Bowling is a fun and versatile activity, suitable for solo outings, family gatherings, or birthday parties. But how much should you budget? Let’s break down the costs for different types of bowling experiences.
1. Bowling Solo
- Game Cost: Bowling alleys typically charge $3 to $7 per game per person. Many alleys also offer lane rental by the hour, ranging from $15 to $30 per hour, which can be more cost-effective if you’re bowling multiple games.
- Shoe Rental: Most alleys charge $3 to $6 for shoe rentals. Some alleys may offer discounts on rentals if you’re playing multiple games.
- Total Cost: If you plan to bowl two games and rent shoes, expect to pay around $12 to $20.
2. Bowling as a Birthday Party
- Party Packages: Most bowling alleys offer birthday party packages ranging from $10 to $30 per person. These packages usually include lane rental, shoe rental, food (like pizza and drinks), and sometimes party favors.
- Group Rates: Some alleys offer flat-rate deals for birthday groups. For example, you might rent lanes for 2 hours for $150, which includes shoes and a set number of guests.
- Additional Costs: If you’d like to add on extras like a birthday cake, decorations, or goody bags, these can cost $50 to $100 more.
- Total Cost: For a group of 8 to 10 kids, plan on spending around $100 to $300, depending on the package and add-ons.
3. Bowling as a Family or Get-Together
- Hourly Lane Rental: Renting a lane for an hour can range from $15 to $30. A family of four can typically play 2 games in an hour.
- Food and Drinks: Many bowling alleys offer snacks, pizza, and drinks, with prices similar to what you’d find at a casual restaurant. Expect to spend around $20 to $50 on food for a family of four.
- Total Cost for a Family of Four: With lane rental, shoe rental ($3 to $6 per person), and some food, you’re looking at $40 to $80 for an hour or two of bowling fun.
4. Special Discounts and Deals
- League Nights and Specials: Many alleys offer discounts on specific nights, like “Dollar Bowling” where games, shoe rentals, and select snacks are $1 each. Some also have discounted rates during weekday afternoons or family nights.
- Unlimited Bowling Nights: Some alleys offer unlimited bowling during certain hours, usually costing around $10 to $20 per person.
We recommend calling or visiting the site of a highly rated bowling alley via Google/Bing/AskJeeves to see what kind of pricing they offer, but above are general pricing options for your bowling adventures!
