Rupert’s Kids Arcade, located at 109 S Harrison St in Shelbyville, Indiana, opened its doors in February 2017 with an official grand opening on March 25, 2017. Founded by “Survivor” contestant Rupert Boneham, the arcade serves as a vital component of the Rupert’s Kids charity, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth and adults, including formerly incarcerated individuals. All proceeds generated by the arcade directly support the charity’s mission, which focuses on providing mentoring, vocational training, job placement, and life skills to help participants achieve self-sufficiency and become productive members of the community.
The venue offers a variety of arcade machines, pinball machines, and video games, providing a classic arcade experience for all ages. Notably, it operates on an “all-you-can-play” model, allowing visitors unlimited gaming for a set fee rather than requiring quarters for individual games. Beyond entertainment, Rupert’s Kids Arcade functions as a vocational training program, offering hands-on experience in customer service and business practices for those participating in the Rupert’s Kids re-entry initiative. This unique model establishes the arcade as a dedicated recreational hub and a significant resource for community development in Shelbyville.