Kingpin Bowling – Ten Pin Bowling in Norwood

Kingpin Bowling is the newly opened ten pin bowling alley at Norwood. But this is not just any old bowling alley – this is an entertainment complex which is modern and sleek.

Kingpin is a new concept in bowling, offering 16 state-of-the-art bowling lanes with a fully licensed bar; the latest music, video clips and sports played on huge screens; disco lighting; indoor M9 Laser Skirmish; the latest arcade games & led lit pool tables.

Being brand new (opening just before Christmas 2012) you get to enjoy these brand new lanes with fresh new balls, sit on the sleek new lounges and wear pretty new bowling shoes that haven’t gotten too sweaty or smelly yet. They have shoes that will fit even the little ones (my four year old wears a small child’s size 10 shoe). Don’t forget to bring socks though!

They have automated guard rails pop up along the bowling lane for the kids, to prevent their balls going into the gutters ie they program this when they allocate your lane so that the guard rails only pop up when it’s the kids’ turn (rather clever).

There are ramps provided for rolling the ball down (see pic directly above, bottom right). This is great for children to use if they are too young to swing the ball or find the balls too heavy. But after a few times with the ramp my four year old decided he wanted to play the ‘big kids way’. He managed to carry the smallest size ball (no.6) by himself and enjoyed throwing it down the lane with a big thud each time. Yes, ‘throwing’ is probably the best way to describe his ‘swing’. I’m afraid he probably gets his bowling style from his mum! Just a warning – after you have your turn, look up at the screen above your lane and you get to see a video replay of yourself in action (Eeek)!

You can order drinks and snacks to have at the lowline tables while you bowl. It’s all very civilised really.

Kingpin Bowling Birthday Parties

Kingpin also cater for children’s parties – they can be just bowling or a combination of bowling and M9 Laser Skirmish.

My daughter attended a 7th birthday party here recently where they had a dedicated party host in costume (this one was a Fairy) who helped to look after the kids, brought drinks and food to the tables and helped serve them, as well as gave out lolly bags at the end. The food and drinks are supplied at your lounges while you play so you don’t have to move elsewhere or stop playing to eat.

The kids looked like they had a great time. There is a little bit of waiting in between turns though, depending on the number of guests, and the party host did confide that some of the 7 year olds found the wait a bit challenging in between turns, so it could be an idea to have some other party activity to do in between.

Get more great birthday party ideas in our Party Guide

Remember too that they have a licensed bar…which could help you survive a party of kids.

When we visited as a family on a Sunday afternoon there were plenty of other families there enjoying some bowling together. We did the Family Bowling Deal available between 10am to 6pm any day for $40 (2 adults + 2 kids). This included:
1 X game of bowling per person including shoe hire
2 X soft drinks      {This offer is current as of January 2013 – refer to their website for current deals}

There was a short wait until a lane was free and our game lasted just over an hour with four players. Of course if you were to have a snack and drinks you could spend more time there.

See the Kingpin website here for all pricing and bookings and other information.

To avoid disappointment it is recommended you call first to book or enquire at least how busy they are if you are planning a visit. Phone 13 BOWL (13 26 95).

What:  Kingpin Bowling

When:  Open 7 days per week 10am until late – see opening times here

Where:  11 Osmond Terrace, Norwood  |  Map

Who:  All Ages

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.