RC a D e S

If you were a kid in the ’80s or ’90s, arcades represented an escape from the monotony of summer and an opportunity for friendly competition out of the house and away from the heat. You may even recall childhood memories of begging your mom to let you play a game of pinball after the movies. Today, arcade franchises have taken the country by storm, providing food, drink and games for all ages. Locally, Quasar’s and Retro are here to shake up your summer social agenda by day or night.

Quasar’s Arcade, a longtime local establishment, has a new location with expanded game selections and food and drink options. Frequented by locals for its vast selection of pinball machines (the best selection in South Texas, that is), the arcade also houses plenty of other games as well as a full bar and food menu. Plan your next family activity, enter a pinball tournament or join in on Killer Queen Freeplay Fridays. 5862 Everhart Rd. @quasarsarcade

On the corner of Lawrence and Chaparral sits Retro, the newest arcade/dining concept in downtown Corpus Christi. Retro houses arcade games, live music, a full cocktail bar, kitchen and rooftop patio all in one establishment. It is designed as a higher-end concept with a thoughtfully curated menu of craft cocktails, brick oven pizza and other casual, delicious fare such as burgers, appetizers and Nathan’s famous hot dogs. The concept is as unique as it is fun and made for creating good times and great memories with Corpus Christi Bayfront views.

326 N. Chaparral St. retrocorpus.com

Family Art Time

ARTCENTERCC.ORG/ FAMILY-ART-TIME

Visit The Art Center of CC Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings for a free, unplugged, creative art activity for the whole family. Just drop in during the activity time and create a surprise craft with your kids.

100 N. Shoreline Blvd.

FIRE IT! CERAMICS

FIREITCERAMICS.COM

When you need a break from the beach, consider a creative escape at Fire It! Ceramics. Pick your pottery piece and an array of paint colors, and get to creating a handmade keepsake you can cherish forever.

611 S. Alister St.

Sk8land

SKATELANDCC.COM

Grab the whole fam or just your closest pals and embrace the ’80s with a visit to Sk8land. A classic roller skating rink with 1,500 square feet of real maple wood skate floor, black lights, neon adornments, a snack bar and party packages, Sk8land is fun for everyone. 10829 Leopard St.

Cm Lanes

CMLANES.COM

A quintessential indoor summer activity, CM Lanes has reimagined the bowling alley by providing a full-service bar and restaurant, an in-house pro shop, televisions, a patio, live music and more! From amateurs to avid bowlers, stop by on any given day for 16 lanes worth of friendly competition. They have created a bowling league for everyone, including Youth Bowling, a morning Coffee Time League, a Night Owls League, Fun Bowl and a Strike Zone Masters League. 2285 W Wheeler Ave, Aransas Pass, TX

Art Classes At Rockport Center For The Arts

ROCKPORTARTCENTER. COM/CLASSESWORKSHOPS

Summer is a great opportunity to take time for yourself, hone a craft or learn a new one. The Rockport Center for the Arts offers a variety of art classes for all skill levels and those interested in learning more about drawing, ceramics and other art mediums.

204 S. Austin St.

Antique Lane

4325 S. ALAMEDA ST

Treasures abound during a day of antiquing. Spend the day soaking up the A/C while wandering in and out of various shops at Antique Lane. Get lost in the many corridors of hotspots such as Renaissance, Red Crow or Boxes in the Attic. Be captivated by the home decor, art, furniture, apparel and trinkets that have been frozen in time and restored to their original glory.

Corpus Christi Public Libraries

CCTEXAS.COM/ LIBRARY

With the kids home from school, the public libraries have you covered. From sing-a-longs to craft days and story times, the many local libraries around town offer different interactive events and initiatives to keep your kids reading all summer long. Check out the individual Facebook pages for a rundown of events.