The Best Bowling Sets
Not too long ago, you could only enjoy a few frames of bowling if you piled the family into the car and set off for the bowling alley. But now, you can play this classic game in the comfort of your own home. Most bowling sets are suitable for either indoor or outdoor fun. From large inflatable sets and wooden choices to mini models and sets designed for children, there's an option for every household. But because there are so many different types to choose from, it can be overwhelming when it comes to deciding on one. To help you out, we've searched high and low for the best bowling sets available today. So keep reading to discover a list of our favorites.
Giggle N Go Bowling Set
Big pins for big fun
This isn’t your average bowling game. This giant inflating bowling set comes with six pins sitting at about 27 inches tall and a large ball measuring 24 inches in diameter. The pins are weighted at the base with just enough sand to keep them from blowing down in the wind, but not too much to keep them from being knocked over by the ball. Plus, it comes with a complimentary pump so you’re not stuck inflating each pin with your mouth. Great for kids or kids at heart, this set is ideal for any party or event.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Comes with a pump
- Made from quality materials
Cons:
- It can take a while to get all the pins and the ball fully inflated
Elite Sportz Bowling Game
Upgrade your game nights
Perfect for the whole family, this mini bowling set is made for easy tabletop fun. With a fast and easy setup, this indoor bowling set features six bowling pins, two bowling pieces that simulate balls, and a rollout lane that can fit most tables. It also comes with a drawstring bag so you can take this game with you on family trips. So if you’re looking for a bowling set that won’t take up a whole room, we recommend this mini-set by Elite Sportz.
Pros:
- Makes a great gift
- Comes with a travel bag
- Easy setup and breakdown
Cons:
- The pieces are small so be sure to keep track of them
Hey! Play! Lawn Bowling Game
This backyard bowling game will have your toddlers smiling for hours. It includes 10 wooden pins, two balls, and a mesh bag for storage and travel. Each pin features a different, fun color which can help add a bit of education for your little one while playing. Although great for indoors, this set is also suitable for short-cut lawns, decks, or concrete. Plus, all the pieces are made from high-quality materials for longevity.
Pros:
- Different colored pins
- Comes with a travel bag
- Attractive design
Cons:
- On the pricier side
Forevive Kids Bowling Set
Soft and safe
This lightweight bowling set comes with six colorful pins and a bowling ball. The material is a soft, environmentally-friendly NBR rubber that is heavy enough for an effective game of bowling while being light enough to be safe around small children and expensive furniture. The pins and balls are also small enough for little hands to hold. Plus, we love that the rubber also means that playtime won’t damage your floor or outdoor deck.
Pros:
- Soft, durable rubber material
- Colorful, fun design
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- We wish it came with an extra ball
Champion Sports Bowling Set
Practice makes perfect
Sharpen up your game with this bowling set by Champion Sports. You’ll receive 10 weighted bowling pins, a five-pound rubber bowling ball, a setup sheet, and a score pad. Each pin has a hole for adding sand on extra windy days outdoors. All the accessories included help to make practicing with this set much more effective and translatable to a real bowling game. But of course, it also makes for a great leisure activity with the family.
Pros:
- Excellent quality pieces
- Can adjust the amount of sand in the pins
- Great on multiple surfaces
Cons:
- The price is on the higher end
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a bowling set?
We suggest you look for a few things when on the hunt for a bowling set. We first recommend you think about the ages of those who plan to use the set. Some games are better for adults than they are for kids, and vice versa. For example, some bowling games come with lightweight, short, brightly colored pins and smaller bowling balls. Others are made from premium wood with heavier balls.
We also suggest you think about the material of the pieces and where you plan to plan. Some pins are weighted and do well on grassy lawns, while some are inflatable and do best on flat surfaces. Finally, we recommend you take note of all the accessories that come with your potential new bowling game. Not all come with scorecards, extra balls, or travel bags so if you need one or all of those, keep this in mind.
Are all bowling sets suitable for lawns?
Not all bowling sets will work on grass. For example, lightweight and inflatable pins tend to blow over in the wind or do not stay standing on grass due to the lack of a weighted base. We recommend weighted pins and heavy balls for lawns, especially on lawns that are not cut short. You could also try moving your set to the deck or concrete as flat surfaces are always better for these types of games.
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