

Are there any safety concerns?

A YouTube review (visitor video) notes that the Square One location has a mix of children’s and adults’ options, and staff are present throughout. Standard mall security operates in the connected Square One complex. No major safety incidents have been reported.

What are the rules for minors?

Children under a certain age must be accompanied by an adult. The official site doesn’t specify a strict age cut-off, but common practice at similar venues is that minors after 9pm require adult supervision. It’s advisable to check with the venue directly for the latest policy.

What are the reviews and ratings of The Rec Room Square One?

What do customers say about the food?

Reviews on OpenTable (restaurant booking platform) describe the food as “good” and “lively,” with a menu that includes burgers, wings, salads, and shareable plates. The bar gets praise for its craft beer selection and cocktails.

Is the service good?

Service quality varies. Some Tripadvisor reviewers highlight friendly and efficient staff, while others mention occasional slow service during peak hours. The general consensus is that the atmosphere compensates for minor lags.

Is it worth visiting?

The majority of online reviewers agree: The Rec Room Square One offers a fun, unique experience that justifies the trip. Tripadvisor gives it a 4-star average, with praise for the variety of games and the social environment. Common complaints focus on pricing (arcade credits can add up) and occasional crowding on weekends.

Is The Rec Room Square One closing? (Addressing the 2026 shutdown rumors)

Why did the Rec Room video game announce a shutdown?

In early 2025, the developers of the Rec Room virtual reality game announced that the game would sunset in 2026. This is a separate digital product entirely – a VR social platform – and has nothing to do with the physical entertainment venue chain operated by Cineplex. The confusion is understandable given the shared name.

Is the Square One location affected?

No. As of 2025, The Rec Room Square One remains open and operating at full capacity (The Rec Room – official site confirms current operations). There have been no announcements from Cineplex regarding closure of any Rec Room physical locations.

What is the future of The Rec Room in Mississauga?

Based on all available information, the Square One location is a thriving part of the mall’s entertainment district. No internal or external signals suggest an impending shutdown. The rumors are entirely linked to the VR game and have been repeatedly clarified by the brand.

“Step into the ultimate social playground.”

— The Rec Room official website (The Rec Room homepage)

“Play, dine and unwind at The Rec Room in Square One with arcade games, live entertainment and exciting casual dining experiences for all ages.”

— SQ1 District description (SQ1 Directory)

The Rec Room Square One is exactly what it says on the tin: a recreational playground that blends arcade fun, bowling, dining, and live entertainment under one roof. For families in Mississauga and the GTA, it’s a reliable weekend option that offers genuine variety. For adult groups, the bar and live music make it a viable night-out alternative to the usual pub crawl. The one clear message for anyone who’s heard the shutdown chatter: the physical venue isn’t going anywhere. The only thing closing is a VR game. For Mississauga residents wondering where to spend next Friday night, the choice is clear: grab a game band and book a lane, or risk a boring evening at home.