The perfect weekend activity for families: a parent's guide to Hollywood Bowl

If you're looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy, bowling could be right up your alley. With simple rules and plenty of excitement, it’s a great way to encourage bonding, build skills, and get everyone moving.

Our Mumsnetters agree that it’s a hit with kids of all ages! “We took our kids this weekend, ages seven and four, for the second time,” SpinningBob shared. “They absolutely loved it. It was a really fun way to spend an hour!”

“My two-year-old loves it”, added Hoik. “She has the bumpers up and I put the ball on one of those ramps, she gives it a big push and then cheers when the pins fall over.”

Hollywood Bowl, the UK’s largest ten-pin bowling operator, has 75 centres across the country, jam-packed with entertainment for all ages. Plus, Mumsnetters often praise their generous discounts and deals, making it an affordable way to enjoy a family day out.

What makes Hollywood Bowl the perfect choice for families?

If you’re looking for a fun-filled activity to keep the family entertained on a weekend - head to your nearest Hollywood Bowl. Here’s what’s on: 

Fun for all ages

With venues across the UK, it’s likely there’s a Hollywood Bowl near you. Their state-of-the-art bowling alleys feature bumpers and lighter balls, so even the smallest family members can join in the fun. High-tech scoring makes it stress-free, so you can sit back and enjoy the game.

Game on

Beyond bowling, at Hollywood Bowl you can test your skills in the amusement arcade, where the prizes are hotter than your high score. Race to glory, push the pennies, or take on a Hungry Hippo showdown. Some centres, like at the O2 and Leeds’ Putt & Play, even offer crazy golf or duckpin bowling, which are perfect for smaller hands!

Bowling is a great family activity that’s perfect for all ages

Food and drink 

After all that bowling action, refuel with plenty of tasty food options that’ll satisfy every appetite. Think cheesy nacho sharers, juicy hotdogs with all the trimmings, indulgently sweet shakes and kids’ favourites like nuggets, mini hot dogs, and burgers. 

In fact, for just £26, you can get two adult meals, two kids’ meals, a portion of onion rings, and four soft drinks! Simply select food when you book your Hollywood Bowl tickets online. That’s less than £7 per person! Great food, great value.

Planning a celebration?

Hollywood Bowl can take care of the whole package. Prices start from £13 per child and £17 per adult, which includes a full hour of bowling, a tasty meal, a squash or fizzy drink.

Fancy an upgrade? For an extra £2 per child, you can have access to the VIP lanes and kids get an ice cream, slushie or fizzy drink.

Older kids may also benefit from student discounts, plus there's even a Party Pro package for adults which includes two games, a delicious meal and a drink to quench your thirst. Which no doubt you'll need after all those strikes…

Why is bowling such a great family activity?

Bowling is a fantastic family activity for several reasons. It promotes teamwork and friendly competition, helping children learn how to deal with setbacks, celebrate victories, and develop pride in their achievements (because we all know that kids can be sore losers).

It’s also an activity that’s suitable for all skill levels and ages, with options like bumpers and ramps for younger players. Bowling also enhances coordination and motor skills, improving hand-eye coordination and balance. 

Compared to other outings, it's an affordable, hassle-free option with special offers available at venues like Hollywood Bowl. Plus, as an indoor activity, it’s perfect for any weather.

At Hollywood Bowl, the fun doesn’t stop at the bowling alley - enjoy food and arcade games too

Top tips for planning a family bowling trip

1. Go early in the day to dodge crowds AND save £££. Shortly after opening is a good time to beat the rush, plus Hollywood Bowl has special early bird offers where you can get up to 50% off. So, it’s a win win!

2. Wear comfortable clothing. Afterall, you don’t want to be restricted when you bowl, so something casual and comfortable is always best. Wardrobe staples like jeans and a t-shirt, or jogging bottoms and a fitted top are failsafe choices. 

As for footwear, Hollywood Bowl is happy for you and your family to wear your own - as long as they are flat-soled and closed toe shoes. There’s no strict dress code, but Hollywood Bowl does ask you to remove caps and hoods when inside.

3. Book ahead. Lanes can get very busy during peak times, like school holidays, so it’s always best to book ahead. Plus with Hollywood Bowl, you can often secure the best deals when you book online. 

What age is suitable for children to start bowling?

A lot of venues don’t impose an age restriction for children, but always check the terms and conditions. Hollywood Bowl recommends ages four and up due to the weight of the balls. 

Their smallest ball available is XS, which weighs 6lbs, but the bumpers and slides will provide assistance for younger children, too.

Do Hollywood Bowl locations offer shoe rentals for kids?

Shoe hire is an option, but they prefer for adults and children to bowl in their own footwear. Shoes must be flat and have closed toes for safety.

A trip to Hollywood Bowl is fun for all the family

Are there special deals or discounts for families?

There are plenty of options for families to take advantage of. The weekend Early Bird discount of 25% is perfect for early risers, while the Family Meal Deal from just £26 will fill everyone up without emptying your wallet. 

Can I book a private lane for my family?

The VIP Lanes offer an elevated experience that will have everyone feeling like a star. They’re available at selected venues and if you book in advance, you can secure it for as little as £1 per person per game.

What food and drink options are available at Hollywood Bowl?

For snacks and sharers, you can treat the family to cheesy nachos, chicken wings and, and mozzarella sticks. For a main, tuck into stacked burgers and juicy hotdogs. A full list of allergens can be found on the website, plus there are plant-based and dairy-free options available. 

For sweet treats, enjoy a delicious choice of ice-cream, gelato, milkshakes and frozen yoghurt. There’s also confectionery options for a quick snack, and the bar is stocked with soft and hot drinks, as well as ice-cold beers, wines and cocktails for the adults.

About Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl is part of the Hollywood Bowl Group, the UK’s leading ten-pin bowling and competitive socialising business with 75 centres operating under the Hollywood Bowl, and Putt & Play mini golf brands in the UK, and 13 bowling centres in Canada operating under the Splitsville brand.

Specialising in modern, high-quality bowling centres, Hollywood Bowl has built a reputation for delivering outstanding family entertainment in venues that, due to their unique nature, are also aspirational leisure destinations for young adults and perfect for corporate parties and events.

Hollywood Bowl has modernised the customer bowling experience. Centres offer state-of-the-art booking systems, premium American diners, licensed bars, Costa Coffee outlets and exclusive pre-bookable VIP lanes.

The company employs 2,200 team members, 100 of whom are based at its central support centre in Hemel Hempstead. Customers can save money by booking early and online at hollywoodbowl.co.uk.  

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the best activities that are suitable for families. Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance. Her favourite activity to do with her son is to visit London’s incredible museums and immerse themselves in new exhibits or installations.