There can be a lot to prepare for when you try something new the first time, especially if you have to keep your brain in mind.
A bowling alley can be especially scary looking because it’s usually impossible to see in from the outside. It’s hard to know what to expect, and for many neurodivergent and disabled people, mental preparedness is key to any successful outing. You may have a few questions you need answered before you venture out to a bowling alley. If you’re looking to go bowling for the first time, here’s what to know and what to expect.
Do you need a reservation?
Whether or not you need a reservation to go bowling will often depend on the individual bowling alley. Some old school alleys don’t take reservations at all, while trendier venues may strongly encourage them. The necessity of reservations can also be dependent on whether there are any events or private parties going on. In those instances, usually a bowling alley will post a closure notice on their website or social media, but businesses with less active digital presences may not do this. Unfortunately, the best way to get accurate and up-to-date information about hours, reservations, and availability is often to call and speak to an employee.
Some disabled bowlers may want or need to be in a specific part of the alley, whether it’s about having the space for a mobility aid or the ability to see all entrances and exits to avoid triggering PTSD. If you need a particular lane, trying to reserve it in advance is strongly advisable. Even venues that typically don’t accept reservations may make allowances if you’re willing to disclose the reason. If you aren’t able to call in advance, it’s typical that once you arrive at the bowling alley, staff will allow you to request any specific lane that isn’t already in use.
What’s the shoe situation?
When you bowl, alleys require that you wear a specific type of shoe, creatively named bowling shoes. The specially polished wood of bowling lanes is very slick and easy to slip on, so bowling shoes are designed to maintain traction on this extremely smooth surface. They also have reinforcements, made of materials such as steel, in the toes of the shoes, as protection in case a person drops a bowling ball on their foot. If you have your own bowling shoes, you can bring them with you. If not, there will be pairs in every size available to rent for the duration of your outing, much like renting skates at an ice rink. Don’t worry; just like at an ice rink, all footwear is cleaned between uses.
Once you’ve checked in and paid for your lane, you’ll be directed to a shoe rental counter. You’ll be asked for your shoe size, but some alleys only use European sizing or men’s sizing, so you may want to convert your shoe size in advance in order to avoid being caught off guard by a different sizing system than you’re used to. If the shoes you receive fit, then you can get started bowling. If they don’t, it’s normal to return to the counter and ask to go up or down in size.
While some bowling alleys sell pairs of thin, disposable socks for patrons who forgot their own, those are a backup, just in case. It’s advisable to wear thick socks that come up a little higher on the ankle. The stiff, protective material of bowling shoes can dig in or cause blisters without good socks. No-show ankle socks will most likely not be a comfortable option.
Are accessibility tools available?
Certain accessibility features and accommodations, like bumpers, are built into every bowling lane and can be easily instituted upon request. Others, like ramps, are kept on-hand in case they’re needed. Bumpers keep your ball in the lane, preventing it from rolling into the gutters. Ramps allow you to roll your ball down the lane. For folks who would struggle to stand at the end of a lane or to hold and roll a bowling ball, these can be incredibly helpful. When you check in upon arrival, let the staff know what you need, and it should be set up by the time you finish retrieving your shoes and get to your lane.
Let’s do a walkthrough
You’re in the parking lot. When you’re ready to go in, you locate the front door. The interior layout will vary from location to location, but there should be a clear “front desk.” This is the designated starting point. You can tell the person working there that it’s your first time and ask them to walk you through the pricing structure and any rules. They’ll show you where to go to get your shoes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The staff is there to help you. They’ll direct you to your lane. There will most likely already be balls in your designated area. You can try the different bowling balls to find the right weight. If none of the balls by your lane feel right, look around. It’s standard for alleys to have racks of available bowling balls along the walls for customers to choose from. Once you’re settled into your lane with your shoes on and your balls selected, you’re ready to get bowling. Have fun!
Thriving Avalon is an upcoming review platform designed by and for disabled people. Help us make participating in public life more accessible for disabled and neurodivergent folks by submitting reviews for businesses near you.