Bowling is a fun family activity that kids and adults of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy together. Many modern bowling alleys are built with families in mind and with aids like computers, bumpers, ramps, and lighter balls, even a toddler can compete with older members of the group. Here are a few of the Utah bowling alleys in Davis and Weber counties that offer the best bowling for families:
Boondocks
This family fun center in Kaysville is one of the newest bowling alleys in the area and is dedicated to open bowling, rather than league bowling. You can choose to pay by the game ($3-$4) or by the hour ($20-$25) for up to six players. Shoe rental is $2.50 for kids and $3.00 for adults. In addition to bowling, Boondocks offers activities such as mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and an arcade for awesome family fun.
Sparetime
This traditional 32-lane bowling alley in Roy offers a variety of leagues while leaving plenty of lanes for open bowling every night of the week. Bowl for $3.00-$3.50 per game and rent shoes for $2.95 per person. Look for coupons and specials online or in the Entertainment coupon book. Mini-golf and batting cages are also on site.
Wildcat Lanes
Wildcat Lanes at Weber State University in Ogden offers great bowling for families on a budget. Shoe rental for kids aged 14 and under is always free. Prices are competitive at any time, but during Happy Hour, which is 3:00-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, pay only $1.90 per game and $1 for shoe rental. After 6:00 pm on Monday nights, kids bowl free with a paying adult and after 8:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, it’s only $1.50 per game or $4 for three games. Though Wildcat Lanes is small (only eight lanes) there is usually no problem to get a lane during these promotional hours.
All of these bowling alleys have automatic bumpers that can be programmed to pop in or out for each bowler and ramps to help kids position their balls and give them enough momentum to hit more pins. Lighter balls (around six pounds) are available at the desk for younger bowlers. Just watch out, or your kids will soon outscore you. Happy bowling!