Do you have a little bowler on your hands? Then a bowling party is for you! These fun bowling party ideas – including bowling party invitations, bowling party decorations, recipes, bowling party games, and more – will make your party a perfect 10! 

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Girls and boys aged seven through thirteen just love bowling birthday parties.

Bowling Party Planning

Have you considered having your party at a local bowling alley? This is an easy way to throw a party because you reserve a date and let their staff handle the details. If you plan to bring younger kids, ask for lanes with bumpers so that everyone will feel like a winner! Bumpers will stop the bowling balls from rolling into the gutter, which keeps the game fun for kids who are still learning to handle the ball.

For peace of mind, begin planning your bowling party six to eight weeks in advance. This will allow you time to gather all the supplies that you need, including bowling party decorations, gifts, and menu items. Planning ahead also gives your guests time to RSVP and make travel plans, if needed. Don't panic if you find yourself short on time; you can still plan a great party! Planning ahead simply reduces the risk of conflicts with guests' plans and may increase your party’s attendance.

Bowling Party Invitations

What better way to invite people to your little bowler's party than with creative, homemade invitations? If you have time to make your own bowling invitations, get your kids involved too and work on creating them together.

• Make a bowling pin invitation by cutting out the shape of a bowling pin from white cardstock, and adding red stripes around the neck with a thick red marker. Use red ink to write your party details on the back side.
• How about making a bowling ball invitation? Cut 4 ¾ inch circles from black cardstock. Then add three white circle stickers as the finger holes to create a bowling ball. Turn it over and write your party details on the back in silver ink. These invitations will fit into paper CD sleeves, which you can use as envelopes to mail them. Paper CD sleeves and white circle stickers (often used as price tags at yard sales) can be found at office supply stores and discount department stores.
• Use fun wording on the invitation and your guests will be excited before the big day arrives! Try our suggestions, or create your own!
  [Your child’s name]’s birthday party is right up your alley!
  The king pin is turning [age]
  Strike the date [give party date]
  Spare the time [give party time]
  Bowl on over to [give party address]
  Get in the frame and RSVP to [your phone number]
• If your party is at a bowling alley, we suggest giving a start time 15 minutes earlier than your reservation. This will give your guests enough time to arrive, put on their bowling shoes, and settle down in their assigned lanes.
• Seal the envelopes with bowling stickers.
• If you're short on time, consider purchasing pre-designed or pre-printed bowling party invitations.

To simplify the rest of the party planning process, check out our Party Planning Timeline, and read the paragraphs below for information on selecting bowling party decorations, bowling party supplies, kids' bowling party activities, and more for your child's party.

Bowling Party Supplies

If you plan to use paper tableware and bowling birthday party supplies, our Suggested Party Supply List may be quite helpful. Please note that you may not need everything on the list; it is intended only as a guide.

For goodie bags, purchase a variety of bowling party favors, such as mini bowling games, bowling pins and bowling stickers. Place all of these items inside clear or printed cellophane bags, and tie the bags closed with bold, bright-colored ribbons.