Planning a three-day weekend is basically an Olympic sport for parents. You’ve got the BBQ to prep, the yard to mow, and—if you’re lucky—a few hours where the kids aren't climbing the walls. When the rain starts or the heat gets to be too much, one question always pops up: is Chuck E Cheese open on Memorial Day?
The short answer is a big, loud yes.
Honestly, Memorial Day is one of the biggest kickoff events for the "Summer of Fun" at most locations. While some businesses shut their doors to honor the holiday, Chuck E. Cheese usually leans into the chaos. It’s the unofficial start of their summer season. You can almost smell the pepperoni and hear the ticket munchers just thinking about it.
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Typical Memorial Day Hours and Why They Vary
Most Chuck E. Cheese locations follow their standard Monday schedule on Memorial Day. Since it’s a federal holiday, you might even see some spots opening a little earlier to catch the morning crowd. Usually, that means doors open at 11:00 AM and close around 9:00 PM.
But here is the catch.
Every location is a bit different. Some are corporate-owned, while others are franchises. A franchise owner in a quiet suburb might decide to let their staff head out early for a family cookout. Meanwhile, a location in a high-traffic tourist area or a major mall might stay open late.
- Standard Monday Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Early Open Possibility: 10:00 AM (Check your local store!)
- Holiday Closures: Extremely rare for Memorial Day.
If you want to be 100% sure, don't just rely on Google Maps. It’s notorious for being wrong about holiday hours. Use the official Chuck E. Cheese store locator on their website or—better yet—give them a quick call the day before. It takes two minutes and saves you the heartbreak of a "Closed" sign and a minivan full of crying kids.
The 2026 Summer Fun Pass Launch
Memorial Day 2026 isn't just another Monday; it's likely the start of the Summer Fun Pass season. For the last few years, the company has used this specific weekend to launch their big summer promotion.
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If they stick to the script, you’re looking at tiered passes that basically act as a "season pass" for arcade games. In 2025, they had Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers. The Gold Pass was a beast—it offered 250 games per day and 50% off most food.
Imagine getting a large pizza for under ten bucks in this economy. Kinda wild, right?
The passes usually pay for themselves in about two visits. If you plan on hitting the mouse house more than once during the summer break, grabbing a pass on Memorial Day is the smartest move you can make.
Military Discounts and Memorial Day
Since Memorial Day is about honoring those who served, it’s worth noting that Chuck E. Cheese is actually pretty solid with military support. They have permanent "Military Offers" that don't just disappear on holidays.
They usually offer two specific deals:
- The Alpha: A large 1-topping pizza, 4 drinks, and 45 minutes of All You Can Play.
- The Bravo: Two large 1-topping pizzas, 4 drinks, and 100 Play Points.
These aren't just for active duty; they typically extend to retired service members and their families. You’ll just need to show a valid Common Access Card (CAC), Uniformed Services ID Card, or a Retiree ID Card. It’s a nice gesture that actually saves a significant chunk of change.
Managing the Memorial Day Crowd
Let’s be real: it’s going to be busy.
Memorial Day is a "rain or shine" destination. If the weather is great, people go to the park. If it’s blistering hot or raining, they go to Chuck E. Cheese.
If you want to keep your sanity, try the Early Access trick. Many locations offer birthday party slots on Saturday and Sunday mornings before the general public is allowed in. While that doesn't apply to Monday, the "sweet spot" for a casual visit is usually right when they open at 11:00 AM. By 2:00 PM, the noise level hits "jet engine" status.
Another pro tip? Use the app.
You can load your play points, check your rewards, and sometimes even order food ahead of time. It beats standing in a line that wraps around the salad bar while your toddler tries to make a break for the prize counter.
Is the Salad Bar Still a Thing?
Yes, it is. And honestly, it’s better than you remember.
While the kids are focused on Skee-Ball and those VR games that look way too intense for a seven-year-old, the salad bar is a legitimate refuge. It’s usually fresh, well-stocked, and provides a break from the "pizza and nuggets" diet.
Just keep an eye on the "All You Can Play" timer. If you bought a time-based pass instead of points, that clock is ticking the second you swipe that first game. Don't let the kids spend 20 minutes of their 60-minute pass staring at the Dippin' Dots freezer.
Final Verdict for Your Holiday Plans
Checking if is Chuck E Cheese open on Memorial Day is the first step toward a successful holiday. They are almost certainly open, likely from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and probably offering some of the best deals of the year via the Summer Fun Pass.
To make the most of your visit, follow these steps:
- Verify: Call your local store on Sunday afternoon to confirm Monday hours.
- Download: Get the Chuck E. Cheese app for coupons and rewards before you arrive.
- ID Check: If you’re a military family, bring your ID to snag the Alpha or Bravo deals.
- Timing: Aim to arrive at opening or after 6:00 PM to avoid the peak afternoon rush.
Memorial Day is meant for relaxing and remembering, but a little bit of arcade fun doesn't hurt. Just remember to bring your socks—nothing ruins a holiday faster than having to buy a $5 pair of "Emergency Mouse Socks" because the kids are wearing sandals.