A reader so kindly posted about free bowling for the summer on my facebook wall, and of course I had to check it out. “Free” and “children” is always a good combination! Bowling is a fun rainy day activity or for those dog days of summer when heat is brutal. I took my kids (4 & 6) to play to celebrate my girl’s last day of kindergarten…but, we had a few mishaps along the way. First, I forgot we needed socks, then I forgot their waivers, and then I didn’t know to ask for a ramp to help my children get the ball to the pins. Their balls kept getting stuck against the bumper in the middle of the lane – watching their balls roll was like watching paint dry.
I had to call the attendant five times to get our ball, well one time was my son playing with the buttons. So…let me advise you on the proper way to do this bowling thing, especially so your four year old won’t beg you to go home because he is bored and feeling defeated because his “ball won’t go!” Once I figured everything out, we had a great time and the kids wanted to keep playing.
This is what you want to do:
1. Sign up for AMF Summer Unplugged – FREE bowling for kids ages 15 and under here: BOWLING! *Please note: these are for 2 FREE GAMES and they do not include rentals – (games are $4.40/game/person, typically) and rentals ended up being $9.29 for two children. Once you sign up, you will receive your vouchers via email – take them with you. I forgot mine (mishap #1), but they were super nice and let me slide.
**Bowl with your kids or cheaply with older children: a summer pass for up to four adults (16 and up) is only $29.95: AMF Summer Pass**
2. Bring socks. If you forget them (mishap #2), you can buy adult socks at the ProShop at the bowling alley for $2. They worked fine for my little guy, but I think it was 
because they were shiny and new, otherwise he would have complained they were too big.
3. Don’t let your kids press the buttons on the computer (mishap #3), the attendants may get really annoyed. Plus, it can screw up the games.
4. Get a ramp if your kids are little like mine! (mishap #4) 1. the kids love watching the ball go down the ramp; 2. the kids don’t get bored because their ball rolls slowly down the lane; and, 3. the ball doesn’t end up getting too heavy for them as the game progresses.
5. Be sure to use proper bowling etiquette. Meaning, don’t allow your kids to run all over the place and be sure to take turns with the players if they are right next to you. In other words, be courteous to those around you.
6. Bring a snack. They have a snack bar and a vending machine if you get in pinch.
7. Go between 10 am – 5 pm when the place is pretty dead. Lanes are generally all booked up in the evenings with leagues and such. Also, we all know bowling alleys serve liquor and beer. Just know that people may be throwing one back while you are there like The Dude (not really, I just love The Dude). If you don’t like that, ask if you can be put on a lane on the opposite end or leave.
4825 Sawmill Road | Columbus OH 43235
(614) 889-0880
2434 Old Stringtown Rd. | Grove City OH 43123
(614) 875-4343
