Waveland Bowl

When the weather gets super hot, a great indoor activity for the summer is bowling.  I kind of thought my kids were too young to bowl but on a recent rainy day we ended up at Waveland Bowl and I was proved totally wrong.  The bowling alley, located at 3700 N. Western, is quite big, with 40 lanes.  However, when we were there on a Tuesday at 10 AM most of the lanes were full due to the large number of summer camps that were there.  If you call ahead (773-472-5900) they will let you know how booked they are for the day. 

There were plenty of the smallest size bowling balls (8 lbs) available, which is saying something since everyone there was a kid using that size ball.  The kids on our lane had to share balls but it didn't really matter since only one kid can bowl at a time anyway.  There were five kids bowling on our lane and it took us over an hour to play one game.  The ball rolls very slowly when thrown down by a four year old.  Very slowly.  They didn't seem to care, though.  The bumpers were up so we had very few turns without any pins knocked down, which ups the enjoyment factor.  My daughters were each able to get a spare after the ball knocked against the bumpers a few times.  Still counts in their minds.  The girls really enjoyed themselves.  I think they were surprised how much fun it was to go bowling.

The cost to bowl is $1 per person on weekday mornings and then the price increases for the afternoons, evenings, and weekends.  The maximum price at peak times is $5 per person.  The cost to rent shoes is $3.50 per person.  See their website www.wavelandbowl.com for a breakdown of their prices and the hours they are open.  There is a snack bar with the usual snack bar things like soda, popcorn, pizza, and burgers.  You are not allowed to bring in outside food.  Behind the bowling alley is a huge parking lot.

Waveland Bowl also participates in free kids bowling over the summer.  If you go to  www.kidsbowlfree.com you can sign up to receive coupons for free bowling for every week during the summer.  You still have to pay for shoe rental but it can save you a little money.