Alley Bowling

When there are no good movies out, nothing fun to do in town, and you're stumped for entertainment on a Friday night, where do you turn? Look to alley bowling, of course! This sport, a well-known pastime in the 1970s and 80s, has experienced a resurgence of popularity in the last few years, enticing bowlers from all age groups and social circles to try their skills at trying for a strike. What was once the realm of leagues has ushered in a new era of young enthusiasts, with specialized equipment and game play designed just for them. Alley bowling has become one of the best low-cost activities for families today.

Even the focus on food during alley bowling has shifted to a more family-friendly fare, with kid's food like mini cheeseburgers and chicken fingers becoming as popular and marketed as draft beers were two decades ago. Special deals that incorporate the family are a common sight, with coupons for free kids' games with each game mom and dad pay for. Birthday parties are another new and lucrative facet that alley bowling owners have embraced: the birthday boy or girl gets special goodies, like an autograph-ready plush bowling pin, and the children get shoes, bowling balls, and a few hours to bowl to their heart's content.

Teens are also coming out for alley bowling; it gives them a safe place to socialize on the weekends that parents are more comfortable with than unsupervised house parties or similar events. Many alley bowling locations offer additional incentives to draw in teens, such as hit songs and videos played on monitors, blacklight-responsive alleys and balls, and even "lock in" events where teens can bowl all night on a Friday or Saturday and sleep in the bowling alley, where their parents pick them up the following morning.