Cold weather can make it hard to find fun things to do with the kids. Every weekend may start to feel like Groundhog Day. So how can you keep kids active in the winter? Try a family bowling night!
Bowling is a fun activity for children as young as 4 years old. The rules are minimal and simple to follow. Also, you don’t have to purchase expensive gear to play. You can just show up in comfy clothes and socks and you’ll be all set! Bowling shoe rental fees at most bowling alleys are nominal making this family night a great and inexpensive option. If you go regularly, however, you may want to consider purchasing your own bowling shoes.
A few tips to help your little one bowl with success and have fun doing it:
- Start with a lightweight ball until your child gets used to swinging a heavier ball. Balls vary in weight starting from three pounds up to more than 12. A six- or eight-pound ball is a good size for most elementary-age children. The heavier balls are harder to swing but usually will give much better results in knocking down the pins. Most bowling alleys will have youth-sized bowling balls available, sometimes upon request.
- Ask the bowling alley to put up the guards so that children have a better chance of hitting more pins.
- Wear comfortable clothes, not too loose or too long. The floors are slippery and clothing that is too loose will get in the way or cause a child to slip.
- Last but not least, have fun with it! Keep the game fun and not competitive, especially when dealing with younger children. Knocking down any pins should be celebrated and strikes really should be considered lucky.
Have you bowled with kids before? If so, what are your tips?