Looking for an easy, air-conditioned, and budget-friendly way to keep the kids entertained this summer? The Kids Bowl Free program is back and it’s a perfect option for family fun!
Through this nationwide program, participating bowling centers offer 2 FREE games of bowling every day all summer long for registered kids. Yes, really—every single day. All you need to do is sign up your children on the program’s website, and you’ll receive coupons each week to use at your chosen location.
✅ How It Works:
- Who: Kids ages 2–15 (age limits vary by location)
- What: 2 free games of bowling per day
- When: All summer long (dates vary slightly by location)
- Where: At select bowling alleys in and around the Triangle
🎳 Participating Locations Near Raleigh:
Here are the local centers where your kids can bowl for free:
- Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center – Clayton, NC
- 850 Veterans Parkway, Clayton, NC 27520
- (919) 553-4386
- Kids Bowl Free dates: May 16 – August 31
- Times vary by day; for example, Mondays: 9:00am – 11:00pm
- Register Here
- Strike & Barrel – Wake Forest, NC
- 413 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
- (919) 488-4651
- Kids Bowl Free dates: April 1 – October 30
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00am – 6:00pm; Friday: 11:00am – 5:00pm
- Register Here
- Buffaloe Lanes North – Raleigh, NC
- 5900 Oak Forest Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616
- (919) 876-5681
- Kids Bowl Free dates: April 28 – August 29
- Monday–Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Register Here
- Kings Dining & Entertainment – North Hills – Raleigh, NC
- 141 Park at North Hills Street, Raleigh, NC 27609
- (919) 600-5700
- Kids Bowl Free dates: May 24 – September 1
- Monday–Friday: 11:30am – 4:00pm
- Note: Offer includes 60 minutes per lane (max 2 games per person)
- Register Here
- Stars and Strikes – Raleigh, NC
- 4020 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
- (678) 965-5707
- Kids Bowl Free dates: April 28 – October 31
- Monday: Open – 7:00pm; Tuesday–Thursday: Open – 5:00pm; Friday: Open – 7:00pm; Saturday: Open – Noon
- Register Here
🧑🤝🧑 What About Grownups?
Unfortunately, adults aren’t included in the free game deal, but you can easily upgrade to a Family Pass—this lets parents or older siblings bowl all summer for a flat fee. It’s a really good deal!
🧺 Pro Tips:
- Shoe rentals are not included, so factor in a small rental fee (or bring your own!) You can sometimes find them at thrift stores for cheap!
- Check hours before you go—some centers have limited Kids Bowl Free hours
- Beat the heat by heading to the lanes in the afternoon when the sun is blazing!
Bowling is such a great rainy day or too-hot afternoon activity. Plus, it’s easy to manage with toddlers in tow and older kids to entertain. We love it as a go-to summer boredom buster!