A Guide to Top Bowling Alleys in New York City
Looking for a lively, family-friendly bowling outing in NYC? The top spots include Bowlero, Frames Bowling Lounge, Melody Lanes, Funfest Bowling Center, Bowl 360, Whitestone Bowling Lanes, and Jib Lanes. These alleys combine fun games, colorful lanes, bumpers for kids, and plenty of laughs to make every visit a memorable experience.
Looking for a fun and active way to spend time with the kids? Bowling is the perfect indoor activity, whether you’re just trying to find something to do or escape a rainy day. With friendly competition and lots of laughs, it’s a great option for a family outing.
Luckily, New York City has no shortage of awesome bowling alleys that are perfect for kids and parents. Here are 8 top spots to check out!
Psst… Check Out A Parent’s Guide to Exploring Moynihan Train Hall with Kids
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- Top alleys: Bowlero, Frames Bowling Lounge, Melody Lanes, Funfest Bowling Center, Bowl 360, Whitestone Bowling Lanes, Jib Lanes.
- Indoor fun: Bowlero, Frames Bowling Lounge, Bowl 360, Melody Lanes.
- Classic bowling: Melody Lanes, Whitestone Bowling Lanes, Jib Lanes.
- For beginners and kids: Funfest Bowling Center, Bowlero, Frames Bowling Lounge.
- Family-friendly extras: Frames Bowling Lounge offers ping pong and karaoke. Bowlero has arcade games. Bowl 360 features modern lanes and music.
- Safety basics: Walk carefully near the lanes. Keep your hands dry. Follow staff instructions. Use bumpers for kids.
These family bowling spots in New York City offer a mix of easygoing fun and kid-friendly energy, so you can plan a simple outing that feels relaxed and enjoyable. Each place has its own charm, with clean lanes, friendly staff, and little extras that make visitors feel special for both kids and parents. Whether your family loves cheering for strikes or just wants a calm space to unwind together, you’ll find a bowling alley here that fits your mood. The list below makes it easy to pick the perfect place for your next fun-filled family outing:
Bowlero: Uniquely Designed Bowling Alley in Manhattan with Exciting Game Options
Chelsea Piers – Pier 60, New York, NY 10011
222 W 44th St. New York, NY 10036
69-10 34th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377
If you’re searching for some of the best bowling places in NY, Bowlero offers a fun mix of bright lights and exciting games that everyone will enjoy. Filled with bright neon lighting and plenty of fun game options, Bowlero is an excellent place to keep the kids entertained. This bowling alley has everything you could ever want out of a good bowling trip.
There are multiple locations around NYC, including ones in Manhattan and Queens. The Times Square location is also one of the most uniquely designed alleys in the city, so check it out if you’re looking for something a little different.
Frames Bowling Lounge: Bowling Alley in New York With a Ping Pong Arena
550 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Frames has everything you need for a fun night of bowling. They provide great service and everyone in your party will love their distinctive style. There’s never a dull moment with all the options for games and activities provided at Frames.
If you love karaoke, pool, ping pong, and bowling all tied together then check out Frames for a fun night out with the whole family.
Melody Lanes: Classic Bowling Alley in NY with Melody Lanes
461 37th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
For those who want a simple and focused bowling experience, Melody Lanes is a classic bowling alley in NY worth visiting. Melody Lanes has the classic atmosphere one expects from bowling without feeling outdated or stuck in the past. With a direct focus on bowling, Melody Lanes forgoes all the extras other bowling alleys supply in order to provide the perfect game of bowling each and every time.
Everyone in the family will have a fun time here without feeling overstimulated. With a focus on customer service, Melody Lanes will do everything in their power to ensure you have the best experience possible each time you visit.
Funfest Bowling Center: Bowling Alley in NY with Scheduled Activities
6161 Strickland Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234
The name alone tells you everything you need to know about this bowling alley. Funfest is a completely family-oriented location and will give everyone in your family a fun bowling experience regardless of age.
Kids will love the bright colors and joyful attitude that exists in every corner of this bowling alley. Funfest also provides leagues for all ages and skill levels if you’re interested in making bowling a regularly scheduled activity for any member of the family.
Bowl 360: Modern Bowling Alley in NY with a Stimulation Arena
98-18 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11417
19-45 49th St, Astoria, NY 11105
1 Bouck Ct, Brooklyn, NY 11223
This more modern alley is the perfect balance between stimulation and classic bowling. The balance provides the whole family with a great time out together they’ll all enjoy.
The style and music of this location will make your evening of leisure even more refreshing and fun. Everyone in your family will leave Bowl 360 feeling satisfied with their bowling experience.
Whitestone Bowling Lanes: Traditional Bowling Alley in NY with a Memory Lane
3005 Whitestone Expy Flushing, NY 11354
Whitestone is a perfect example of a traditional bowling alley in NY, where parents can share the joy of bowling with their kids. Whitestone Bowling offers a traditional bowling experience. Parents can find an old school version of bowling here that they remember from their own time as children.
Whitestone Bowling provides parents with the ultimate walk down memory lane that now they can share with their own children. It’s a special opportunity that parents should consider taking advantage of on their nights out with the family.
Jib Lanes: Friendly and Classic Bowling Alley in NY with a Basement Venue
67-19 Parsons Blvd, Queens, NY 11365
Jib Lanes creates a great bowling adventure for the entire family to enjoy. This classic alley runs out of a basement venue that feels perfect for bowling.
Jib Lanes offers a delightful atmosphere for the family to bowl in without being too over-the-top. With plenty of different options to optimize your experience, any family can find bowling here that works for them. For those searching for friendly and classic bowling places in NY, Jib Lanes offers a warm and relaxed experience for the whole family.
Beginner-Friendly Tips for First-Time Bowlers
Trying bowling for the first time can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming because the alley is full of people. People don’t know exactly what to do at first, and having simple guidance can make the experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
The tips below can help families feel prepared, comfortable, and confident for their first game, making it easier to enjoy every roll without stress.
- Select a ball that feels comfortable: Choosing a comfortable ball is the most important first step for beginners because it makes the game easier and more fun. A light ball should be chosen so it is easy to lift, hold, and roll without straining the arm. The ball should feel balanced in the hand, allowing beginners to stay in control and feel confident. Picking the right weight should help children enjoy every turn and prevent frustration during the game.
- Understand the basic rules: Once the ball is selected, it helps to learn a few basic rules before starting the game. Waiting for turns, staying behind the foul line, and rolling the ball gently toward the pins should all be followed. Knowing these rules should make the game safer, smoother, and more enjoyable for both kids and adults.
- Keep the swing relaxed: Arms should stay loose while swinging the ball to create a smooth, steady motion. A slow, controlled step and roll should be used to help maintain balance and accuracy. A relaxed swing should allow beginners to feel confident and make each roll more consistent.
- Follow the lane guides: Arrows and markers on the lane should be used to help aim the ball. Focusing on one arrow instead of all the pins at once should simplify the throw. Using the guides should improve accuracy and help beginners see better results with each roll.
- Start with slow, controlled rolls: First rolls should be slow and deliberate so beginners can understand how the ball moves. Each throw should allow time to adjust and learn without pressure. Rolling slowly should help build confidence and make the experience more fun for the whole family.
- Move carefully near the lanes: After getting used to slow, controlled rolls, it is important to move carefully near the front of the lanes because the floor can be slippery. Walking should be slow, hands should be kept dry, and any instructions from the staff should be followed. Moving carefully should prevent accidents and keep the game safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- Keep scoring simple: Once the family gets comfortable walking safely near the lanes, keeping the scoring simple is a good next step. Skipping points or keeping them very light helps everyone focus on fun and learning instead of numbers. This creates a relaxed and positive experience for new players.
Wrapping Up
Looking for a fun way to spend time with the kids? If so, then bowling in New York City offers families a fun and active way to spend time together, no matter the weather or age. From the bright neon lanes of Bowlero and the lively mix of games at Frames Bowling Lounge, to the classic charm of Melody Lanes and the family-friendly atmosphere at Funfest Bowling Center, there is something for everyone. Modern spots like Bowl 360, traditional favorites such as Whitestone Bowling Lanes, and cozy local alleys like Jib Lanes provide opportunities for beginners and experienced bowlers alike. Families should feel encouraged to try different alleys, use the tips for first-time bowlers, and focus on enjoying the game rather than worrying about scores. Taking the time to laugh together, celebrate each role, and create small victories ensures that every visit becomes a happy family memory.
FAQs
Which NYC bowling alley has the best reviews?
Bowlero Alley, especially the Times Square branch, consistently receives excellent reviews for families. Visitors praise the bright, fun atmosphere, variety of game options, and friendly staff. Families enjoy that it combines classic bowling with extras like arcade games, making it a favorite spot for kids and adults alike.
What is the biggest bowling alley in NYC?
Frames Bowling Lounge in Midtown Manhattan is one of the largest bowling alleys in the city. It offers numerous lanes, a full ping pong arena, karaoke rooms, and a lively lounge area. Its size and variety of activities make it perfect for families or large groups looking for a fun outing.
What’s the oldest bowling alley in NYC?
Whitestone Bowling Lanes in Queens is considered one of the oldest traditional bowling alleys still operating in New York City. It provides a nostalgic, classic bowling experience that allows parents to share the fun of bowling from their own childhoods with their kids.
Which bowling alley is best for beginners and kids?
Funfest Bowling Center in Brooklyn is ideal for beginners and younger children. The alley offers bright colors, family-friendly lanes, and bumpers to help kids succeed. Scheduled activities and a welcoming atmosphere make it easy for first-time bowlers to feel comfortable and enjoy the game.
