I can still remember the birthday parties when I was a child, first swimming and then bowling. We had such a place in Rotterdam called Oostervant, where these parties were regularly organized. Bowling is perfect to do together in a group and a small competition is of course fun. Both for children and adults. That’s why it’s also a very popular outing among families with children. That’s what we thought so too, and so we decided on a rainy day to book a lane at Tenpin.
Located on a business park in Acton London, you’ll find this game paradise in a large building where they offer besides bowling also table tennis, billiards and arcade games. Maybe it’s a bit hysterical with all the flashing lights and sounds, but on the other hand it’s something you can expect at a place like this, it fits the setting.
We already had booked our lane in advance via the website, so upon arrival you only have to check in at the welcome desk with your e-ticket, after which you will be assigned a lane. Tenpin owns 28 lanes and offers automated bumpers for children so the ball will stay inside. Another useful tool that you can use with children is a kind of movable rack that you can put at the foot in the middle of the lane. After you have placed the ball on top you just have to push a bit so the ball can roll off the slope in a straight line to the pawns. It makes the game a little easier and automatically mor fun for a child.
Each round you can book consists of ten sessions, of which you can throw the ball twice per session per person. We chose to book one round, since we were together with our daughter of three and the game requires some patience. After a lap of almost an hour she found it well enough, which I understand.
Tenpin also organizes themed birthday parties with music, dance, play and a meal. On evenings and in the weekends you can join the Cosmic Bowling including disco dance with flashing lights and pumping soundtracks. And if you’re not finished yet with playing after a match of bowling, then you can move to the adjacent areas where you can play different arcade games, billiards or table tennis.
And now you’re probably wondering who won the game. Finished in third place: me, the second place Lara (well done!) and on first place our bowling king Ralf.
If you would like to have more information about Tenpin and want to plan your visit in advance, please take a look at their website.
Attraction Information
Venue Type
Indoor
Suitable for ages
Young Children (3-8), Older Children (9-12), Adults
Facilities
Parking available nearby – restaurant – (disabled) toilets available – wheelchair friendly – venue hiring
Address & Contact
Royale Leisure Park, Western Ave, London, W3 0PA, England
Click here if you want to go to the website of Tenpin Centre
T: 0871 222 3675
Opening times
Term time
Sunday to Thursday 10am – 1pm
Friday to Saturday 10am – 2pm
School holidays
Sunday to Thursday 9am – 1pm
Friday to Saturday 9am – 2pm
Closed 25th and 26th December
Pricing
Adults from £7,95
Kids from £6,45