• HOME
• Articles
• Links
• Contact Us
• About Us

One often overlooked fun family activity is bowling. With the introduction of fun family centers that have everything from mini rides to video game arcades, the bowling alley can be forgotten. However, many bowling alleys are working hard to compete with other family activity centers and putting on a whole new look and feel. There's fun for everyone at a bowling alley, and a little family-friendly competition makes the outing even more silly.

Many bowling alleys now offer bumper bowlling for children. The gutters are filled with long narrow inflatable balloons that prevent the bowling ball from going into the gutter. The child is practically guaranteed to knock at least one pin down, and helps the little ones with their wobbly aim. It provides a challenge for moms and dads too, because the balls bounce from one side to the other, so you have to think more like billards than bowling.

Some bowling alleys have gone so far as to have glow in the dark bowling games, birthday parties, and even theme nights to attract families. Look in the phone book for the nearest bowling alley and ask them about their family nights. Check on rates and maximum number of people. Some alleys even have a daycare drop, which is a room for the 3 and under group to play, watch TV and snack while the older siblings and parents bowl.

Most bowling alleys have some kind of snack bar, so take advantage of some good old-fashioned snacks, sch as soft drinks, popcorn, corn dogs and so forth. You are likely to find a game room at the bowling alley as well, often with video games and pinball machines.

Just like in the old days, you have to swap your regular shoes for bowling shoes. They are a little better looking than they were decades ago, but not by much. A quick tip to save time and frustration in the line is to have your children take off their shoes while waiting for the clerk to help someone else. Confused about what shoe size they are? Just match the size of shoe they are holding.

*15 Minute Moment* The next time you are all in the car, play a game of "I Spy" but make it a little more challenging by just giving three clues.

Other great Children's Get Up and Go Activities articles on SuperActivities.com:

Subscribe to the SuperActivities.com feed