Best Bowling For Kids In Melbourne

Bowling is one of those activities that works for all ages and abilities.

Want something to do without feeling too exerted? It qualifies as a sport…but, then again, not really. Still, it’s definitely moving – and when you add in a healthy dose of friendly family competition, it’s a fun thing to do with everyone from little kids to older teens (and active grandparents, too). Indoor bowling centres are ideal for hot weather or rainy day games but if you love the great outdoors and something a bit different, try a barefoot bowls night at your local neighbourhood lawn bowls club. You’ll be supporting a community institution, enjoying the fresh air and having a few giggles at the same time.

 

Strike Bowling Melbourne Central

If it’s good enough for Fred Flintstone and Homer Simpson, it’s surely good enough for your family, too, right? The good thing about 10-pin bowling is the fact that it really does cater for everyone in the family – and in all seasons and times of day.

To keep smiles on the faces of your little ones, you can ask staff to put the gutter guards up – so no tantrums about balls that keep heading straight for the gutter and not knocking any pins down. More competitive adults, however, can play without the added protection – and try to beat each other in a family bowling contest. Who will get the highest score? If you add a night out at the local bowling alley as part of some regular family frolics, you can up the ante by creating an annual trophy for best score of the year.

Kids will love the over-priced, unhealthy snack treats (hot dogs, anyone??) but if you time it for in between mealtimes, you might be able to leave there with just a couple of serves of hot chips on the bill (and your hips).

What You Need To Know

Phone: 1300 787 453

Address: Melbourne Central, 211 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne

Price:

Day bowling*

10am – 4pm

1 game $13 | 2 games $21

Night bowling*

4pm – late

1 game $17 | 2 games $31

Opening hours: 10am–2am

More information: visit the website – http://www.strikebowling.com.au/

 

AMF Bowling Forest Hill

AMF has bowling alleys right across Melbourne’s suburbs and in regional Victoria and this one in Forest Hill doesn’t break from the standard format.

Bowling lanes, a snack bar, a section with some arcade games and some all-weather fun, with the option to book that next birthday party too.

What more could any family want for a fun afternoon/night out?

The shoes are always stylish (remember to wear socks or at least bring your own!) and the chance to show off your bowling prowess – complete with fancy footwork down the lane – to your children is always worth its weight in gold.

What You Need To Know

Phone: 1300 368 067

Address: Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre, 270 Canterbury Rd, Forest Hill

Price:

Families with older kids might want to take advantage of the late night rates on weekend, with 2 games for $16.90 per person every Friday &Saturday after 9pm.

Opening hours: 9am–11pm

More information: visit the website – https://www.amfbowling.com.au/

 

Sidetracked Entertainment Centre

10-pin bowling is just a small slice of the fun here, with added extras of go-karting, dodgem cars, laser-tag, arcade games, min-golf and more. It’s got packages galore to suit birthday parties and even corporate family fun days but if it’s just the bowling you’re after, you can get into the Highway 66-themed décor and have a hoot of a time here, as you watch those pins fly. Smaller lanes and lighter balls make it even more fun for young ones (and you’ll find it easier on your arm too!).

What You Need To Know

Phone: 9562 7607

Address: 370 Huntingdale Road South, South Oakleigh

Prices:

Pre-school – (1) game $ 9.50 / (2) games $16.50

Children – (1) game $10.50 / (2) games $18.50

Adults – (1) Game $11.50 / (2) games $21.00

Family – $38.50

Opening hours:

Monday-Thursday – 11am-9pm

Friday – 11am-11pm

Saturday – 10am-11pm

Sunday – 10am – 7pm

Public holidays – 12pm-5pm

More information: visit the website – http://www.sidetracked.com.au/

 

Oz Tenpin Bowling

Eight locations across Victoria make it easy to find one of these centres in your neck of the woods. As well as booking individual lanes for your family-friendly bowling pleasure, you can also book birthday party packages, plus teen pizza parties for your older crew.

If you get bitten by the bowling bug and the kids are old enough, think about joining a league and put family bowling night on your weekly calendar. They are the memories you’ll be laughing about at future family gatherings for years to come.

What You Need To Know

Phone: 1800 OZTENPIN

Address: 14- 22 Lauderdale Rd, Narre Warren VIC 3805

Price: $19.00

Look for bowling and food combo specials during school holidays, too!

More information: visit the website – http://www.oztenpin.com.au/

 

Brunswick Bowling Club

Love the feel of grass beneath your toes?

Barefoot bowls here is a special treat, indeed! And it’s made all the more special because it’s one of the oldest lawn bowling clubs in Melbourne (and the Southern Hemisphere!). The idea behind barefoot bowls nights are to offer lawn bowls as a taster to people who might not normally think about treading the manicured greens. Basically, it’s a casual come-and-try vibe that’s made even more fun (and educational) with the friendly instruction you get from one of the club’s members. Barbecues are also available for hire, to give you the chance to cook your dinner while you play.

What You Need To Know

Phone: 9380 1808

Address: 104-106 Victoria Street, Brunswick

Opening hours:

Peak season Sept 1-April 30

Monday-Friday – 3pm – 8pm

Saturday – 12pm – 10pm

Sunday – 12pm – 8pm

Low season May 1 – Aug 31

Friday – 2pm – 9pm

Saturday – 12pm – 9pm

Sunday – 12pm – 6pm

More information: visit the website’s barefoot bowling page here – http://www.brunswickbowlingclub.com.au/barefoot-bowling/

 

The St Kilda Sports Club

This club opened in 1876 and has the distinction of being the second oldest existing bowls club in Australia. So with all those years of bowling tradition as the background to your family fun, you’re definitely in the right location to take in the atmosphere of a classic lawn bowls venue and learn from some seasoned locals.

Yes, bowling takes a lot of practice to become great but with just a few minutes of handy tips, you’ll be good enough to have a go.

What You Need To Know

Phone: 9534 5229

Address: 66 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Opening hours:

7 days – 12pm-late

Prices:

Looking for a way to while away a couple of hours in the fresh (almost) seaside air? For individuals or any small group of 8 or less people, bookings can be made for $20 per person and barbecue hire is available for $30 – perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or evening. There are no bookings available on Saturday – the club’s biggest day for members and competition.

More information: visit the website – http://stkildasportsclub.com.au/casual-bowls/

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