Plan a Kids Bowling Birthday Party on a Budget

If you are gearing up to plan your child's next birthday party and are limited on space, you may look for venues outside of the home. Unfortunately, most are costly. If you are looking for a semi-affordable, yet fun venue to host your child's next birthday party, look no further than your local bowling alley. Yes, a bowling party sounds expensive at first, but there are additional ways that you can reduce the cost.

Limit the Number of Kids You Invite

Many small children would like to invite their entire school class to their birthday party. Whether you host a party at home, at Chuck E. Cheese, or at a bowling alley, this would be expensive. Instead, let your child pick five or ten of their closest friends. You want your child to have a good time at their birthday party, but always remember it is cheaper with fewer children.

Make It Known Who Pays for What

It is tacky to host a party at a bowling alley and not pay; however, you should only pay for the kids. Many parents don't just drop off their kids to birthday parties, especially fun parties at a bowling alley. If the adults want to bowl, let them, but make sure they know they must pay for their own games. You don't need the added expenses. Write on the invitation "we will pay for the kids to bowl 2 games."

Price Compare Bowling Alleys in the Area

Unless you live in a rural area, you should have two or three bowling alleys to choose from. Call around and price compare. See what your options are. One bowling alley may require you to buy a party package that includes food and two games for a set number of children. Another may require you to do food and bowling separately, but still require you to buy their food. Another bowling alley may give you complete freedom over the party. Compare each choice, take the number of kids, and estimate the cost. Which is cheaper?

Don't Split Up the Kids on Different Lanes

Many bowling alleys are equipped to handle at least 5 or 6 bowlers on each lane. Try to keep as many kids on one lane as possible. This means longer games. The quicker kids bowl, the more games they will want to play, and the more money it will cost you. For children aged 4 to 10, you could easily get away with 2 games each. With careful planning, lunch, snacks, and breaks, this could easily translate into a 3-hour party.

Have Quarters Available for the Kids

Bowling alleys are also usually home to a number of arcade games. Give each child about 4 quarters to play a few games with. This does cost extra, but will buy you more time. With 10 kids, you spend $10, as opposed to an additional $3 per kid per bowling game. If you are on a budget, stop with two games of bowling. That is enough for a good party and fun. Save the quarters for the end. They will come in handy if the kids want to bowl another game and you can't afford it.

As you can see, there are many ways to reduce the cost of a kid's bowling party. As a recap, limit the number of birthday party guests you invite, price compare with local bowling alleys, and have extra money available for arcade games. With careful planning, a fun birthday party at a bowling alley can easily be within your financial reach.