It is hard to figure out how to describe Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum in a short paragraph. For starters, Marvin’s is located in a typical suburban strip mall. When you arrive, you park in front of a building that looks quite unremarkable, but once you enter, you quickly realize this place is anything but unremarkable.
Marvin’s is filled from top to bottom (literally all 5,500 square feet have something to see) with the collection of Marvin Yagoda, who collected items for over 60 years. From modern-day video games to old-school mechanical games and oddities, there is something for kids of all ages (and kids at heart). Marvin’s is free to visit, but you’ll want to bring along plenty of quarters to play the games and use the machines (but don’t worry – there are change machines available, too). Many of the machines give you tickets that you can exchange for a prize before you head home. Other machines, like the classic gypsy fortune teller, will provide you with a printed fortune.
Located just an hour away from Jackson, a visit to Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum is the perfect day trip no matter the weather. Big and I spent about two hours inside playing games and seeing attractions, so this is the perfect spot to visit if you only have an afternoon available.
Location Name: Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Address: 31005 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Why we love it: endless games to play and endless things to see (don’t forget to spend some time looking up during your visit)
Features: pinball machines, mechanical machines, oddities, vintage signs, skeeball, modern video games
“Big’s Review”: This place is amazingly fun. Make sure to bring a ton of quarters. Be prepared to have lots of fun, and make sure to get a fortune from one of the fortune-teller machines. Get ready to win a ton of tickets!
Elizabeth’s Suggestion: Bring a few rolls of quarters with you and prepare to have a ton of fun!
Toddler Approved? There are a few ride-on machines that are available only to the younger visitors, but we think this location is best suited to ages five and up.
Stroller friendly? The aisles are big enough for strollers, but depending on how many people are visiting it may be difficult to navigate.
Big Kid Approved? Definitely
Full Sun or Shade? Marvin’s is fully inside
Restroom? Yes
Cost? Free to enter, most machines cost 50 cents and up
Parking? Ample parking in the lot
Hours: Per their website, Marvin’s is open seven days a week. Check the website below for information, and check their Facebook page for other updates.
Website: http://www.marvin3m.com/?page_id=35
Closing Review: When Big and I visited, we only had an afternoon available for our adventure, and Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum fit the bill. Located only an hour away from the Jackson area (depending on Michigan’s road construction), we felt like we were transported to a magical location during our time inside. I was fully entertained with the oddities, most of which went over Big’s head, and he was fully entertained with the ticket machines and fun games. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum is definitely worth a visit.
