Lena CaldwellEveryone needs a break, even if you don’t think you do. And what better way to do that than by going bowling in Charlotte with your family and friends?
Bowling may not be as popular as other sports, but believe me – it’s a great stress reliever! In fact, bowling can assist you with weight loss because it speeds up your metabolism.
Honestly, I’ve noticed it myself – every time I bowl, I end up feeling like I got in a mini workout without even draining too much of my energy.
Anyway, I’m not gonna gatekeep this anymore. Here’s the list of the best bowling spots in Charlotte you should try!
1. Sports Connection
Website: https://sportsconnectionnc.com/
Address: 11611 Ardrey Kell Road
Contact details: 704-583-1444
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sports Connection is definitely worth checking out – believe me! I visited the place and it turned out to be a great choice.
Their rates are pretty straightforward, which is $40 per hour or $10 per game, each lasts about 12 to 15 minutes. They also have bowling shoes, which you can rent for $4.25 a pair.
The lanes are perfect for families with a maximum of six people per lane. I suggest reserving a spot ahead of time with prepayment like I did, especially if you’re going during busy hours.
If you’re looking for something a little different, I also recommend trying out their Mini Bowling game.
It’s a fun twist on a traditional bowling experience. The only difference is that this offers lighter balls and automated bumpers for both kids and adults.
Pro tip:
Check with the front counter for any bowling specials, especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekday or holiday.
2. Better Off Bowling
Media credit: betteroffbowling
Website: https://www.betteroffbowling.com/
Address: 4501 South Blvd
Phone: (451) 212-8674
Better Off Bowling is perfect for both beginners and professional bowlers. When you step in, you’re immediately greeted by the festive atmosphere that really gets you in the mood to play.
There’s a lot of energy around, cool vibes, and a friendly competition among other players. With 20 lanes, pool tables, a full bar, and an arcade, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
They also offer two-hour reservations for groups of up to 20 people.
After a few throws, you can try their snack and drinks. If you’re feeling a bit extra, you can also grab a refreshing drink or a cocktail while you bowl.
Pro tip:
Go early to avoid crowds and really make the most of your time at Better Off Bowling. The lanes are less busy, and you won’t have to worry about waiting for a spot.
3. Bowlero 10 Park
Media credit: bowlerobowl
Website: https://www.bowlero.com/location/bowlero-10-park
Address: 1700 Montford Dr
Phone: (980) 985-3683
Business hours:
- Sunday – 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Monday to Wednesday – 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
You’ll be surprised if I tell you that this place has 32 bowling lanes! This means, you’ll have more space to bowl without waiting for a spot.
As you enter the place, the atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxing. Their outdoor seating is a great spot to relax and recharge between games.
What’s great is that they have special deals, so you get great value for your time. One of the deals is the summer season pass, which offers 10% off and lets you enjoy perks like bowling and food discounts all season long.
For those looking to join a league or host a party, Bowlero has social clubs and bowling leagues to establish connections and a little friendly competition. The sales team can also help you organise a birthday party, corporate gathering, or just a fun day out with friends.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the $26.99 unlimited bowling after party specials on Fridays and Saturdays – it’s a great way to extend the fun into the night.
4. Piedmont Social House
Media credit: piedmontsocial
Website: https://www.piedmontsocial.com/
Address: 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Suite C
Phone: 704-912-5160
Business hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Piedmont Social House in downtown Steele Creek is a perfect place to grab a bite, play bowling, and have a good time with friends or family.
First off, parking is FREE – no hassle, and you can skip the stress of circling around looking for a spot. Once you’re parked, you’re in a prime location to explore even more in the area.
And if you are planning to go bowling here, it is best to book online up to 4 days in advance. You can book 2 lanes at once with a maximum of 6 bowlers per lane.
Just don’t forget that reservation fees are non-refundable, so you need to double-check your information before booking.
Aside from bowling, this place is also known for its variety of dishes to keep you in the field for all the fun. You should try their truffle parmesan fries, which are totally crispy, flavorful, and addictive.
Pro tip:
For a smoother experience, be sure to arrive 15 minutes early and show your confirmation email at the gaming desk. Keep in mind that all bowling is on a first-come, first-serve basis outside of reservations.
5. Pins Mechanical Co
Media credit: pinsmecho
Website: https://www.pinsbar.com/locations/charlotte
Address: 307 W Tremont Ave
Phone: 980-556-7746
Business hours:
- Monday – 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Thursday – 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 2:30 AM
Are you looking for a fresh twist on your classic bowling experience? Duckpin bowling is exactly what you need.
Unlike traditional bowling, it offers a new level of precision that will keep you coming back for more. Moreover, it features four duckpin bowling lanes, a spacious patio, and two outdoor seating areas – offering a timeless setting, perfect for any occasion.
Guests are also welcome to bring their own food – and of course, utensils! I highly recommend trying their wide range of beers, cocktails, and sodas to keep your energy boosted until the end of the games.
Another thing is that there is no age restriction during the day. However, minors will need adult supervision until 9:00 PM. After that, it’s time for the adults to take over – only those 21+ are allowed.
My favorite part is that I can bring my fur babies here too. If you’re planning to, just make sure they’re leashed.
Pro tip:
Pins is a 100% cashless bar. So, make sure you bring your credit or debit cards.They also accept Apple Pay, but take note that you can’t start tabs with it – each purchase will need to be paid for individually.
6. AMF University Lanes
Media credit: beverly_knox_davis
Website: https://www.amf.com/location/amf-university-lanes-nc
Address: 5900 N. Tryon St.
Phone: 704-596-4736
Business hours:
- Sunday – 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Monday & Tuesday – 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday – 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday – 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
AMF University Lanes offers a fun and exciting bowling experience for both professional and first-time bowlers. This entertainment hub has 40 polished lanes and a clean, relaxing atmosphere.
To make the most out of your time, make sure to book your lane in advance, especially if you’re planning to go on weekends.
My team and I went there on a Saturday, and boy, was it packed! We were able to get a lane after waiting for a few minutes though, but imagine the time we could’ve saved if we had just reserved ahead of time.
Anyway, we still had plenty of fun!
Pro tip:
They’re all about making your experience easy and accessible. There’s ATM access on-site, so you don’t have to worry about running out of cash!
7. Frye’s Lake Lanes
Media credit: Frye’s Lake Lanes
Website: http://fryes4fun.com/Bowling/Fryes
Address: 2800 Poplar Tent Rd, Conrad, NC
Phone: 704-782-5952
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Frye’s Lake lanes, one of the most iconic bowling alleys in Charlotte, has been a local favorite for decades.
What makes them unique is that their lanes are made from classic wood, which gives them a vintage charm. So, when you bowl, you feel like you’re stepping back to the good old days, but with a modern twist.
Take note that this is 100% smoke-free and alcohol-free bowling center.
Guests are welcome to bring cake, ice cream, and their own paper products. However, outside food and drinks beyond those are not allowed.
Pro tip:
This place is perfect for birthday parties. So, if you want to celebrate here, book ahead and arrive a little early – especially on weekends.
8. Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
Media credit: starsandstrikes
Website: https://starsandstrikes.com/locations/concord-nc/
Address: 545 Concord Parkway North
Phone: (678) 965-5707
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
You can start things off with some bowling on their 24 lanes with your family or friends. And if you’re feeling extra, you can head over to their eight VIP lanes in their brand-new lounge.
No one will deny that this place gives a more chill, upgraded vibe for bowlers.
You can hop into their bumper cars, take on your friends in laser tag, or rack up points in the arcade while the others are bowling. In short, you’re not just limited to one activity.
To keep the good vibes going, there’s a sports bar here where you can catch live games on TV and a full-service restaurant serving up delicious food along with cocktails, wine, and craft beer.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the Kids Bowl Free program this summer. It’s a great way to keep your kids happy and active. Plus, it’s way more affordable than the regular bowling experience.
9. Spare Time Pineville
Media credit: sparetimepineville
Website: https://www.sparetimeentertainment.com/pineville/
Address: 9600 Pineville–Matthews Rd, Pineville
Phone: 704-900-2562
Business hours:
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Spare Time Pineville offers weekly specials to keep your bowling experience exciting.
These include “All You Can Bowl” Sundays, “Half-Off Pay” Wednesdays, “Strike and Slice” Thursdays, “Spare Time After Dark” Fridays and Saturdays, and a handy “Spare Time Bundle”, which is available Monday through Thursday.
You can easily book your reservation online and skip the hassle of traveling just to check availability.
Among the exciting features of this place are the elite suite, six bowling lanes, and a sophisticated private event room – perfect for any event. There’s also a sports bar and a cozy patio, perfect for you and your family to relax.
Pro tip:
Sign up early for Spare Time’s summer bowling programs. Early registration often comes with perks like discounted rates or free game vouchers.
