It was over the recent long, hot summer months that we at Time Out Kids really discovered the joys of ten-pin bowling.
It started as a way to while away a couple of hours in the comfort of the air-conditioning, but after just one session, the whole family was hooked.
As well as being lots of fun (with a dose of healthy competition thrown in for good measure!), bowling is also great for kids’ physical coordination (you have to get the ‘tip-toe shuffle and slide’ just right to get a strike), it can burn calories (the balls are heavy – plus there’s all that jumping about when you score a strike) and it can hone hand-to-eye coordination and concentration skills, too.
With more than 95 million afficionados across the globe, bowling is said to help develop muscles in the legs, arms and core and improve overall flexibility, whether you’re eight or 88. A great way to get the family together, it’s a fun way to socialize and, if you sign the kids up to a junior league, can be a rewarding after school activity, too.
Even the youngest family members can get involved. Most alleys will now provide lane bumpers so young players can build up their confidence and bowling ability, without the threat of them bowling into the gutter each go. While the balls are very heavy, small children can also make use of ramps, if available, which actually give them much more control compared to using one of the lighter bowling balls. Now it’s your turn to give it a try!
Bowl like a pro with these top tips
Be picky
If your ball is too light it’ll be hard to control. But a heavy ball will lack momentum. Make sure your grip is comfortable and you can release the ball easily.
Slide into it
Bowling shoes have ‘special slides’ to help you get the best results. Make sure you slide on the opposite foot to the hand you’re bowling with. Sliding helps the momentum of the ball and gives it extra power to knock the pins down.
Go all the way
Don’t stop when your arm reaches the side of your body. Keep it going all the way forward and you’ll get a more precise hit.
Have twinkle toes
It looks silly, but if you keep your steps smooth and small as you go for that all-important swing, making sure your hips and shoulders are squared with the pins, your swing will be much more accurate.
Pay attention
Don’t step over the black line – if you do, any pins you knock down won’t count towards your score. So keep your eyes open!
Where in town
Khalifa International Bowling Centre
Set to be the venue for not one but two prestigious world tenpin bowling championships over the next couple of years, this huge bowling alley has 40 lanes, with huge 40-inch TVs and scoring monitors. Lane bumpers are automatic, and there’s other family-friendly facilities too, including party facilities. There’s also six billiards tables, plus a variety of F&B options
Daily 9am-1am. Dhs10 per person. www.zsc.ae/facts/khalifa-international-bowling-center (02 403 4200).
Bowling City, Various locations
Located in a number of the city’s malls, including Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, and Al Mariah, these popular entertainment centres offer everything from bowling to billiards and playstation, and we even hear that there’s the option of karaoke cabins in some of the venues, so you can belt out the hits to your hearts’ contents.
Thu-Sat, Dhs20 per person. Sun-Wed (10am-4pm) Dhs10 per person. Sun-Wed (4pm-midnight) Dhs15 per person per game. www.bowling-city.com (02 644 4771).
Emirates Bowling Village
With 28 bowling lanes, four of which are ‘VIP’ if you really want to push the boat out, Emirates Bowling Village’s unique selling point is that everything glows in the dark under UV light, for a totally disco-tastic experience. There’s also 15 billiards tables, and plenty of room for spectators.
Daily 10am-1am. Fri Dhs20 per person; Sat, Thu Dhs15 per person; Sun-Wed 10am-5pm Dhs10 per person, 5pm-1am Dhs15 per person. Marina Mall, below Mercedes Showroom. www.ebv.ae (02 681 1185).
Superstrike Bowling Alley, Al Bawadi Mall
Located at Fun City on the first floor of Al Bawadi Mall in Al Ain, this 12-lane bowling alley is a big hit with families.
Open daily 11am-1pm. Al Bawadi Mall, Al Ain, www.bawadimall.com (03 784 0223).
Bowling City, Al Ain Mall
The enduring first branch of this popular chain, Bowling City in Al Ain Mall offers ten-pin bowlers 12 lanes, plus an electronic gaming zone, karaoke and food and beverage outlets.
Open daily. Al AIn Mall, www.bowling-city.com (03 751 0006).
