Best Bowling for Kids in New York City
Here's a guide to bowling with kids around NYC. Some bowling alleys can be dark and musty. But not these! We love these bowling alleys' friendly appeal, stellar deals, special events and entertainment, and overall family fun vibe. Consider these venues for a kid's bowling party, too!
Keep in mind that many of these spots transition to 21 and older in the evenings so it may be best to plan your outing for the afternoon.
Showplace Entertainment Center
Juan L.: Although this Center hosts many activities, it is also home to some of the best bowling in the five boroughs. There are 32 lanes that pull out all the stops every day. There is interactive scoring, instant messaging between lanes, You-toon animations, and lights and music everywhere. There is also an arcade, comedy club, and snack bar.
The real magic happens on Friday and Saturday nights with the glow in the dark bowling, laser lights, music videos and more! It's truly the next generation of bowling experience that your kids will fall in love with.
Rab's Country Lanes
Nancy L.: This Staten Island bowling spot has 48 lanes for open play or visit the calendar to participate in special events. Take a break from bowling and try the Laser Maze Challenge, where you navigate through a puzzle of lasers as fast as you can.
Melody Lanes Bowling Center
Juan L.: Melody Lanes is an authentic, old school bowling alley in Brooklyn with an updated feel while retaining its charm. There are 26 lanes, a small arcade, and a bar for food. What makes Melody a truly great find? All the specials! They have Glow Bowling, Weekend Madness, Family Night, Junior Special and many more!
Shell Lanes
Nancy L.: Shell Lanes serves families with 32 lanes and snack counter service. This classic bowling lounge can host group events and parties too.
Bowlmor Lanes
Nancy L.: Bowlmor is the coolest name in bowling. What started in the late 1930s as one location on University Place is now the hippest spot for this classic sport, with locations around the country. Chelsea Piers and Times Square offer bowling fun, billiards and arcades. The Chelsea Piers location also offers laser tag!
Lucky Strike Manhattan
Nancy L.: Lucky Strike, located on Manhattan's West Side, has 26 lanes, billiards, ping pong tables, and a great menu. Everyone in the group can participate in something they enjoy at this center.
Frames Bowling Lounge
Juan L.: Frames is definitely a more upscale venue, but it's a great spot for a special family outing. There are 28 bowling lanes, billiards, ping pong, and karaoke to make sure no one is bored! The food menu caters to the whole family with everything from swanky empanadas and flat breads to chicken tenders and pigs in a blanket. Even the pickiest eaters won't be able to say no!
Make sure to check out the family package complete with lanes, shoe rentals, food and drinks. It's always a good idea to book your lanes online.
Funfest Bowling Center
Jennie Utsinger: This small bowling alley in Brooklyn has a family friendly bowling section, an arcade, and a snack bar. There are youth bowling leagues for kids as young as 3 and Funfest also hosts a great bowling birthday party.
Brooklyn Bowl
Family Bowl (all ages): Saturdays, 12pm-5pm & Sundays, 12pm-6pm
Age 21+ after 6pm
Nancy L.: Bowling at its finest, Brooklyn Bowl has 16 bowing lanes and a top-quality menu provided by Blue Ribbon. They also host Family Bowl on Saturdays & Sundays.
Bowlero Queens
Nancy L.: Choose from bowling, billiards or arcades in this Woodside, Queens location. You will work up an appetite playing in this spot so make sure to check out their menu of food and snack options.
Astoria Bowl
Juan L.: This is a go to bowling lane if you are in or around Astoria. Since it's not easily accessible by public transportation it isn't the best choice for every family. However, if you are lucky enough to be in the area or have a car (there is lots of parking), it is the perfect classic bowling lane for the family. They have 28 lanes and a great scoring system. There is good family style bar food as well.
It is family-owned and family-oriented making for a great overall traditional experience.
Whitestone Bowling Lanes
Jennie Utsinger: The 48 lanes at Whitestone Bowling are always open, so you can head there in the mornings with your kids if you're looking for an activity. Take a break in the mini arcade and the snack bar, and then bowl a few more rounds. Bowling birthday parties are a hit, as well.
Jib Lanes
Nancy L.: The family that owns Jib Lanes has been operating bowling centers for three generations—they know bowling! Jib Lanes offers Family Fun Packs for up to six people with two hours of bowling and shoe rentals. Visit their website for the latest specials and check out the cafe for extensive options of kids' favorites.
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