5 Qualities Your Local Bowling Alley Should Boast

Looking for the perfect spot to roll some strikes and enjoy an evening of fun? Your local bowling alley could be just the place! Whether you’re a seasoned pro aiming for that elusive perfect game or just looking for a fun way to spend time with friends and family, the right alley can make all the difference.

Here are five must-have qualities to look out for in your quest for the ultimate bowling experience:

1. Delicious Food and Drinks

A good bowling alley should offer more than just lanes to play on. It should also have a variety of tasty snacks, meals, and drinks available when you need to refuel between rounds. From classic bowling fare like hot dogs and nachos to more elaborate dishes like burgers and pizza, the food options should be diverse and satisfying.

2. An Updated, Modern Arcade

In between turns at the lanes, it’s always fun to take a break and try your hand at some classic arcade games. A great bowling alley will have an updated and well-maintained selection of arcade games to entertain you and your friends, plus upgraded screens and a clean area. Look for options like:

  • Classics Like Skee-Ball and Pac-Man
  • Virtual Reality (VR)
  • Giant Carnival-Style Games
  • Basketball Hoops
  • Board Game Adaptions Like Monopoly

3. Glow-In-The-Dark Events

For a truly unique bowling experience, look for alleys that offer glow-in-the-dark bowling. These events are typically held at night and feature special lighting effects and neon-colored balls to add extra excitement to your game. Bowling in the dark is always a blast—it’s perfect for birthday parties, group outings, or date nights.

4. Opportunities to Book a Party

Speaking of parties, your local alley should be the go-to spot for hosting events. Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate event, or team-building outing, the right alley will have options and packages to accommodate any type of celebration. They should also have upgradeable menus, separate event rooms, and a friendly staff to help make your event planning process stress-free.

Plus, with food and drinks available on-site, you won’t have to worry about catering or finding a separate venue for your party!

5. More Activities Than Bowling

While bowling may be the main attraction, a well-rounded bowling alley should offer more than just lanes. That way, if some members of your group aren’t as interested in bowling, there are other activities they can enjoy. Look for spots that also have the following:

  • Bumper Cars
  • Laser Tag
  • Escape Rooms
  • Hatchet Throwing

Find Your Local Stars and Strikes For All You Need & More!

Ready to put your bowling skills to the test and enjoy a fun night out? Stars and Strikes has all five of the above qualities—and more! With locations across the United States, we’re dedicated to providing our guests with an unforgettable bowling experience. Plus, we offer augmented reality (AR) bowling and the activities above as icing on the cake!

Find a location near you and join us for a night of bowling, food, and fun.