Choose a Bowling Center

Bowling has long earned itself a place in the pantheon of American pastimes. A bowling center can be a place of competitive sport, a gathering place, a location for festive celebrations such as birthdays or graduation parties along with being a center of activity focused on the true spirit of gamesmanship.

Bowling is a beautifully simple game that offers much of what other games, sports and activities cannot. It’s inexpensive, anyone can play and it trends towards a high level of social interaction, which can include food and drinks, all under one roof.

Today’s modern bowling alleys are clean and filled with hi-tech amenities avid bowlers are familiar with.

Visiting a contemporary bowling center can be a pleasant revelation for those who haven’t visited in a while or for younger folks who might never have bowled before.

Here’s what to look for in a place to enjoy your next round of bowling:

Technology

Most bowling centers now use computerized scoring systems that make it easier to keep score.

Look for a center that has an easy-to-use scoring system. You should be able to begin a game without spending much time figuring out how to keep track of the score. There should be instructions on how to keep score. If not, the employee working at the desk should be able to help you.

The best scoring systems will help you improve your game, since you can concentrate on bowling, rather than who is winning or losing. Some scoring systems can be the equivalent of having a virtual coach, giving advice on how to turn a split into a spare.

Service

Fast and friendly service means you will get your shoes and be able to procure a lane without much of a wait time.

Many bowling centers have extra services for birthday parties, corporate events or fundraisers. The best bowling alleys have top-grade facilities and entertainment packages to host events of all sizes.

Bowling alleys are a great place to hold a child’s birthday party. Most alleys have a room you can reserve to gather and have cake and ice cream. They usually offer discounts for groups to bowl. It makes for a fun activity for several hours.

Some bowling centers have special themed nights or midnight bowling events, which can make playing even more exciting.

Food

A modern bowling alley will offer comfortable spaces for bowlers to relax and enjoy a good meal. You should be able to find more than a cup of soda and hot dog at a bowling center. Increasingly, bowling centers offer well rounded meal menus or combo platters that can satisfy even the most hard to please palate.

Entertainment

Many bowling centers have arcades, which can provide fun for the whole family.

Some bowling centers offer indoor or outdoor Mini-Golf as well. Starting or finishing the bowling event with a game of Mini-Golf can set the tone for a bout of healthy competition.

Bowling centers are a great way to spend an entire evening with your friends and family without breaking your budget.

Activities

Many bowling centers can be home to the local High School’s Bowling Team. Even those not participating can be swept up in the heat of competition while rooting for the home team.

Most bowling centers offer chances to form or join leagues and play competitively or for fun. Looking on a particular bowling center’s website or Facebook page can give you information on how to create or join a league.