Family Bowling in Westchester
Whatever the weather, there is one tried and true family activity that can please both parents and kids: bowling in Westchester. Even if knocking down pins is not your preferred weekend pastime, an all-family game at a local lane can be a joyous way to spend an afternoon. Equalize the playing field with bumpers and indulge in a pitcher of beer and some fries. Here’s where to have some good old-fashioned fun at Westchester’s best bowling alleys.
At Bowlero, formerly Bowlmor Lanes in White Plains, families have a choice of 56 lanes (equipped with ramps and bumpers) to roll disco-style— think black lights, lounge seats, and video-walls playing live sports, music videos and classic family films. On Sunday Funday, families bowl for less than $5 and can buy a half-price arcade card. There is also a comfort food menu and a long list of craft beers.
Even though mini golf is the highlight of this Yonkers venue (located in the Rudge Hill complex), Monster Mini Golf offers mini bowling: The balls are lighter and the lanes are shorter (than regular bowling) so the place is perfect for little ones. Plus, regular street shoes are allowed, and families can buy tickets to just mini-bowling or include one of the other attractions (including an arcade) here.
Paradise Lanes in Yonkers has all the old-school qualities of a good bowling alley — it’s cheap, unpretentious and rarely crowded. Show the kids what bowling used to look like (before it became nightclub-like). Paradise was recently updated but is still charmingly casual and has a greasy snack bar and an appropriately gritty booze bar, which is open in the evenings.
The original Mount Kisco location of the popular chain, Spins Bowl, is located inside Grand Prix New York Racing and Entertainment. With 12 family-dedicated lanes (and 8 VIP lanes), kids and parents can bowl while also enjoying lane-side dining like loaded nachos and burgers. The redemption arcade next door is the perfect pitstop for bowling breaks.
Cortlandt Lanes in Cortlandt Manor forgoes the bells and whistles for serious all-day rolling. Families with young kids can get an early start on Saturdays at 9am with coffee and breakfast sandwiches while you bowl. The place is open all day for leagues and casual bowling. Cortlandt also offers cosmic bowling, where glowing neon lights and fluorescent bulbs light up the lane.
Homefield Bowl has been serving the Westchester bowling community for 60 years with 32 lanes and 40 leagues. Call ahead on weekends to make sure there are open lanes — you will likely be greeted by a friendly but gruff long-time employee who will tip you off on the best time to come. The snack bar sells delicious fried food and there’s a classic dive bar in back for the regulars.
These Westchester bowling alleys, from new age to old school, offer more than just good weekend fun. They are excellent places for indoor birthday parties, and most offer adult and kids’ bowling leagues — something to check out if your child shows real interest and/or talent on those family bowling outings.
