If it’s been a while since you’ve gone bowling, National Bowling Day is the perfect opportunity to get back to the lanes. That’s because, in the latter days of summer, hundreds of bowling alleys welcome new and returning bowlers with free and cheap games, contests, and more.
National Bowling Day takes place on the second Saturday of August, and we have all the places that will likely offer free bowling in 2025, based on what we saw in the last event. So grab your fam, lace up those rental shoes, and let’s get rolling.
While larger bowling chains celebrate big, some local lanes might have less-advertised promos on Saturday Aug. 9, 2025. So, it’s worth calling your local lanes to check.
Note most of these deals do not include shoe rentals.
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Offers, prices, and local participation.
National Bowling Day is a daylong event where alleys offer free bowling and other specials.
On National Bowling Day, bowling alley chains and independent alleys across the United States offer discounted rates and promotions to promote bowling and make it more accessible. Deals often include reduced prices per game or free games, along with discounts on food, beverages, and event packages.
The event started in 2011 by the Bowling Proprietor’s Association of America, Inc. — taking place in mid-August because of bowling’s popularity as a summer activity.
The next National Bowling Day will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
National Bowling Day happens on the second Saturday of August every year. This year, that means it’ll be today, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
KCL predicts these National Bowling Day Deals for 2025
GoBowling.com
One of the best bowling deals to watch for next year is through Gobowling.com. When you sign up for the Go Bowling Squad, you immediately get a free game on National Bowling Day (from 6 a.m. - 10 a.m.) at participating bowling alleys. Plus, you’ll get more deals in your inbox after you’re signed up.
Bowlero/AMF/Lucky Strike
On National Bowling Day, you can score a discount on lane reservations and events at Bowlero/AMF/Lucky Strike bowling alleys when you use a promo code. Plus, they will likely offer a discount on the Bowlero Summer Season Pass (you get two free games of bowling, free shoe rental, arcade play, discounts on food and beverages, plus more - every day).
WhirlyBall
Next year, look for WhirlyBall — a bowling alley chain with few locations from Wisconsin to Colorado is to offer a FREE game of bowling. We expect WhirlyBall will require you to sign up for an exclusive promo code. Then, on National Bowling Day, you'll get a coupon code for your free game. WhirlyBall is in the Chicago, IL; Naperville, IL; Brookfield, WI; or Colorado Springs, CO areas.
KidsBowlFree.com
You can use any of the above deals — or any other National Bowling Day deals at your local, independent bowling alley — in conjunction with the KidsBowlFree.com program. The program offers two free games per child (ages 2-15) every day through the summer at participating bowling alleys. Most free bowl seasons run through the end of August, and several run through mid- to late September.
If you want to bowl alongside your kid for cheap, the site also has family passes for one to four adults for $24.95 – $34.95.
Main Event
On National Bowling Day 2025, watch for Main Event to have an unlimited bowling deal when you purchase before 1 p.m.
Check with your local bowling alley; many offer National Bowling Day promos.
Your best bet for finding a bowling alley participating in National Bowling Day is to visit GoBowling.com and search for locations near you. When you find one, look in the box that says “Bowling center participating promotions” — if they’re taking part in the event, there will be a graphic that says “Bowling Day”.
Then, give the alley a call or visit their website. Here are the kinds of offers you might find at independent bowling alleys:
Free Kids' Games
Discounted Lane Rentals
Special Food Deals
Bowling Equipment Discounts
Prize Giveaways
Free Bowling Lessons
Celebrate National Bowling Day at Home
Bring the bowling alley home for National Bowling Day with VR.
Want to keep bowling long after your lanes have closed for the day? You can still bowl some strikes from home with the Meta Quest VR.
You can buy a Meta Quest 2 for $360 if they’re available. After that, download Premium Bowling, a game a lot of people think feels like real-life bowling, for just $19.99.
While $360 may sound like a lot for bowling, you can use it endlessly and never worry about paying for shoes (or overpriced food) at the alleys again.
Dust off your Nintendo Wii for some Wii bowling.
Time for some nostalgia! Over 100 million Nintendo Wiis were sold, so there’s a decent chance yours is still in the attic. And, since most consoles came with Wii Sports, you can have a free Wii Bowling experience with the whole family. Aren’t you glad you didn’t throw it into the garage sale pile now?
Or get outside for some lawn bowling.
Feel like getting some fresh air and trying something new? Give lawn bowling a shot on National Bowling Day. It’s super simple to set up in your backyard.
You can grab lawn bowling sets for about $30. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than bringing the family to the alley when the free games aren’t available.
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