How to Make a Kid's Bowling Party Fun

You don't need a bowling alley to have a bowling party -- just make your own lane at home.

A bowling party is fun for guests of all ages. Your child will enjoy watching toddlers and grandparents alike get as excited as he is about bowling. While a bowling party doesn't have to take place at a bowling alley, having the party someplace besides home does make it easier to clean up. Bowling alleys have become popular party destinations and often have party areas that you can rent, allowing party-goers to feel right at home.

Instructions

1. Reserve an area at the bowling alley just for your party. This provides some privacy and also sets a boundary for the area you will want to decorate. It also helps guests know who is there for the party and who isn't.

2. Plan a time line for the party. Plan what guests will do throughout the duration of the party. A host should always have a plan for engaging guests. While surprises or deviations happen, it is important to have a plan to create excitement and entertain guests.

3. Create a party theme. Bowling can be the theme, or you can let bowling be the party's main activity and get creative in coming up with theme ideas around bowling. For example, have guests dress up in costumes or incorporate a theme your child likes.

4. Provide lots of food, snacks, drinks and treats. Bring a custom-made cake or cupcakes. Provide some variety and pay attention to detail.

5. Invite lots of guests. The phrase "the more the merrier" tends to apply to parties. Send out invitations with plenty of time to RSVP. Waiting till the last minute means you have less time to plan for the number of guests and guests often have no time left in their schedule for the party.

6. Invite a special guest to the party. If your child has a favorite relative or local hero, invite them and keep it a surprise till the party. Or make the bowling party itself the surprise.

7. Ask the bowling alley what they can do that is special for a party. Some bowling alleys have a cosmic bowling option they can turn off and on. They also may be able to accommodate the party's music selection. If the bowling alley also has other features, like a miniature golf course, arcade or bumper cars, inquire about the options for incorporating these into the party.

8. Play games. While bowling itself is a game, kick it up a notch! Have a bowling tournament or compete for highest score overall, best silly bowl or best dressed bowler. Guests could dance while bowling or bowl backwards and see who is luckiest. Kids particularly have lots of creative ideas to tap.

9. Award winners of games to make it more exciting. Make awards or ribbons in advance to hand out as prizes, hand out candy or even a small gift.

10. Hand out small party bags, party favors or some sort of party memorabilia at the end of the party. This keeps the party fun even when the party itself has ended.

Tips & Warnings

• Remind people to bring socks and bring a few extra just in case someone forgets.

References

• Evite: Bowling Party Ideas
• Disney's Family Fun Magazine; The Best Ever Bowling Party; Gregory Lauzon
• Home and Garden Ideas; How to Throw a Fun Bowling Birthday for Kids;Randi McCreary; February 2011