We received complimentary passes from Pinstripes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are our own.
The thought of taking two small children bowling terrifies me. Slippery lanes, heavy bowling balls, & learning how to share and take turns. But earlier this week, I headed out with my friend Erin, my two boys, and her three kiddos to check out Pinstripes in Oak Brook.
Ready to tackle the lanes!
Choosing a ball was pretty difficult for Jack. He wanted purple so he struggled every single time lugging that 11 lb. ball to the lane…still, he had fun!
Shoes in all the sizes you could imagine (and they were pretty darn cute, too!)
Lunchtime!
One of my favorite parts of Pinstripes is that during bowling you have your very own server. A couch in each lane with a coffee table means the set up is comfortable. Our server was knowledgeable, retrieved a ball nearly every single round, and readily took our order, delivered food, and interacted well with all of our kids. It was nice to lounge on a couch drinking a warm Mocha Latte while the kids bowled (and at a reasonably priced $3, this drink can’t be beat!)
Erin and I both had a Chicken Salad sandwich that was yummy and filling. The lunch special came with a drink & bread as well. The children’s meals were large portions (my boys split) and for $8, we received a grilled cheese, french fries, breadsticks & marinara, a beverage AND dessert. Economical and priced less than even a traditional Happy Meal if you split between kids.
Charlie eventually stopped using the ramp and would just wing it down there. Thankful for bumpers!
The alley itself is the perfect size. Six total lanes means it didn’t seem overly crowded, but because of the size, for the Mom & Tots bowling, I highly recommend getting there right at 10 if you can.
Bowling ramps mean even the littlest bowlers can enjoy and not have to lug the ball everywhere. (It also means you aren’t wasting a ton of time watching a bowl sloooooooowly make its way down there.)
Pinstripes also has a full-sized bar & serves alcohol. This place would make a great night out with a delicious menu, Bocce, & bowling. Think bachelor, bachelorette parties, a night out with friends, or even just taking the kids to on $10 all you can eat salad, meatballs & spaghetti!
We had a blast! Thanks for hosting us, Pinstripes! Can’t wait to head there again!
Don’t forget – Mom & Tots bowling is offered Monday through Friday, 10-noon, even throughout the school year. Shoes included and you just pay $5 per child (limit four per adult). Moms bowl free! First come first serve AND there is a breakfast menu available (mmm….coffee).
Even more information can be found over on their website, including additional locations.
This place looks awesome!!!
It was so nice to meet you at BlogHer. Love to meet another local blogger!!! Especially a fun one with a great personality. 😉 Hope to see you again soon!
When are we going again? That was so much fun! Oh, and the kids liked it too 🙂
Only Jack would want a ball that is about half his weight. *Okay, a little exaggeration about the weight.* Silly boy. 🙂