ClawCADE is located in the bottom concourse of the mall, near GlowGolf and the indoor playground, and we were instantly drawn to its flickering lights and arcade sounds. After loading up our four pre-paid cards, everyone in my family set off in a different direction.

There are more than 70 claw machines to choose from, so be prepared to load up on the plushie prizes. They also had claw machines with rubbery duckies, candy, and more. We played tiny claw machine games to retrieve key-chain-sized prizes and even one operated by a robot. He didn't win us any loot, though.

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Get lost in a world of toys and claw machines at ClawCADE.

The best part is, these units are mostly set to an easy-to-win mode, so you won't have to waste time trying over and over again for that sought-after prize. But if the prize you have your eye on is stuck in in a compromising position, an attendant will open the gaming cabinet and move it to an easier-to-reach location. Now it's really up to you and your joystick skills.

Our hands got full fast, but ClawCADE thought of that, too, and has shopping carts available so you can tote around your haul. 

ClawCADE doesn't just stop at claw machines. The other side of this 10,000-square-foot gaming palace has tons of other arcade games, including sports-themed basketball and Skee-Ball, VR headset animations, ride-on motorcycles, and more. We even had a mini air hockey tournament amongst ourselves.

Their monthly membership option gives gamers free weekly cards, daily play time and a percentage off other purchases. Plus, you snag an initial $25 sign-up bonus. 

Once we clawed our way through nearly every machine, we headed over kiosk to cash in. Every arcade has a prize redemption center, but the one at ClawCADE is quite different. Each prize has a point value attached that can be found on the outside of the machine where you won it, and you can trade in your winnings for various other prizes.

Toys, games, electronics, candy, exclusive collectibles, and more await in this area. Of course, you can also opt for a free oversized tote bag and leave with your entire plushie haul in tow. My kids kept some of their favorite tiny stuffies and then traded the rest of theirs in for a pack of Pokemon cards and lots of candy. Even though we're still plowing our way through their Halloween stash, I allowed it.

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ClawCADE has lots of different games in addition to claw machines. 

Getting to ClawCADE & Other Details

• ClawCADE offers group rates, party rooms, tap tournaments, and even a personalized digital ticker tape displayed across the top of the machines. Bring in your food or have them cater pizza. There are even claw machines in the party rooms, so the gaming fun doesn't have to come to a halt.
• To reach the arcade, use the main mall entrance from the west parking lot next to True Food Kitchen and take the escalator down to the concourse level.
• ClawCADE is open Monday to Thursday from 12pm-8pm, Friday 12pm-9pm, Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from 11am-7pm. Note: most school holidays follow the earlier Saturday operating hours. Be sure to mind the mall operating schedule as well.

Photos by the author