How to Go Cosmic Bowling

Cosmic bowling brings together the best of two guilty pleasures-hanging out in the bowling alley and striking a disco pose. Offered by many bowling centers on weekend late nights, cosmic bowling (also called extreme or disco bowling) is tenpins under blacklights, set to a thumping beat. Follow these steps to enjoy an out-of-this-world activity for groups of all ages.

Instructions

1. Find a bowling center with cosmic bowling. Check Internet directories or the phone book. Ask about schedules, prices and policies for cosmic bowling in your area.

2. Gather a group. Cosmic bowling is no solo pastime-the more, the crazier. Adult groups can use cosmic bowling as a way to unwind after a tough work week and kids and families love cosmic bowling birthday parties. And cosmic bowling makes a memorable outing for young teens from school or church groups. Once you know your group's size, make a reservation and pay a deposit to guarantee your lanes.

3. Prep for the blacklights. If you think traditional bowling shirts have a certain geeky charm, wait till you see cosmic bowlers in their glow-in-the-dark fluorescent shirts, shoes, headbands, jewelry and nail polish. Dress louder than the music and dust off your disco gear so you can glitter under the mirror balls, light up your light sticks and flicker in the lasers while you make that spare.

4. Rock out. Cosmic bowling is set to an eclectic playlist of disco divas, Europop, psychedelic rock, country, hip hop and headbanging, all played at maximum volume by a house DJ. You can make requests and dedications, join in singalongs and line dancing or just try to focus on hitting those fluorescent pins with your holographic ball. Bring earplugs for occasional relief if you're an adult supervising teens.

5. Lighten up. Cosmic bowling night is not the place to perfect your league game or warm up for the pro tour. It's all about the fun. You can keep score or not as the mood suits you; you've got the lanes for a set period of time, during which you can get in several quick games or one leisurely round. Make time for snacks, dancing in place or just watching those pretty purple shapes spin around on the ceiling.

Tips & Warnings

• Cosmic bowling fees usually include shoe rental, but not socks. Remind bowlers to wear or bring socks. Carry along a spare sack of inexpensive new sport socks for those who inevitably forget. You can buy socks at the bowling center, but they're much more expensive.

• To limit liability, most bowling centers require youth groups to be accompanied by a number of adult supervisors. Kids and teens may be asked to have their hands stamped or wear wristbands, and youth group use of the lanes may be restricted to certain hours.