Washington, D.C. offers endless cultural activities for families, but sometimes nothing beats the nostalgic fun of bowling. From the center of the city to the Maryland and Virginia suburbs, our area has options ranging from boutique bowling to basic lanes. Go ahead and roll spares, strikes, gutter balls and everything in between at these kid-friendly bowling alleys in D.C.
1. Pinstripes, Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Where: 1064 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
Situated beside the historic C&O Georgetown Canal, Pinstripes offers 16 lanes for bowling along with bocce, outdoor patios, and a restaurant featuring locally sourced Italian-inspired cuisine. Kids can get a starter, entrée, dessert, and drink for $10. And on Sundays after 5pm, children can eat for half-price from the kids’ menu (think mini cheeseburgers, pepperoni pizza) with the purchase of an adult entrée.
2. Bowlero, Bethesda, MD
Where: 5353 Westbard Ave, Bethesda, MD
With blacklight lanes, energetic tunes and interactive games, Bowlero takes bowling to the next level—and kids love it. The chain’s newest location in Bethesda welcomes all ages for an immersive entertainment experience. Thanks to offerings like unlimited bowling, arcade games and kid-friendly menus, it’s a good pick for birthday parties. There’s a location in College Park, Maryland, too.
3. White Oak Duckpin Lanes, Silver Spring, MD
The smaller balls and shorter lanes of duckpin bowling make this setup ideal for beginners. Open since 1959, this old-school bowling alley in the White Oak Shopping Center is a favorite for local families. Monday nights are half-price, although overall the prices are much more budget-friendly than the upscale lanes. Kids’ parties include an hour of bowling with bumpers, free shoe rentals, use of a party room and food.
4. Lucky Strike, Washington, D.C.
Where: 701 7th St NW, Washington, DC
While it’s known as a nightlife destination, Lucky Strike is also a family-friendly place to bowl—but keep in mind it’s 21 and up only after 8pm. There are party options for kids and teens, as well as a crowd-pleasing menu of pizza, sliders and mac ‘n’ cheese bites. With 14 lanes, skeeball, Giant Pac-Man and more, there’s something to entertain everyone in the family.
5. Bowl America, various locations
With locations in Manassas, Fairfax, Sterling, Chantilly and more, there’s a Bowl America convenient to just about anyone in the DMV. They offer party packages for kids of all ages, or just stop by for a game (or two!) of no-frills, family-friendly bowling. Bonus: this summer through Labor Day, kids can get TWO free games just for being kids (and parents get one)!
6. AMF Bowl, various locations
This national chain boasts eight locations in the metro D.C. area, including Annandale, Virginia and Temple Hills, Maryland. There are bumpers and lightweight balls for kids, plus state-of-the-art equipment that parents will love. Specials vary by location, but often feature discount days. The extensive menu includes kid-approved items, and there are also party options for little ones celebrating a special occasion.
7. The Eleanor, Washington, D.C.
Where: 100 Florida Ave NE, Washington, DC
For a more intimate experience (and perhaps families with older kids), The Eleanor in NoMa is a bowling lounge (i.e. a dining and gaming experience) with two mini bowling lanes. The little lanes are built from reclaimed wood from an alley in New England, and there are also pinball machines, skeeball and video games. Best of all, it’s got a menu that puts most bowling alley fare to shame. Order the spaghetti sandwich just to say you did it (the last ingredient the menu lists is “carbs.”)
