Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know
Looking for answers before you hit the lanes? Our FAQ page has you covered. Here you’ll find quick answers to the most common bowling questions, from how lane reservations work to what’s included in party packages.
General Questions
With over 365 centers across North America, it’s very likely that there's a Lucky Strike, Bowlero or AMF location nearby.
You can find the most up-to-date information about a center’s hours of operation on each center's home page.
Bowling is the perfect activity for people of all ages! For our younger bowlers, our centers offer bumpers and ball ramps at no extra charge. Please note that some of our centers have age restrictions on late nights and weekends. Find your local center to see any associated restrictions.
We welcome bowling enthusiasts! Feel free to bring your own ball and shoes on your next visit with us, just remember to bring them home with you at the end of the game!
All of our centers offer weekly promotions so you can score great fun at a great price. Find a location and view current specials!
We love cosmic bowling, too — especially for parties! The availability of cosmic bowling varies by center, so contact us at guestservice@bowlerocorp.com and we'll follow up with the staff at your preferred center to see if it's possible to make your cosmic bowling dream come true.
The maximum number of guests per lane varies by location.
Then bumpers you shall have! Bumpers are available and can be requested at any time during your visit or while you’re making your reservation. If you are booking online and want bumpers available upon your arrival, simply indicate your request for bumpers in the special requests box on the “Food” page in the checkout process.
You can guarantee your lanes and streamline check in by pre-paying online for a reservation. Reserve your lane today!
A bowling league is a group of players who bowl together on a regular schedule throughout a season. Leagues can be competitive or social, and they’re a great way to enjoy weekly bowling, meet new people, improve your skills, and have fun—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bowler. Interested in learning more about leagues offered at your local center? Find a league near you.
Most of our centers offer competitive and social leagues, which means you can play for prizes or just for fun! Don’t see a league at your local center? It’s easy to start one! Click here to view leagues at your center and learn more about starting your own league.
General Bowling Questions
Each game of bowling is made up of ten frames or turns. When it’s your turn, you will have two chances per frame to roll the ball down the lane and knock down as many pins as you can. In traditional tenpin bowling, one point is awarded for each pin that is knocked down; however, there are ways to earn additional points:
When you knock down all ten pins on your first roll, that’s called a “Strike” and you will be awarded ten points, plus a bonus of whatever is scored with your next two balls.
If you knock down all ten pins with your two rolls on the same turn, it’s called a “Spare.” A spare will count for ten points, plus it will also add bonus points for whatever you score on the first roll of your next turn.
If you knock down all 10 pins at any point in your last frame, you will be allowed to throw a 3rd ball! This allows for up 12 strikes in one game, and a perfect score of 300 points!
Brush up on your bowling lingo below:
Candlepin Bowling: A variation of bowling that’s played with tall, candle-stick looking pins and a handheld-sized ball.
Duckpin Bowling: Another variation of bowling played with short, wide pins and a handheld-sized ball that does not have holes.
Foul Line: The line that separates the approach from the beginning of the lane.
Frame: A game of bowling is divided into 10 frames. In each frame, there are two chances to knock down all 10 pins. The only exception is the 10th frame, where a bowler gets an additional (third) chance if they bowled a strike or spare on their first two chances.
Open Frame: A frame without a strike or spare. All 10 pins were not knocked down, but your turn is over.
Spare: To knock down the remaining pins left after the first ball with your second ball in the same frame.
Strike Dance: The celebratory dance seen when a bowler bowls a strike.
No-Tap: A type of bowling game where knocking down 9 pins, instead of 10, counts as a strike.
Deuce: A type of game where the bowler scores 200 points or more.
Turkey: Three consecutive strikes in a row.
300 Game: Occurs when a bowler bowls a strike on every possible frame, otherwise known as a “perfect game."
The highest score you can achieve in bowling is 300, but we think any amount of points you score is perfect!
The heavier the bowling ball, the greater the impact will be on the pins. That said, we encourage you to select the ball that feels right for you. All of our centers are stocked with balls of all weights and sizes, so you’ll be able to try out a few to find the one that’s most comfortable for you.
We’re always strong advocates for personal style, but to learn the basics, follow these easy steps:
Hold the bowling ball with your hand directly underneath the ball and your wrist straight. Your middle and ring fingers should be in the top two holes with your thumb in the bottom hole.
Swing your bowling arm out and back behind your body.
As your arm swings forward towards the lane, release the ball when it reaches your ankle. Remember to keep your hand straight and palm facing up throughout the throw.
Practice, practice, practice!
To ensure that both your team and your neighboring bowlers have fun, follow these simple rules:
For your safety, please wear bowling shoes. Your street shoes can damage the lanes or cause slips and falls.
If you’re bowling next to other teams, bowl before or after your neighbor, not at the same time. This helps everyone avoid distractions and get their best shot at scoring a strike!
Keep food and drinks away from the lanes to avoid spills and messes.
Stay behind the foul line! Crossing the foul line can affect your score negatively and can ruin the game for your team.
Enjoy your bowling games at the lane assigned to your team. Only throw balls or stand on your own lane.
Contact Us
Simply send us an email at GuestService@LSEnt.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. You can also call us at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET.
Yes! Your local center’s direct phone number is listed on its home page. Find your local center.
General Lane Reservations Questions
A lane reservation is pre-paid lane agreement set for a specific date/time at a designated center for a pre-selected number of people. Lane reservations allow us to guarantee lane availability for your group when you arrive - which means no long waits for you and your guests. Online lane reservations are available for groups with 16 guests or fewer looking to reserve lanes up to 10 days in advance.
We make reserving a lane easy! Start by finding your favorite location, choose your desired date, time, amount of guests, how long you want to bowl, and lock in your reservation with payment. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email confirmation with receipt, then you're ready to roll! Learn more about lane reservations.
Please note that online lane reservations are for groups with 16 guests or fewer looking to reserve a lane up to 10 days in advance. If you would like to increase your group size or pick a date outside of the 10-day window, please contact Customer Support at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET.
Reservations are not required, but always recommended to guarantee your space and take advantage of contactless payment.
For your safety and the protection of our lanes, wearing bowling shoes during your reservation is required. We’ll automatically add one pair per person to your order when you reserve a lane. If you are bringing your own shoes, please contact a representative by calling 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET.
You can reserve a lane for groups of up to 16 guests.
You can make lane reservations up to 10 days in advance online. Same-day reservations may be made up to 3 hours in advance Monday through Saturday until 7pm and until 12pm on Sundays. If you would like to reserve lanes for a future date beyond the 10-day window, please contact Customer Support at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET.
If your date or time is not available, we are here to help! You are able to reserve a lane up to 10 days in advance. However, if you need to reserve outside of this window, please call our team of experts where someone will assist you in reserving your lane at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET.
All guests must be 21 or over if any part of your reservation is held during a 21+ time slot.
Yes. Reservations are paid in full when reserving online to guarantee the lanes are held for your group.
We get it: sometimes plan change. An accurate headcount keeps us in the game! If you need to reduce your headcount, let us know up to 48 hours prior to the event date so we can reallocate the difference towards other items for your event (such as additional arcade credit or food & beverage). Same-day changes are not guaranteed.
If you need to modify your reservation after booking, please call us at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.
Once confirmed, reservations are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule your reservation for any reason, please call us at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET. For more information, review our Terms & Conditions.
Know Before You Go
Upon arrival, check in with our staff at the front desk and provide the name you used to make your reservation. You will be asked to present the credit card you used to make the reservation and matching ID for verification before your reservation starts. We’ll introduce you to the associates overseeing your reservation, set you up with your lane(s) and let the fun begin!
Then bumpers you shall have! Bumpers are available and can be requested at any time—even when you show up on the day of your reservation. If you haven't completed your reservation already, just indicate your request for bumpers in the "Special Requests" box in the online checkout process.
We love cosmic bowling, too—it's lots of fun (especially for parties). The availability of cosmic bowling varies by center, so please contact your preferred center to see if it's possible to make your cosmic bowling dream come true.
As long as availability permits, you can always buy additional lane time the day of your reservation. Just ask your lane server—they'll be more than happy to assist you!
Due to the high volume of guests in our centers, especially on the weekends, we cannot guarantee any space will be available prior to the contracted time. If you’d like to arrive early, you are always welcome to enjoy our bar and lounge area, arcade, or other amenities that our centers offer!
While we do our best to accommodate all scheduled reservations, we cannot guarantee that we can extend the duration of your reservation if you or your guests arrive late. Based on availability, you can always purchase additional time if you wish to stay with us longer!
Of course! If you'd like to have food items served during your reservation, simply ask your lane server and he or she will be happy to tell you about all the additional menu options available for purchase during your reservation.
We'd love to accommodate, but, unfortunately, no outside food or beverage is allowed into the center except for birthday cakes if you’re celebrating a birthday. Your safety is our number one priority, and in order to ensure a safe environment for all of our guests—especially as it pertains to the preparation, service, and delivery of food and beverage items—we assume the liability as the sole provider of all food and beverage within our centers. With so many of our guests experiencing food allergies, this policy has become a necessity, and we hope you understand.
Things to Know Before You Book
Kids Parties, Teen Parties, Corporate Events, and Adult Social Events (select locations, times and dates only) with 1-25 guests can be booked using our convenient online interface. If you want to build an event with 26+ guests or want to learn more about our custom options, simply select your location and fill out this form so we can provide you with a little extra TLC. Your request will be sent directly to our rock-star team of party planners who will contact you as soon as possible to help you plan and book your event.
We get it: sometimes plan change. An accurate headcount keeps us in the game! If you need to reduce your headcount, let us know up to 48 hours prior to the event date so we can reallocate the difference towards other items for your event (such as additional arcade credit or food & beverage). Same day changes are not guaranteed.
While we do allow you to add guests to your headcount until the day of your party, we cannot always guarantee accommodations to group size. It’s important to provide an accurate headcount at the time of booking so we can ensure we are holding enough space for your group.
If you need to modify your reservation after booking, please send us an email at Booking@LSEnt.com and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. You can also call us at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET. For more information, review our Terms & Conditions.
If you need to cancel your event for any reason, please reach out to our team at Booking@LSEnt.com or by phone at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET. For more information, review our Terms & Conditions.
The birthday child counts towards the total headcount of your party.
The event fee covers administrative costs for your event and takes care of overhead associated with producing your amazing party. The event fee is not gratuity and will not be distributed to personnel that provide service at the event. No gratuity to personnel is required or expected.
Bar packages are not unlimited, but are instead continuous services. And to keep everyone safe, we reserve the right to limit or “cut off” any guest who is over-indulging.
Simply send us an email at Booking@LSEnt.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. You can also call us at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET.
You can reserve a private room for corporate events, birthday parties, and other gatherings by contacting our event planning team. Get in touch by calling your local center to speak with an event planner today. Find your local center.
Yes! You can book private lanes for corporate events, birthday parties, and other gatherings. Contact our event sales team by calling your local center for help. Find your local center.
Things to Know Before You Party
The maximum number of guests per lane varies by location. For more information, simply send us an email at Booking@LSEnt.com. You can also call us at 866-211-3369, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET.
Then bumpers you shall have! Bumpers are available and can be requested at any time—even when you show up on the day of your event. If you haven't completed your reservation already, just indicate your request for bumpers in the "additional information" box of the Guest Info section.
We love cosmic bowling, too—it's lots of fun (especially for parties). The availability of cosmic bowling varies by center, so contact us at booking@LSEnt.com and we'll follow up with the staff at your preferred center to see if it's possible to make your cosmic bowling dream come true.
Bowling lanes are private for your group. Party space and laser tag sessions will be hosted in a shared space with other guests unless these venue features are booked privately. Our food is served laneside during your party so you can maximize your bowling time! Though it varies by center, food for your party will either be served plated or served buffet-style set up behind the lanes.
That would be a lane server—one of our skilled staff members who attends to our guests and is available to all parties. If you'd like extra attention, you can also purchase your very own dedicated/private event host and/or lane server to cater exclusively to your needs. Interested in a dedicated event host and/or lane server? Contact us at Booking@LSEnt.com for pricing and availability.
Our lane servers are shared resources, so it usually depends on the center's staff availability at the time. If you'd like the extra attention though, you can always purchase your very own dedicated/private event host and/or lane server to cater exclusively to your needs. (It gives your party that extra something special.) Just contact us at Booking@LSEnt.com for pricing and availability.
When you arrive for your event, please check in at the front desk and provide us with your party name. We'll then connect you to the appropriate point-person who will help get the ball rolling and set up your party with the utmost care and precision.
As long as availability permits, you can always buy additional lane time the day of your event. Just ask your lane server and he or she will connect you with our on-site sales staff—they'll be more than happy to assist you!
Due to the high volume of guests in our centers, especially on the weekends, we cannot guarantee any space will be available prior to the contracted time.
While we’d love to be flexible, we are unable to extend the duration of your party if you or your guests arrive late.
Of course! If you'd like to have additional food items served during your party, simply ask your lane server and he or she will be happy to tell you about all the additional menu options available for purchase during your event.
We'd love to accommodate, but, unfortunately, no outside food or beverage is allowed into the center except for birthday cakes. Your safety is our number one priority, and in order to ensure a safe environment for all of our guests—especially as it pertains to the preparation, service, and delivery of food and beverage items—we assume the liability as the sole provider of all food and beverage within our centers. With so many of our guests experiencing food allergies, this policy has become a necessity, and we hope you understand.
Almost all of our centers have free parking, but, to be sure, you may want to send us an email or give us a call prior to your arrival—just to confirm. Find your local center.
General League Questions
A bowling league is a group of players who bowl together on a regular schedule throughout a season. Leagues can be competitive or social, and they’re a great way to enjoy weekly bowling, meet new people, improve your skills, and have fun—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bowler. Interested in learning more about leagues offered at your local center? Find a league near you.
A Traditional League is a longer bowling season (typically 16–36 weeks) focused on friendly competition, team play, and prizes—perfect for bowlers who want serious league play in an energetic, social environment. A Short-Season League runs for a shorter time (5–15 weeks) and is designed for casual players who want fun and social bowling with lower commitment and emphasis on enjoyment and meeting new people.
Leagues vary in length depending on the type you join: Traditional Leagues typically run for a full season (often around 16–36 weeks), while Short-Season Leagues are shorter and more casual, usually lasting about 5–15 weeks to fit busy schedules and seasonal availability.
You can join a league by signing up with an associate at any participating center or online. Find a league near you.
Yes, league bowlers receive exclusive perks! Join a league today and enjoy benefits including free practice games, discounted games, 20% off parties, food, and non-alcoholic beverages, access to a discounted league bowler menu (including select beer and liquor), and a complimentary PBA membership. Terms & conditions apply.
In most leagues, you are able to pre-bowl if you know you will not be here on any given week.
League costs vary depending on the league you join. Prices can range from $10/week up to more than $24/week. These weekly fees tend to rise if merchandise (like high performance bowling equipment) or prize money is offered in the league.
Not at all! Bowling leagues are open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced bowlers. Many leagues use handicap scoring, so everyone can compete fairly, and Short-Season Leagues in particular are designed to be relaxed and social. If you’re looking to have fun, improve your game, and meet new people, there’s a league for you.
We have Automatic Scoring Systems that compute your scores for you automatically. Each league awards teams or individuals points for winning each game and series against your opponents. You establish your average and handicap after the first week of league.
Handicap is a number added to the bowler’s average to level out the playing field and make competition fairer in leagues with bowlers of varying abilities. Handicap is then added to individual scores for each games. In Team play, all scores and handicaps are added together for each team to determine the winners of each game.
A prize fund is money that bowlers contribute to each week with their weekly league fees. This prize fund will be distributed back to the bowlers in the league based on pre-determined factors. Some examples are, Team Standings, High Average, High Series, Most Improved Average
Yes! If you have an idea, you can submit a New League Inquiry and we'll be in touch to help you with next steps. Leagues are also very popular for team-building and as a social get-together in the workplace, so your company might be interested in starting a league. We are always here to help!
Simply fill out this contact form and a member of our League team will be happy to assist!
Bowling Pricing
Pricing at AMF varies by location. Most centers offer both per-game and hourly rates, with exact pricing available when you select your local center online. To see current pricing for your nearest AMF, visit our website and select your local center and select a date and time to see accurate pricing.
Yes—many AMF locations offer unlimited bowling nights. Availability and pricing vary by center, so check your local AMF for current specials.
Absolutely. AMF offers packages for kids’ birthdays, teen celebrations, and group events. Depending on the center, packages may include bowling, shoe rentals, food, and drinks. Pricing and options vary by location, so check with your local AMF for details.
Yes, unless they’re included in a package. Menu offerings and pricing vary by center, with family-friendly options like pizza, fries, and soft drinks available at most locations.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but online reservations are the best way to guarantee your spot—especially on weekends or during busy times. Availability and any added costs may vary by location.
Arcade Pricing
AMF arcades use a credit-based card system. Guests load credits onto a play card and use them to play games. The number of credits required per game—and the value of each credit—varies by location.
Yes! Many centers offer arcade deals like reload bonuses or discounted play nights.
Shoe Rental & Equipment Pricing
Shoe rental rates vary by location. In many cases, rentals are included with party or event packages, but when purchased separately, pricing differs by center.
Yes—bringing your own gear means you won’t pay the rental fee.
Food & Drink Pricing
Not usually. Unless you book a package, food and drinks are billed separately.
Menu pricing varies by center. Many AMF locations offer combos and family-style platters, along with a variety of classic favorites.
Yes—check your location for weekly food and drink promotions.
Parties & Events Pricing
AMF offers a variety of packages for birthdays, league nights, and group events. Depending on the center, packages may include bowling, shoe rentals, food, and drinks. Pricing and availability vary by location.
Bowling, shoes, pizza, fries, drinks, and sometimes arcade credits depending on the package.
Book online or contact your local center to reserve.